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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  Pleased with my Sierra - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By MrSkimo - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I love my truck...most of the time. It has been 100% reliable. Excellent mechanically. The interior is a little cheap feeling with lots of hard plastic. The one complaint I have is soft paint. Rock chips and scratches on the body from branches are horrible. The dark red paint has a white primer which shows everything.

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  Great SUV - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By absbill - July 6 - 1:30 am

  Ive had a Ford Expedition and 2 Jeep Grand Cherokees, but this is the best SUV Ive owned. Better mileage than either of the above (15 normal driving, 19+ on the road). I had a problem with 4wd switching, difficult for dealer to diagnose, but it was resolved. Comfortable, lots of room, and I tow the boat with good stability. Id strongly recommend this vehicle for anyone with a family and recreational needs. Great highway cruiser!

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  Thumbs up design-Thumbs down mechanical - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By tkdk - July 3 - 12:26 pm

  Saw it on the lot and fell in love with its looks.Interior roomy,laid out well very good fit and finish. Fun to drive and real head turner I maintained it 100? inside and out. Then the DARK CLOUD at 40000-60. 4 tie rods,4 front hubs 4 brake jobs,Front and rear differential rebuilt,u joints,Drive shaft out of alignment, Steering column rattling like my 2002.Went to 2 dealers and factory Rep for warranty help.SORRY!!.70000 Master cylinder and ABS started goingBrought it to dealer for trADE.GAVE ME A GREAT DEAL PLUS REBATES.What did i trade it for? 2009 .GMC Sierra Z71 Crew cab.I know I know, Last try my 3rd.Pick it up in two days PS 5Yr 100000 warranty. My problems are theirs

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  The Big Red Wagon - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By Kron - July 2 - 7:50 pm

  A great vehicle for long trips, and hauling gear. Itll hold enough for four adults taking a two week ski trip, no problem. Handles great on the road, with reliable, good accelleration.

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  Great mid sized pickup with a more formal design - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Bob - July 2 - 4:40 am

  Ive had my GMC Canyon almost 2 months and so far I am very happy with it. I start out with the Cons; at higher road speeds wind noise develops around the front windshield. However below 60mph the cab remains very quiet. Speech recognition for the navigation addresses runs about 60%, manual entry is needed more often then it should be. Otherwise this thing is great. Im getting older and the backup camera / assistance really helps me not have to crank my neck around constantly when I backup. The truck maintains its stable feel when pulling my pontoon boat. The interior is great and innovative; the rear seats fold down forming additional storage in the rear; we actually use it for a nice space for our dog when we go anywhere. If youre an older guy like me youll like the more refined, formal look of the interior. Overall I am very satisfied with this truck; my wife enjoys driving it also.

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  2007 GMC Denali - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Terry owen - June 30 - 5:44 am

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  Acadia mpg 17-24? - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Acadiaowner - June 29 - 9:13 pm

  Saw the Acadia at a car show first. Was and still impressed with comfort features and looks of this car. Will be a great car to take on vacations and other trips. I have not really tested the performance of car due to the fact it is not fully broken in. With the 275 hp I am sure it will have plenty power. I am very disappointed in the gas mileage that the car gets. 16.2 is the best Ive recorded and thats 95% hwy driving and driving at 65 mph nowhere near the window sticker estimate of 17 city and 24 hwy. Any answers GM? I have a feeling the mpg wont improve much even after 10K miles. Compared to my Murano I traded the room is much better but I miss the fuel economy of the Murano. Overall GM did a great job on this crossover I would recommend it to friends.

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  Great Truck - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By ThomasJ - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I have had no problems at all with this truck. It can haul, cruise, or simply get around town with no problems.

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  Rusting away - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Brian - June 18 - 12:10 am

  I have had fuel line, brake line rust problems, I have also had rear brake problems having 4 sets of brakes on the rear since purchase. Very disappointed in this truck. Steering noise problems. And from talking with other owners these problems are common place with GMC and Chevrolet 2001 trucks.

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  My wife stole it from me - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By woof_breff - June 17 - 4:18 pm

  The GMC 2500HD is the most fun Ive had driving out of any vehicle. Its powerful, looks good, and can haul a ton of cargo without a problem. Only complaints are the stiff ride quality from so many leaf springs, and its a helluva gas guzzler. No issues with maintenance, and never ran across any major problems (even after 100k mi). The interior is somewhat simple but has nice accents, and is very roomy inside for big folks like me. My wife likes it so much she stole it from me. No hard feelings. Am I a happy camper? Yes. Would I buy it again? Most definitely.