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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  Tahoe to Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Former Tahoe Owner - November 11 - 10:36 am

  Love the exterior design! Has a lot of pep. Handles well and is fun to drive. A little disappointed that a four cylinder doesnt get better mileage. Averaging 25 mpg. Some cheap interior materials. For the price, thought better quality materials should have been used. Half circle bisected headlight illumination is extremely annoying and limits visibility. Rear seat does not fold flat. Doesnt compare to the quality of my Tahoe, but what I gained in fuel economy ALMOST makes up for it.

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  Solid purchase - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Jaz0068 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  We wanted to upgrade to a larger SUV and we could not be happier. Very well built vehicle. Lots of room in the front. Drives like a sedan and has fantastic pulling power. Although we expected this, the only negative I would say is that this vehicle is a gas guzzler! Add at least $100+ a month extra in gas costs.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By hlj - November 4 - 2:00 am

  No problems since early on with leaning to left. Dealer changed springs, etc. Most trouble-free vehicle to date, including 4 Hondas, 1 Maxima and many others.

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  So Pleased - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Kevin - November 3 - 9:43 pm

  Im just pleased to death with my purchase. I got the SLE Crew Cab with the 5.3l ad Texas Edition pkg. I also got leather and all sorts of extras for $30k. Just looking at the truck is pleasing, its gorgeous, I got the Stealth Grey Metallic with cashmere interior. I get comments all the time on its color, even my wife says its beautiful! I wasnt aware that the SLT had a different interior layout, but I do like the way mine looks. It could use some wood in the interior, but thats all Id add. The small details are impressive. The fit and finish is amazing. The tactile feel of everything is amazing, the leathers, its just quality through and through.

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  Lovin every minute of it - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By gmctech - October 26 - 9:06 pm

  Love this rig. I am a GM technician and have a great love for the GM trucks. Love the style and the right amount of chrome. Never let me down yet. I live in the maritimes in Canada and love the flawless 4wd system and my truck auto 4wd mode. Fuel mileage is OK, but could be better. Very quiet ride but could use some better quality to rectify the little body creaks, rattles, and squeaks.

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  LOVE IT - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By shannon d - October 22 - 10:00 am

  GMC Yukon XL K2500SLT Autoride w/ 8.1L V8.....IS AWESOME! Much better ride than my 96 model. And, for a full size SUV its fast. Excellent braking and handling. Great highway cruiser, we ran 4000 miles our first month and had nothing but a great time. Only one complaint: Delco Radio, Yuck! We pulled out the Delco and Did a slick Kenwood 911DVD with GPS Nav. Playstation2 and a Kenwood Music Keg. Cloud 9 Baby!

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  Nice Ride! - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By David Martin - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Very nice looking exterior vehicle. Denali XL interior is definitely a step up from the Yukon XL, offering more of a luxury look. However GMC still uses that cheap looking plastic dash board and plastic knobs (mirror ajustors, door locks etc). Very Smooth ride and comfortable with the optional captains chairs (2nd row).

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  Great Ride Cheap Interior - 2008 GMC Yukon XL
  By Mike NY - October 2 - 12:56 am

  I bought the 2008 Yulon XL SE 4x4 in December 2008. I couldnt beat the deal, cheaper than my 1999. The vehicle is close to the base line model but is still nicely equipped. I averaged 17.5 MPG on a trip from NY to FL. The ride is very comfortable, quite, handles excellent, great in the snow, looks and sounds great. My only negative so far is the cheap fabric upholstry. We dont care for the leather and the fabric on my 1999 still looks as good as new. So far my only advice to GM is to improve the quality of the fabric. Everything sticks to it like glue. I found a lint brush for cleaning lint off clothes at the market and it works pretty well but it is still a lot of work to keep them clean.

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  Acadia looks Great but shifts poorly - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By roger baiers - October 1 - 8:40 am

  The Acadia was a Christmas gift for my wife. She fell in love with the looks so we never test drove prior to delivery. We are satisfied with the vehicle except for the 6 speed transmission. In moderately hilly driving the transmission changes gears from 3-4-5 constantly. The shifts happen after the vehicle slows down 5- 10 MPH and then the engine speeds up from 1800 RPMs to 3500 RPMs to bring the vehicle back to the speed desired. The shifts are herky jerky and to date the dealer and calls to GM Customer Care has brought about the same response, "That is the way they are". The software developers should drive the vehicles in various road conditions and go back to the drawing board.

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  Nice toy - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By dale - September 27 - 12:43 pm

  I have had it for a year and love it. Small annoyances are sound of air leak behind passenger seat, seats do not tilt forward enough to get access to storage, seat material difficult to clean (lint). Really wanted leather but not available in this size. Gas mileage is still 16 mpg, my Yukon (2007) with 5.3 is 18? Go figure!