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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  2016 basically a mildly updated 2012 - 2016 GMC Acadia
  By Jay Walt - September 22 - 2:05 pm

  If you have and like an Acadia with Denali trim, this is a face lifted model with a few improvements. Better daytime LED lights, joystick adjustable steering column, usb charging ports, Lane shift and "approaching too fast" alerts are biggest noticeable changes. Slightly more rounded at corners with more trim under front and rear bumpers. Same engine, towing, etc. But - Dont wait for 2017 models if you like this model. 700lbs lighter, shorter wheelbase, 1200lbs LESS towing capacity...it will be an Acadia in name only. Gotta love the GM "Braintrust". Kill the Trailblazer...kill the Acadia....kill the Envoy....and give us vehicles that will ride worse, have less interior room, and tow small fishing boats....and PAY THE SAME!

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  Super truck - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Timster - September 20 - 2:00 am

  looked at Ford and Dodge...but after I test drove this one, I knew this was what I was looking for, my only regret is tha I didnt get the full front- hinged four door, and that GM doesnt offer it other than with the 6.0 300 horse engine, my extended cab 5.7 litre V8 has 285 H.P. but gets over 5 miles to the gal. better than the 6.0.....to big of a trade off for 15 horses. But I love the truck!

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  update on repairs - 2011 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  By texasbuyer777 - September 16 - 7:39 am

  update to previous report, exhaust fluid tube was not connected from the factory, dealer repaired, software was doing its function reporting a malfunction, 1000 miles today, towed a 20 gooseneck weighing approx 10,000 lbs., towed like a feather, entire truck engineering is 100% better than my 2009 chevy 3500. very quiet interior, avg 12mpg towing, 17-18mpg empty.

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  4.3l crew cab SLE - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By gary1965 - September 11 - 8:25 am

  Have been driving for almost two months now and am a little underwhelmed. Its a smooth ride and the road noise is much improved over my 2007 Silverado but the 4.3 just doesnt seem to be enough for this truck. The mpg on the highway have been about 20 which is ok but the city mpg so far has been in the 9-11 mpg range which is very unsettling considering GMs mpg claims.

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  Great Truck - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jason 95834 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I have taken all the makes for this type of truck for a test drive, and this truck was the one. The GMC has the best handeling/comfort, good power and excellent seats and interior(did not look tastless or cheasy).Hardly any wind noise and no annoying vibrations. Build quality I am most impressed with. Someone in a Mustang t-boned the truck on the drivers side and caused 3K worth of damage. Totaled the Mustang. Most importantly no one was injured. I got the truck back after the body shop fixed and cleaned it up.Hats off to the guys at the body shop and to the GMC division for building a great truck keeping my wife safe.

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  Wind Whistle - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Moe44 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Since about 500 miles there has been a very annoying wind whistle coming from the front windshield area. Has not been corrected yet. Bad for a 53K vehicle. Battery goes dead sometimes and dealer cannot locate problem. I purchase a new vehicle about every year and most are GM products. These problems have me thinking of changing!

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  Still love it after 9 - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By CLIFFMO - July 29 - 3:46 am

  110000 mi and still original brakes and I tow a 5th wheel. Always serviced at dealer. Drivers seat leather needed replacement - outside edge, otherwise excellent wear and reliability.

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  Gordons truck - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By gordon - July 26 - 9:43 pm

  paint blotchy -rattle in seat belt harness (back 2 times for that still rattles) slip in rear end when taking off -vent didnt work trim piece had to be replaced. When cleaning truck chrome has splinters that catch teri cloth. molded mud guards dont fit snug to body also drivers door latch had to be fixed. and I ordered the truck

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  Satisfied Yukon Owner - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By happy owner - July 17 - 1:06 pm

  Have owned since new. After almost 3 years of ownership. I have not had it in the shop at all. I have the fully loaded SLT model, except for the sun roof and really enjoy it. The 4WD works great in the snow and I get a constant 17.2 mpg. Perfect for my family.

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  bang for your buck! - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By little me - July 17 - 2:00 am

  reliable, worth every penny.