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:

• 

  Best Truck Ever - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jcn7vc - February 23 - 1:16 am

  I have only driven this truck for a week now, but I love it more than any other car I have every touched. The gas mileage is better than advertised, it does very well in the snow and on icy roads. It looks better than the pictures. It handles like a car on the road and a truck off the road. Perfect for any situation. Lots of room in the crew cab, and the bed, although short, is still long enough for most items. I really love this truck!

• 

  Think twice before you buy - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By jh08297 - February 22 - 9:48 pm

  I really like this SUV because of the size and special features. We did have the power steering pump replaced within the frist three months, Which wasnt really a big deal. In the fourth month of ownership, this SUV became demon posessed. Brake light comes on with a very loud beeping that does not stop and the park assist light flashes that the park assist is off. Three trips to the dealership and they still cant fix this problem! The only way to stop this is to pull off the road, set and release the park brake. the plus side to this is that it only happens when it rains. four resets in one trip from NJ to NC. There is also water in the passenger floorboard when it rains.

• 

  Yukon - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By Yukon Rob - February 20 - 1:45 pm

  I have owned 3 Chevy Tahoes, I decided to opt for the Yukon this time big difference between my last 2004 Chevy to the 2008 Yukon the ride is great my only drawback is the rear captian chairs it leaves no room for a full grown teenager let alone an adult. GM should consider putting the bluetooth function in but then it would kill the deal with on-star and verizon. I put 22 inch wheels on the car I am getting a little rub with 305/45/22 and the ride has gotten a bit harder. Other than that I am very happy

• 

  The Ultimate Hauler - 1992 GMC Suburban
  By M. Morrison - February 20 - 9:42 am

  Love everything about my 1992 Suburban except putting gas in it. I purchased this truck because I work for a parrot and wild bird rescue on weekends and needed the room. So far, there hasnt been anything I cant fit in it...people, large cages...Ive had it through some trails on our property that our 4x4 Kaboda has trouble with and have yet to be pulled out. Absolutly no reliability issues as of yet...I prefer this engine to the newer Vortec engine with the troublesome intakes. If you dont mind $130.00 fill-ups, its the ultimate hauler!

• 

  Very Nice Vehicle - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By tommer - February 19 - 11:13 am

  An excellent family hauler. I love the remote start feature where it turns on the heater and seat warmers or AC depending on the temperature. Drives great, rides great, excellent steering, nice interior touches and the great exterior appearance. Very comfortable seats. Tows our camper with ease, but there is always a need for more HP and torque.

• 

  Great American Vehicle - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Ken - February 18 - 3:16 pm

  This is a great American made SUV. V-8 Horsepower is tops. Great MPG around town and on the road. Drives like a dream and turns on a dime

• 

  A New Era For The Sierra - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Bob Bruggeman - February 17 - 3:23 am

  I traded in an 04 Silverado Crew Cab for the new GMC Sierra Crew Cab. I bought the GMC because I dont care much for the front end on the new Silverado. My new Sierra rides better and is very quiet. GM did a great job with the interior layout and instrument panel. The Sierra feels bigger and more solid on the road compared to my last truck. There was a great deal of thought put into the design of this new model. I purchased the SLE package with two add on options; 17 inch aluminum wheels and raised white letter tires. This truck has everything on it that I wanted. The current incentives being offered by GM were also a determining factor in the timing of my purchase.

• 

  2000 Yukon Denali - Excellent Car - 2000 GMC Yukon Denali
  By Smith - February 15 - 4:26 pm

  Bought this car new in 2000. Have had NO problems. Excelent on road trips/very comfortable. Have drivin car back and forth to tempe Arizona. Would buy another.

• 

  Love This Car! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By momof3 - February 15 - 12:27 am

  I bought this car in June of 07. I transport my own three kids to and from school every day and often take a few extra to sporting events, music lessons etc. The kids love the space, the lift gate, radio/AC controls. I love the way it drives. It looks and feels sporty. The extra gadgets/gauges are convieniently placed. The road noise is low. Long road trips are actually fun with this car.

• 

  Best Vehicle Investment Ive Made - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By dingo6120 - February 14 - 10:36 pm

  I purchased this vehicle when there were no others on the road. I was 1st impressed with its individual styling. Very soon after I was delighted with its interior appointments and comfort. I now have 125,000 miles and still no mechanical issues what-so-ever! This SUV (other than gas) has been the most inexpensive vehicle 2 own. I am not even close to looking 4 another SUV because most, even 5yrs later, are not as well appointed as mine. Neither do they have the comfort I am used to. The power I get from this inline V6 is remarkably strong. I can drive in any situation w/confidence enough to lead the pack if the law would let me. I hope to keep my great looking GMC 4 another few year