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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  I adore my Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Finesse - April 14 - 4:51 pm

  I wanted the space of a full size SUV but not the bulk. When GMC came on the scene with the Acadia in 2007, I knew my prayers had been answered. This crossover SUV is absolutely gorgeous. Its perfect for me and my family. I also ride a sport bike and the tow hitch on the back is perfect for pulling our enclosed trailer as well. You cant go wrong with this truck. It looks good, you feel safe and secure with OnStar and XM radio and the rest of the bells and whistles. But just like most vehicles this size, it could be better in the gas mileage category. Fortunately I kept my 96 Mazda Protege when I got this so my Acadia is strictly for the weekends and leisure. Way to go GM!

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  Great Truck - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By MN JoBlow - April 12 - 10:46 am

  This truck looks beautiful. All the lines look great. I previously owned an F150, which was a really good truck. As a Ford guy, I was reluctant to try a GM truck because I had never been impressed with GMs previous trucks. I have to say that I am very happy with the GMC and the new style. It is quiet on the road, and the mileage hasnt been too bad for a pickup. There is no comparing this to any of GMs old pickups. I would definitely recommend this truck.

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  FOR ALL LADIES - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By meme - April 12 - 6:56 am

  Purchased a GMC TERRAIN, V6, didnt want a big SUV...I AM VERY HAPPY....comfort zone is quiet; some wind noise but interior is WOW! just the right fit for women who love SUVs - size does matter; i chose the smaller (GMC Terrain) and i am very very pleased...GMC U GO...Finally a SUV for women.........BEAUTIFUL....my search is over

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  Not Impressed - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By cynical13 - April 11 - 10:33 am

  I bought this truck as a replacement for my 96 1500 as I needed more muscle to tow a 5th wheel trailer. The 8.1L has plenty of punch, but I struggled with traction on anything less than dry hard surfaces. I have already experienced the typical Chevy/GMC parking light burn out on one side that they cant seem to fix and I have had numerous fuel indicator malfunctions. The fuel consumption is killing me and towing or not is not much difference. Ready to look for an older/smaller model again!

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  Worst SUV ever - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Wyn - April 11 - 10:17 am

  This SUV was bought brand new. Not a month into driving it had to have the ball joints done. The problems just kept going from there. In total, the ball joints have been replaced 8 times. The master cylinder has been replaced 5 times. Brakes every year and rotors almost every time the brakes get done. Gas gauge sensor had to be fixed. ABS module is broken. Heater core is broken. Shocks need to be done almost every year. Multifunction switch had to be replaced. New battery about once a year. 4x4 gets stuck. There are so many things that need to be done, I dont think Ive listed nearly all of the problems. I used to think that this Jimmy just happened to be a lemon but now I know better.

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  Work horse - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By Joe - April 11 - 1:44 am

  With some mods it is by far the best vehicle you can own. Installed rims with bigger back spacing to eliminate some of body roll and make clearence for 14 inch aftermarket rotors and callipers. I replaced exaust amd installed ram air intake, electric fan, throtle spacer and performance chip to increase fuel milage, end result being avg 23mpg mixed city hwy driving. The truck has 135000 miles on it and besides the mods the only thing changed was the fuel pump. Verry reliable and strong engine good body and after nine years still no rust.

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  1995 GMC Jimy Wagon SLT 4 DR 4x4 - 1995 GMC Jimmy
  By JD - April 9 - 11:09 pm

  My parents bought this truck brand new and used it up to about 84,000 miles. it sat for five years till I took it over. Being that is sat for five years many of the parts are rotted out and needed to be replaced. So far Ive had to fix the ac compresor, spider fuel injector assembly, brake system including lines, catalytic converter, starter. I had a few of the parts put in but otherwise the Jimmy is pretty easy to work on yourself. I enjoy the truck and I think even for a 95 the truck looks great. My red paint has held up almost 15 years and except for the few scrathces the paint looks like new, the leather held up and litterly looks new the back seats dont even have any wear marks.

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  2004 GMC Envoy SLT - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Lori - April 9 - 11:13 am

  Love this vehicle! It rides like a car and is big enough to make me feel safe while driving it while not be a huge gas hog. Granted, its not great, but not that bad. Love the leather and the XM radio, and the heated seats rock! So happy I went with this after looking at TrailBlazers, Equinox, Tahoes, etc.

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  Yukon XL - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By DaveCC - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Good solid feel to this SUV. Fun to drive, big improvement over windstar van. Solid feature from XM radio to memory seats that remember your personal preferences-pretty cool. Gas mileage a little lower than expected. Performance is outstanding.

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  Good old 2004 Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Dennis - April 8 - 5:28 pm

  This has been a good experience from the get go. No problems, followed GM maintenance schedule, not dealers. It is high enough that you get good visibility, comfortable ride and interior and exterior paint have held up very good. The gas mileage could be better but it gets 20mpg on a highway trip. Not great but acceptable. Around town, rural area, it gets 17-18 mpg.