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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  leaky acadia - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Cincy Acadia - January 5 - 10:02 pm

  Vehicle has been in twice for a leak in the roof. If your car has less than 36k miles, make sure it is exposed to a heavy rain before you get outside the warranty. If I am not given an extension on my warranty I will be looking to unload this car and will never spend another dollar on a GM product.

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  Great Car To Drive...When It Starts - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Kelly - January 3 - 10:36 am

  We are heading back to dealer again for repairs on our Acadia which we have owned for only 9 months. We have added roadside assistance to our speed dial after having to call for problems with battery, starter, and fuel pump. This is our first and last GMC purchase.

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  Could be better.... - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By volvo2robot - December 28 - 6:41 pm

  i am impressed with the v8 like engine and rain sensing wipers. The stability control proved it self very useful when it saved me from a 60mph accident... it handles superbly on the snow and mountains with minimal engine groans... i happened to lean on the center console and the whole thing came up and dislodged itself i simply clicked it right back. i HATE the rear seats there is very little leg room and are very inconvenient to fold. after a year of owning it, we heard an odd buzz we took it to a dealer and it turned out to be a sensor. Another complaint is that the power adjustable seats broke down on the drivers side and the doors screech and the lift gate window opens when it wants to.

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  Overall - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Paul Johnson - December 27 - 10:00 am

  I find the MPG very dissapointing. The tank is too small for this MPG. Light trailer pulling (under 2,000 lbs)VERY disappointing. Like a dog...passing gear most of the time. A 6,000 lb hitch is a joke for this poor power plant. Style,design and comfort is great.

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  2007 GMC Canyon - 2007 GMC Canyon
  By Busk - December 11 - 4:53 am

  Although its been reliable, this is the most uselessly designed truck Ive ever had. The bed is ok for firewood, mulch, etc (but the bed is too thin and girly). The mandatory 6 foot bed is annoying. You cant even lay down a six foot ladder flat. Its a real loser to load with construction materials. The tailgate lowers to accommodate 8 foot materials. However 4 wide drywall, plywood doesnt fit between or on top of the wheel wells. Very annoying. Poor design. Theres also a large blind spot when turning left or going around sharp left curves.

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  Nice looking with good ride, bad quality - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By slderos - December 7 - 12:21 pm

  Initially everyone looking at this type of vehicle will love the Acadia. Nice looking vehicle with lots of amenities however I have never had a vehicle with this many issues. The roof leaked into the car and we had to take it to the dealer several times to get that fix, it needed bigger drainage tubes. The timing cover had a leak and needed replaced, the tie rod end link was replaced. Its in the shop right now because the engine sounds like a diesel with the lifters ticking like crazy and the power steering pump is loud and needs replaced. Anyone need a slightly used Acadia?

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  GMC Mistake - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Dave - November 22 - 5:23 am

  I wish I had never bought this truck. The brakes are noisy, keep having Cruise control malfunctions, heater only works driving down the road, heater even quits going around a corner. Back seat is a nuisance compared to the 05 gmc I had before. Fuel mileage stinks. I wish they had offered the buy back in 60 days when I purchased this one. Wont buy another one.

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  SO DISAPPOINTED! - 2007 GMC Canyon
  By tracyandnoah - November 18 - 7:35 pm

  I bought this truck brand new. They "shipped" it from PA, and when I got it there was 600 miles on it. Within the first two weeks, the drivers window and passenger windows got stuck and wouldnt go up. Then after one and a half years, I already needed rear brakes. Got those replaced and then I needed front brakes. Got those replaced and its been squeaking ever since. Also, the tires (that came with the truck) began "warping" from the inside after about a year. On top of all these problems, the gas mileage is HORRIBLE! I travel approximately 53 miles a day and I have to fill up every four days. Im so not happy! Im looking elsewhere, but not looking forward to losing money.

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  We are testing Envoys for GMC - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By GCrim - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I was seriously considering buying an Envoy XL but the problem I have with American manufacturers, GMC included, is the fact they offer a new designed vehicle to the public for us to test it. We are paying to test vehicles for them. Has anyone wondered why Honda and Toyota have such high quality vehicles? Envoys get bad gas mileage, small fuel tank, wind noise, rattles, too much body roll in turns, etc.. Even the Idler Arm brackets that control the steering were breaking causing loss of control and possible crashes. Foreign mfgrs test their vehicles first before selling them, therefore they are quality deluxe! Im reluctant to buy an Envoy now.

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  Back to Ford - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By livinhi - November 12 - 12:35 pm

  I purchased this 9mo ago it had a few mile on it 150000 to be exact but thats how I purchase all my cars. This thing had so many problems with it I am shocked. I am usually a Ford person but love the looks of the Denali. Wow never again. The slip yoke problem on this thing is enouph to drive a person crazy. The mechanics cant seem to fix it or even find the problem, but they sure can hear it banging, it feels like the entire drive line is going to fall off. So Im done with GM back to Ford!!