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:

• 

  Clunking but love the vehicle - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By lizaanne - April 6 - 7:05 pm

  Ive had my Acadia for one year and I love it! I did the transmission software update and it made a big difference. Unfortunately the dealership goofed it up when they did it and it was registering 3.1 miles on the odometer for every one mile I drove. I checked the mileage with with the highway milemarkers. The front end makes a clunking noise when just starting to take off. I learned from another review that the clunking noise is the anti-lock breaking system engaging. Other than these two issues I love my Acadia! I hope everyone elses issues are resolved quickly.

• 

  Excellent Crossover Vehicle.. - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By SLT-1 - April 6 - 5:21 pm

  I just love this car and I am very pleased with the quality and service I have received. I get in the car and it seems like the car does all the driving for me, sometimes I forget where I am going and I miss my destination. Only thing I wish I had was XM radio, but other than that it has everything that I need. I am gonna upgrade with the same vehicle in a couple of years. GMC has once again out done themselves..Great job!

• 

  Awesome Vehicle - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By Denali XL 2006 - April 4 - 11:46 am

  The Denali XL is the best on the market. Even though it is expensive it is worth every penny. I searched for a vehicle that would be suitable for the entire family for 2 months. When I saw the Denali online I told my husband this is what I want. The drive is beyond smoothness. Very comfortable.

• 

  DON"T BUY THIS !! Several options Dont Work !!!!! - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Susheel - April 4 - 12:11 am

  I owned a 2014 Acadia Denali and for some strange reason decided to trade for 2017 model. New 2017 model sucks ! Lane departure warnings DO NOT WORK. NO BEEPS if you change lanes without turn signal - Regardless of your speed or which streets or freeways you are on - I tested this along with 2 people from dealership - we drove over 100 miles testing this !!!! ( 0f course after I leased it !!! ) - Never Worked . Front Collision does not work unless you are about to HIT the Vehicle ahead - beeps if you are about 10 feet away at 30 MPH - If you are parking behind a car, it will beep only if you come within 8 inches !!! DEFEATS the purpose of having this ! MY 2014 Acadia Denali worked fine - it would beep if I changed lane without turn signal and would also beep if I came close to another vehicle - depending on my setting - far,medium or near ( forward collision ) . Front Auto Braking does NOT WORK . I went to 3 other dealers to show me how it is supposed to work - They were all surprised to see it does NOT WORK !!!! I assumed that 2017 acadia denali would be better than 2014 I owned and assumed that everything that worked on it will work better or at least the same way - NO NO NO ! Big Disappointment !!!!! Also new 2017 Acadia is Way too Small !!!! Please TRUST ME - Before getting this , do ask the salesperson to show how all the features work - Trust me , you will be disappointed. The ONLY good thing is that I leased it and will get RID of this [non-permissible content removed] in 2 years ! Have previously bought 2011 and 2014 Acadia Denalis - WILL NEVER BUY or Lease GMC again in my life.

• 

  BUYER BEWARE - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By Tara - April 2 - 11:14 pm

  Warning: the Yukon started making a rattling & knocking noise. The GMC dealership themselves sent a letter to me stating the problem is (cold start engine knock) and there is nothing they can do and it would cost too much for a recall. They said it happens in some GMC and Chevy models and it has nothing to do with the motor, so dont worry. What! People dont pay good money for this vehicle to hear clanking noises. I found other people that had similar experiences with this suv on yahoo autos. Go check out some of their reviews before you buy.

• 

  Not your quiet ride - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Lynda Smith - April 2 - 3:55 pm

  I bought this SUV because I was really drawn to the style and outside appearance of the vehicle I also fell in love with the interior. I have leased Nissan vehicles in the past and my husband talked me into looking at GMC. I thought it was everything I wanted in an SUV so we purchased the SUV instead of leasing. I travel on the highway 90% of the time and I was so disappointed in the wind noise of this vehicle I knew something had to be wrong. Why would you make such a classy vehicle and forget about quality. After taking it to the dealership three time we were told nothing is wrong with the vehicle that is just the quality of GMC.

• 

  Good in the Beginning - 2006 GMC Yukon
  By Stacy - April 2 - 1:32 pm

  I purchased my vehicle thinking total quality. Wrong. The front interior around the steering wheel, navigation screen and CD player keep peeling and chipping away. This is something I have found to happen in older models and other GMC models. Also, I owned the car less than 2 years when the transmission had to be extensively repaired. Now GM doesnt want to replace/repair the interior plastic even though it is poor craftmanship. No more GMs for me. I will stick with Ford or some other American car.

• 

  Almost Perfect - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Dennis - April 2 - 8:16 am

  I was considering a truck or truck based SUV, but high gasoline prices made me consider the Acadia. So far my mileage is just shy of 21 mpg for the first 3000 miles based on a 50/50 city/highway mix. Handling is much better than in previously owned SUVs; passenger/cargo space is also much better. This is a big, heavy vehicle that feels nimble and has reasonable performance.

• 

  Great ride and looks super! - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By RWT - April 2 - 7:04 am

  I have owned GM vehicles for 15 years now and this is by far the best I have ever had. I owned mostly 2 Chevys until this one. Looked for over 5 months and compared the Tahoe, Ford and Yukon and it was not close. The Yukon just looked and felt better. I saw the Yukon on the road and it always made me stop and look. Gas is hard, but it is for everyone right now. Only complaint I have is the folding 3rd row seat. Dont know if it is just mine but it is difficult to move and almost impossible to replace is removed. Should have looked at power seats there.

• 

  Yukon SLE 4.8 - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By Chuck - April 1 - 11:55 pm

  This is my 6th SUV and I must say it is by far the best. Ive only had the Yukon for 2 months and have put 2K miles on it, but so far it has been totally problem free. As it is getting broken in, the performance and gas mileage (currently between 18 and 19) are improving. For its large size it corners really well which I attribute to the stabilizer bars. If put into passing gear around 50, it appears a little anemic, so if I were to do it all over, I may opt for the 5.3 liter or get 3.73 rear end.