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:

• 

  2007 GMC Yukon XL Denali (6.2L) - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By John - February 12 - 12:20 pm

  I traded in my 2002 Yukon XL Denali, back in May/06 for my 07 Yukon XL Denali. I could not be happier with my choice, I got the Sealth Gray Met. w/Ebony Int. and the DVD system. the fit and finish on this truck is light years ahead of my 02 truck and even the 06Yukon. I only took the for GM to almost go out of business before they allowed the designers to ready get it right this time. Maybe more people with take another look at GM and they can get back on track.

• 

  Happy Driver - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Jim - February 11 - 10:29 am

  Drive mostly around town and occassional highway trips. Handles very well for a 4WD SUV and is excellent on the highway. Ride is more car-like than Tahoes I have ridden in. Im very happy with this vehicle after 40,000 miles and will keep it several more years.

• 

  Best Truck for My Money - 2008 GMC Canyon
  By FDH - February 11 - 10:06 am

  I previously had 2005 GMC Reg cab with 4cyl and Auto trans. Drove around 67000 mi. Purchased current 2008 GMC SLE ext cab 3.7 5 cylinder with auto trans and locking rear. Fantastic truck with Great towing ability! I think for the money spent and the 5yr /100000 mi warranty that comes with this truck. This is probably the best buy out there

• 

  Love it - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Tammy Denfeld - February 10 - 10:41 pm

  I purchased my Acadia 3 mo. ago and love it. We drove a 2 day trip from Texas to NYC with 4 kids was a little cramped. Do wish it came standard with hitch and luggage bars. Most people travel and this would be helpful. Paint does tend to chip easier than my old Envoy XL but, overall I am very happy with my new car. Had to make emergency trip for medical reasons and must say we got up to 125mph and was smooth as could be and handles like a dream. If your thinking on buying jump on it. I love mine.

• 

  Great to own - 2016 GMC Acadia
  By david gray - February 10 - 11:36 am

  The car has lots of road holding to the high way as you drive. Feels very safe as you drive and cars around you. Great wide windshield to see what is around you

• 

  Autoride is amazing! - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Chad - February 8 - 9:51 pm

  The Autoride is amazing! Black with 20" makes this a stand-out truck. Easy to operate and park in the city. Feels like your driving on glass, even on the roughest roads. GMC resales better than Ford or Tahoe.

• 

  Sick Puppy - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Melvin Richardson - February 8 - 3:16 pm

  The dealer had installed 20" wheels and tires on this truck and it looked good. I ask if it had the same rear end I was trading and they said " I think so" so old trusting Melvin didnt check. It turns out I got a 3.23 rear end with a 5.3 engine and oversize wheels and it drops out of overdrive to go over interstate overpasses if your speed is less than 65 MPH. Driving less than 50 mph it drops a gear if you touch the gas pedal. My wifes Toyota 4 runner drives better, just no hauling or towing capacity.

• 

  I love this truck - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By goblue16 - February 8 - 1:03 pm

  The truck is solid and fun to drive. I went from a Dodge Dakota which I loved, but this is a real truck compared to the 1995 Dakota. Very rugged looking interior that should look good for years. The handling is excellent and it takes train tracks much better then any other vehicle I have been in. I have 1600 miles on it and have not one issue with the truck to date. I have received several compliments about my truck and I love teh new Stealth Gray color that I chose. The 170 degrees that the back doors open is extremely handy. Mileage is a little dissappointing to date at 15.1, but that is with only winter weather.

• 

  Edmunds is Harsh - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By craigcar - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Overall this is an excellent vehicle; I am baffled by Edmunds harsh review. The engine and transmission are great, the ride very "Cadillac-like", excellent interior room. I traded my 02 Trailblazer with 60K miles on it (and no problems in that time). I am pleased to have purchased an American vehicle that stands up to the rest (admitting my other vehicle is a 03 BMW convertible)

• 

  Enjoying my Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By NOLA GIRL - February 7 - 2:24 pm

  After driving Volvos for the past 5 yrs, came back to GMC, worried about reliability, but the Volvo was also unreliable and expensive to repair, so here goes. Enjoying it so far. Opted for the 60/40 second row bench and am happy about that. Unless you are carrying a bunch of folks, the back seat goes unused anyway, so I either fold it or leave it up. The kids cant run between the seats either! Daughter is enjoying the DVD option and the rear controls are easy enough for a 4 year old to operate!