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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  Great Yukon in Wisconsin - 2008 GMC Yukon XL
  By W is for Wisconsin - October 16 - 2:33 pm

  We ordered our SLT 4SB equipped Yukon XL with enough extras to satisfy everyone in our family. The DVD player will keep the backseat occupants entertained and the Navigation with the Points of Interest will keep us informed. The backup camera is a must, even though it is tied to the navigation and DVD player. The ride quality started with a 160 mile trek home after signing the papers. The Yukon was baptized with heavy snow and freezing mist and performed remarkably. The 5.3 engine is strong when passing and efficient. I am averaging 18mpg on the Hwy. That was with 6 aboard, the DVD playing, and all 4 heated seats going. My wife really likes it too. I hope I get to drive it again.

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  Frustrated with Canyon - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Kristen - October 14 - 7:07 pm

  Wow! What frustration with this truck. I love the looks of it and wanted it to be the best. However, its been to the shop at least 10 times. At 25,000 the engine and head went bad so they put a new one in. Luckily it was under warranty. Now, at 65,000 miles the head is bad again! Within 25,000 miles, the brakes and tires needed replaced. Like others Ive noticed the air conditioning system is not good and doesnt cool very well. In addition, my CD player is broke. Ive done every suggested GM service at the mileage marks to keep it in top shape but it didnt work. Im in the process of looking for a new truck and contacting GM. Very dissappointing!

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  GMC 1500 HD - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By USA DAD - October 14 - 10:00 am

  My truck gets about 15 miles per gallon, which is better than I thought it would. It pulls hay like it wasnt back there.

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  flimsy body panels - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By letdown - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Be aware of service bulletin # 01-08-66- 014 which addresses sheet metal fracture with accessories such as tool boxes,and ladder racks. My truck has a rack on it which was also on my 99 GMC(which had no problem in 94000 miles).At about 70000 miles the body panels just in front of the tail lights on both side ripped apart and the bed rails collapsed onto the tail lights. Since I am out of warranty(too many miles, not time) that this repair is on my dime - actually $1800. This was my third truck from this dealer and all of them have used the same rack. They told me that when GMC went to the new body style in 2000 they just arent as strong. BE AWARE!!!

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  Love my GMC - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Mac - October 11 - 9:46 pm

  I purchased my Sierra new, now have 49000 miles. Have had a couple problems but the dealer took prompt, and courtious care of my truck. Fun to drive, looks great gas mileage isnt bad either. I keep the oil changed, and just installed a K&N air filter and will see if my MPG improves. Overall I would buy another one.

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  Great family car - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Jules - October 11 - 9:10 pm

  I have 3 kids and this car works perfectly. Has the second row captains chairs and an aisle to get back to third row. Fair amount of storage if third row partially collapsed. Fun to drive, much cooler than a minivan. Love having XM radio and OnStar.

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  Acadia Review - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Vinny - October 11 - 1:00 am

  Great crossover. GM hit this one on the button. Excellent car, lots of room, very comfortable. More room than the Toyota Highlander I had. Very smooth ride.

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  broke down on the first day - 2011 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  By texasbuyer777 - October 10 - 12:56 am

  duramax diesel 2011, bought 7/22/2011 build date 6/2011. exhaust fluid malfunction light on with check engine light, 5 miles from dealership, drove 150 miles, took to dealer in the am, tried programming fix, no help from gmc tech support, 8-5 m-f, thats BS.dealer tried, gm is working on new code/software to fix, working on it for 7 months, no luck,HEY GUYS, WAKE UP, this glitch is affecting real people in the real world, probably will end up being class action against GM! God Bless.... almost forgot, reverse sensors broken from factory////????

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  Great model for GM - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Tom - October 8 - 12:11 pm

  This is a great SUV. It has power, comfort, great handling, and also looks amazing. All features/controls are easy to use. It handles like a sports car and is extremely comfortable to ride in. Would highly recommend.

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  Awesome! - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By AJ - October 7 - 9:23 pm

  Awesome vehicle. Now has 60,000 miles on it. White with tan Leather. It is a fully loaded Denaili, lots of options. A lot of fun to drive. Great power. Seats are extremely comfortable with plenty of room. Has been very reliable, only thing was the sunroof motor went at 55,000 miles, dealer fixed it at no cost. Gas mileage isnt good only getting 12 mpg but expected with a big V8. Overall great vehicle and Highly recommended.