Overview & Reviews

GMC is a division of General Motors that focuses on producing SUVs, trucks and vans. Though GMC's vehicles are mechanically similar to related Chevrolet products, they are typically differentiated by unique features, trim levels and minor styling tweaks. The automaker's full-size pickups and SUVs are the most compelling offerings in its lineup; in many cases, its products in these categories are class-leading.

The marque's roots lie in the Rapid Motor Vehicle Company, a truck manufacturer that was founded by Max Grabowski in 1902. The outfit was purchased by General Motors in 1909 with the intention of having it serve as a division dedicated to building tough and capable trucks. The brand came to be known as GMC Truck; early models include the T16 and T20. Most of the manufacturer's trucks were very utilitarian in nature and functioned as dump trucks, fire trucks and military vehicles. GMC Truck's 3/4-ton Model 16 saw duty in World War I, serving mostly as a battlefield ambulance.

Sales continued to climb in the 1920s. After switching to a six-cylinder Buick-built motor, GMC Truck's 1- and 2-ton trucks earned the distinction of being the fastest in their classes. By the '30s, the line had grown to include everything from half-ton pickups to 10-ton trucks and buses. New models included the popular 1936 Suburban, which was essentially a truck-based station wagon that paired a truck's utility with a car's creature comforts.

World War II was a time of expansion for GMC Truck, thanks to its acquisition of Yellow Truck & Coach. Once again, the automaker's vehicles were tapped for wartime duty. New models like the Jimmy and the DUKW (nicknamed the Duck) were widely used by American troops.

Postwar, GMC Truck models became more consumer-oriented, and many were revamped to offer styling that more closely resembled passenger cars. The 1950s and '60s witnessed an upswing in sales, thanks to the popularity of recreational vehicles like GMC-based motor homes and pickup campers. The Jimmy name was revived and assigned to the brand's first ever sport-utility vehicle in 1970. That decade and the next saw a continued rise in the brand's popularity. The early '90s saw the brief appearance of the Syclone and Typhoon. The former was a small street pickup that burned up the asphalt with its turbocharged V6 and all-wheel drive. The latter was essentially a two-door SUV based on the same platform. Either one of these oddball speedsters could rip through a quarter-mile in around 14 seconds flat, making them among the quickest vehicles ever offered by General Motors. Also, by this time, GMC Truck had trimmed its moniker; the brand is now known simply as GMC.

In the past few decades, GM has consolidated its products and GMC's trucks have become less individualistic as a result. Today, most of GMC's vehicles are virtually identical to those sold by Chevrolet. The main differences lie in minor features and design tweaks that give GMC's offerings a more upscale image.

User Reviews:

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  98 Yukon SLT - 1998 GMC Yukon
  By BROWNIE - November 12 - 8:04 am

  This is the second one I have owned. Very comfortable, good tow vehichle, fairly decent fuel mileage for the size. Gas mileage as good or better than much smaller SUVs but with much more room and comfort. Tailgate model much more versitile for hauling than barn door models. Nice highway ride, and excellent turning ablilities in parking lot situations.

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  Couldnt Have Better! - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Dan - November 12 - 12:59 am

  I see a lot of reviews of people saying that is is a poor vechile. Well dont forget that it wa made in 1999! Its not perfect like it was the day you pucharsed it, if you got it brand new like we did. It has been in our famliy since it was bought and has brought a lot of fun to us. What year are we in...2008 so yeah its 9 years old. Of cousre its gonna be having problems. Its old not new no more! I love my Yukon and feel very safe and love pushing faster than I should but I dont care because it can handle it. 255 hp is something!

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  ready to drive or tow - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By john price - November 9 - 2:28 am

  This SUV is setup for possible towing, with electrical connections at front and an air to hydraulic braking system used with motorhome with air brakes (all connections are mounted at front with towing plates mounted.)

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  Lemon XL - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By james - November 8 - 9:16 pm

  We traded in our 2004 Dodge Duango Limited in November on a 2006 Denali XL. The ride and comfort is much better in the Denali and its packed with features for only being priced in the mid 50s. Our new found love for the Denali did not last long. We have had problems continuously. Some as minor as the radio freezing up to severe problems such as a transmission replacement at 14,000 miles! The DVD system acts up, the Nav only works about half the time, the transmission still shifts hard, the radiator and hoses were replaced at 14,500 miles, you name it, its been worked on!! The quality of build is poor for the price and I wish we would have considered Lincoln, Infiniti a little more.

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  Happy so far - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Remfire - November 6 - 9:09 am

  Replaced 2011 GMC Acadia, better gas mileage, runs good, no problems so far

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  Nice car but misleading on gas MPG - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Dave C. - November 3 - 8:20 pm

  Here is the review after 3 months of ownership and 3000 miles. The review is based on the maxed out SLT2 AWD (w/Nav & DVD). Overall the car is great. Nice ride, great seating, and seems sure footed on the road. Two complaints: Fuel economy - Dont believe the hype! We do City/Hwy driving. Avg mpg is 12 city, 16 hwy. To me, thats terrible for a V6 and compared to what GMC boasts of 20/22. The other complaint is the nav & backup camera has failed on a few separate occasions. Went back to the dealer and they will replace it. To sum it up, the Acadia is a nice car, good overall build and quality, layout. But misleading on the gas mileage.

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  yukon review - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By run4007 - November 3 - 10:00 am

  WITHIN THE FIRST 1000 MILES I ENCOUNTERED PROBLEM WITH THE GEARS WHICH WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER AT NO COST BUT SHOOK MY CONFIDENCE IN THE CAR. I HAD TO GO BACK 3 TIMES BEFORE THEY CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. NOW I AM HEARING ANOTHER CLICKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT. CONFIDENCE???????? IT IS VERY SMOOTH CAR TO RUN AND EASY TO HANDLE. I WISH THEY WOULD PAY MORE ATTENTION IN ENSURING THAT ALL SYSTEMS WORK PROPERLY AT THE FIRST TIME AND CONSUMERS DONT FEEL, MAY BE, THEY GOT A LEMON?? I STILL LOVE THIS CAR.

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  disgusted - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By denise - November 2 - 11:00 am

  vehicle has 19,000 miles and the breaks give out periodically.....gmc does nothing to resolve...been fighting for over a year and a half with this issue....there best advice is keep driving till one of there mechanics can feel the breaks give out...will NEVER BUY ANOTHER GMC customer service and parts are terrable

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  This is a lemon, buyer beware and read up - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By dmills77 - November 2 - 10:57 am

  We have had nothing but problems with this car. Buyers need to really review what others are saying as they seem to have all similar issues. 4 wheel drive engages itself as you are driving. Heater issues, wiring issues, the list goes on and on. I will never buy a GMC again. Really do your research! Google the make, year and model and read up on them. I cant believe that some of these things that we are having problems with havent been recalled its obviously issues many are having and over and over again once they are fixed. The worst car we have ever owned!

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  Good for the family - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Dustin W. - November 1 - 11:48 pm

  Good reliable SUV overall. Works well for hauling the kids and getting groceries. Tows well, very happy with the 4 wheel drive system. Fuel mileage decent for mid sized SUV. Nice leather interior, easy to use instramentation. Only downfall is poorly fitted shell and bumper, lots of air noise at higher speeds, not very exciting to drive. It a great family car to get you from point A to B, but the trip between is predictible and boring.