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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  2001 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By DPW - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck used from a local dealership. This is my first full sized pickup, and it has been the best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Big Positive Surprise - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By sisu - June 15 - 7:50 pm

  I would buy this vehicle again. The engine and transmission is smooth with good power. I can tell you, if you go easy on the gas, and travel down the highway you will get 20-23 mpg. I use a light touch and go 55-60 mph on cruise. I coast to stops around town. I use synthethic oil. I keep the tires properly inflated. Very good in snow and wet weather. Smooth excellent ride. No excessive bumping over rough roads R.R. etc. I have had no problem with the car. This car does not have enough ground clearance for a 4WD, on the beach I have problems with the ground clearance. A hand grab on roof for the driver, not there. More and better cup holders.

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  My James - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By judi - June 15 - 7:02 pm

  I love my SUV, have always loved sitting up a little higher than in a low sedan style. I bought this one used with 52000 m. on it. Had some trouble with electrical. Hubby thinks it went thru Katrina flood but I dont! It has suddenly quit after on a couple instances of long trips-always during hot season- just all electrical quit, had to call AAA once--another time just waited side of the road 1 or 2 minutes, and it started right up and ran ok. Seemed like when it heated up, air running, etc. it happened. No one could ever explain or figure out the problem. So, consequestly, I do not have the confidence I should have in this particular Jimmy. Always loved them before.

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  Top Dollar Paid for Cheap Quality - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By hank - June 15 - 4:40 pm

  (1) Within a year, I had the drivers side carpet wear down to a hole by the arch above the carpet mat where I place my foot. The dealer replaced it at about 10K miles. At 35K miles..it happened again and they refused to replace it (GMC satsifaction intervened and refused also). So I pad $56k for their top of the line vehicle and had to drive it all this time with NOW a gaping hole in the drivers side carpet. (2) The door handles have popped off! Both on the drivers side and rear drivers door. Basically, when you try to open the door, to door handle popped off--broken plastic backing! (3) Rear defroster tab popped off (about 20k miles)..they had to weld it back but it popped off again.

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  Amazing Truck - 2010 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Farmboy - June 14 - 1:03 am

  This is my 3rd Duramax and they never cease to amaze me. They get better every generation. Im a farmer drive around 1,500 to 2,000 miles a week on probabaly 75% gravel roads and my previous ford and dodges couldent handel the roads or the mud i travel in. My Duramaxs have had the smoothest ride most comfertable to drive and in my opinion the best for pulling because of the allison transmission. Farmers are probabaly the hardest on veicles and the 2010 GMC 2500HD with the Duramax and Allison can definatly stand up to the chalanges i put it up to and my lead foot probably doesent help either.

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  Great First Vehicle! Proud Owner - 1998 GMC Suburban
  By PrdSubrbnDrvr - June 13 - 11:55 am

  I was handed down the Suburban from my parents 2 years ago when I turned 16, my parents bought the 2006 Denali XL. I love this truck! It is so fun to drive everywhere, I love taking my friends around. The gas mileage is good, the 44 gallon tank helps a lot, but not at the pump($160 everytime, but lasts forever!) This truck has been nothing but reliable and strong for us. Only fix was the fuel pump went out at 120,000. It has been through towing the 7000lb camper everywhere. I am still debating on if I ever want to replace it. I want to run it till it dies, its at 125,000 now. I say to people I drive a tank, and it is. The Ford Excursion may be bigger, but not all metal like mine!

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  1200 Miles and Going Strong - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Martin - June 12 - 9:33 pm

  2008 SLT-2 purchased in March with high hopes and have not been disappointed yet. Has most of the bells and whistles and cant wait to get behind the wheeel (when the wife lets me). Kids all love it and made them forget the old car (Expedition) pretty fast. Pretty much an around the town type of car, but planning a longer trip this summer.

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  Best Ride of My Life - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By CharlieChan - June 12 - 8:31 pm

  We just bought this used 2005 Envoy-XL, we traded in our mini-van, which I have driven for the past 11 years with four kids and all. It was like a 360 change, I love the interior room for the kids, it rides smooth and quiet and looks sharp too. We love it!The gas was what we expected, but we had to compromise, either get another van to make all the room or pay for the gas and make use of what we want. All in all I am very pleased with our purchase and I swore I would never buy from GM again, was even looking at Honda or Nissan.

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  Perplexed - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Steve - June 12 - 8:29 pm

  Ran well for 1-1/2 years until the transmission needed a $1000 repair and the catalytic converter needed replaced. Since September 05 have replaced the catalytic converter 3 times - GM says nothing is wrong - I beg to differ. The car clunks despite changing stabilizer struts. The car rocks forward to back which is a little annoying. The 4WD service light is coming on intermittently. Gas mileage is okay until the catalytic converter goes bad then drops significantly. Enough wind noise that you cant talk to the third row of seats without yelling. The engine sounds like a diesel when it is first started and the transmission isnt very smooth, especially during acceleration.

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  24 MPG average - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Love My Car - June 12 - 8:37 am

  Ive had my Acadia for close to a year and a half and still absolutely love the vehicle. For the first year we were extremely disappointed with the mpg. I drove a country road to work - with one stop two stop signs on it-18 miles,and about 10 miles driving "in- town." I now keep my speed under 60 mph out of town, I dont pass anyone unless theyre driving under 50 mph (like farm equipment), I accelerate slower and coast when approaching a stop sign, I always shut the car off and walk-in(no drive-ups at the bank, McDs, etc.)and wow what a difference! Ive gotten on average 24 mpg, in two months its been between 22 mpg and 28 mpg. A savings of 4 gallons per week - You do the math!