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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  Folks dont know what they are missing - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Gonz - November 7 - 12:32 pm

  Loyal GM fan,Yukon and tahoe are the best value and bang for the buck.

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  Jerrys opinion - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By GERALD F. FAUSKEY - November 7 - 10:27 am

  I love the truck it is very comfortable with good power but i think that the fuel economy is bad i only get 15.7 MPG.

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  Love my Envoy - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By ItsMeCyndi - November 7 - 10:13 am

  The best vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  2010 Terrain with V6 AWD - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Jesse - November 7 - 5:33 am

  This a great vehicle. I am taller than most people and find that it has more than enough space for me from leg room to head room. If you are looking for great compact SUV this your car. You cannot beat it when comes to all the features you get for the price.

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  I Love My Acadia - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Laura - November 6 - 4:36 pm

  We purchased our 2008 Acadia last fall after owning a Honda Odyssey for 5 years. This vehicle is wonderful- by far better than the Odyssey! This is the first winter weve had it in Ohio and it handles beautifully through deep snow! The AWD is excellent. It is comfortable and fun to drive. Outstanding turning radius for this size of vehicle- very easy to maneuver. Lots of interior space and rear seats are easy to fold down.

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  BEST OF THE BEST - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By MONSTER9999 - November 6 - 12:34 pm

  HIGHLY RECOMEND FOR ALL PURPOSES

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  Perfect - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Debbie - November 5 - 10:30 am

  My husband and I need the versatility of an SUV with a car like ride. The Acadia is both. Our 3 dogs are comfortable on longer trips. When they are not with us the cargo space is just what we need. With the trailoring package we can take our UTV up to our property in the north country with no problems. We have an extended cab 4x4 truck so the Acadia rounds our options for our diversified lifestyle perfectly. I would highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Big Man Review - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By craig_allen - November 3 - 10:00 am

  We bought this truck new. Im over 300 lbs. We are 2 adults, retired with one vehicle to drive. Therefore confort, reliability, etc all have to be in the top of the scale. We have pulled fith wheel Travel trailer with this truck around SE USA wirh no problems. I expect we were close to 13K going down the road. Always performed like a champ. Only minor service things; 1) Daylight lamps had to be replaced. 2) OEM Tires replaced before 40K miles with Michlien LTX. 3)Drivers seat frame broke, replaced under extended warranty. I did have reservation about pulling TT, but there has never been a problem associated with this. PS Note having been a one TRUCK famil

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  My 3rd Suburban - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By StuMan - November 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my third suburban - #1 94 Chev Sub, #2 99 GMC Sub, #3 04 Yukon XL. Very reliable - better than Excursions and much quieter. XM is awesome - so is OnStar (we like the unlock card by calling a 1-800 number feature). GMCs are just a little nicer than Chevys in my opinion. The Denali is very nice, but not for 7K more than the Yukon. I was able to resale my GMC much higher than the trade-in value they wanted to give me. These SUVs keep their value.

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  Envoy of fun - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By ddodd47834@aol.com - November 1 - 2:00 am

  The Envoy is fun to drive with great looks, power and easy to get in and out of.