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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  2008 Acadia - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By TeagZach - February 7 - 10:13 am

  We purchased a 2008 Acadia on January 31, 2008. We have had nothing but problems with the front end, brakes, and the engine hesitating. The vehicle is comfortable overall except for headrests that stick into your head. The interior is stylish with nice accents and we like the red lights on the interior components. The vehicle handles well. The 6 speed transmission is less than desirable with consistent lag and hesitations. The vehicle cant stay at a constant speed as the engine cuts out and when driving and attempting to accelerate the vehicle hesitates. This is a major safety concern when merging on the highway or trying to accelerate to get out of the way of potential dangers.

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  Love it except for the low gas mileage - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By nparsona - February 7 - 5:36 am

  I love this car! I can convert the seats easliy to carry cargo or the kids for carpooling. I can leave my cargo in the car and still carry 5 kids. Very versital and fun to drive.The low gas mileage is an issue, but the space and handling make up for it. If you need a minivan, but dont want to drive one, buy this car! It has the space and features of a minivan without the stigma of it.

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  A very well built ride - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By ultrakim - February 6 - 8:24 pm

  We have put 40000 miles on our 2003 SLT 4wd since buying it used.The only problems we have had are a tailight bulb and one service engine soon light. the light turned out to be letting us know it was time to do a transfer case lube change. We love this truck and it looks fly with 20 s on it. Bose system stock is better than most aftermarket systems with subs and amps etc that I have put in. The in town mileage is about 15 but it is a very solid and heavy, safe vehicle. I feel like we have thousands of more miles to put on it yet.

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  3/4 ton Yukon XL w/ a 496 V8! - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By VCCole - February 6 - 3:20 pm

  Interior is awesome, but I have leather. Its hot/cold and your butt doesnt stay in place, it s slick. Build quality is amazing. Was hit from behind at 35mph (I was at a dead stop) and 1/2 ton Toyotas front end was nearly non existant. My bumper had a slight dent. These are tanks! The transmission slips once in a great while. GM needs to work on that problem. No breakdowns.

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  Envoy - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By DWinMN - February 6 - 11:26 am

  I purchased the Envoy after driving my 99 GMC Jimmy nearly 200000 miles. After test driving competitor models, I returned to GMC for a vehicle with more features and more for my money. The Envoy has been flawless in performance. The mileage isnt the greatest but accelerating easy has me exceeding the estimated mpg. I am getting 16.5 mpg city and 22-23 highway. The Envoy has good visibility and drives off road reasonably well. I am still impressed by how comfortable the seats are. Storage and space is impressive. GMC just needs to add some of teh features of the Acadia and they will have the perfect mid size SUV.

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  Professional Grade??? - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Going Back to Ford - February 6 - 10:00 am

  After 2 Fords with over 100000 on each and relatively no trouble, I suddenly have a hole in my 2001 GMC engine block. The GMC hotline has been very vague about service since I am now at 42000 miles and the dealer tries to ignore my calls every time I try to get an answer if this is a factory issue. If this thing ever gets out of the shop I will NEVER own another GMC product!

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  Poor Gas Mileage - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Sailer - February 6 - 8:16 am

  9.5 mpg city 10.7 highway. Door handle under armrest is a pain to get to. 5.3 engine would give enough power as I run empty 95% of time Needed 2500 to plow snow. Needs cup holders in dash.

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  Hard shifting at low speeds - 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Mike Martin - February 5 - 11:48 am

  I have had this truck into the dealer twice and I have 6500 miles on the truck. They have done a reprogramming both times and it is fine for a week or two and then starts shifting hard again. I purchased the truck with the larger engine so that I can tow my 22 foot Airstream. When the AS is in tow it is great but not when you have to daily drive. This should not happen for the money paid for the truck.

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  Good Choice - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By JB - February 5 - 11:36 am

  Weve had our Acadia since May 07, and we love it! Everyone who rides in it loves it as well. Our Acadia is comfortable and has a smooth ride. There are so many great things about this car that they far outweigh any negatives. The chrome accents in the interior look sharp but do sometimes reflect sun into your eyes. Initially had sluggish transmission, but GMC had software recall and since has been shifting much better. Gas mileage has improved since update as well however, not as good as sticker rated mpg. Overall great choice. Were so pleased GM designed this vehicle. Great family car. Plenty room with sporty look and feel. Go test drive and youll be hooked.

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  Great - If it had any semblace of a decent tranny - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Sorely disappointed - February 5 - 9:53 am

  Its a nice truck, that rides fairly well. SLT interior is rather nice. It sucks fuel, less than 14 mpg in city driving with the 3.6 V6. The transmission, WHAT A JOKE!!! It has no idea what gear it wants to be in, constantly hunts and when it does pick one, its 2 gears too high for the situation. Case in point, turned left into my neighborhood, speedometer says 18 mpg. Press the gas pedal to accelerate. . .nothing, downshift it (which causes it to drop one gear and actually display the number rather than the D), and its in 4th gear. That means, it was in 5th gear of a 6 speed transmission going 18 mph. How does that make any sense?? I drive it like a manual with the manual shift just to have power when I need it. Now, its started a new "feature" Youll stop at a stop sign, or a light with the tranny in drive and when you press the gas pedal to go. NOTHING. No RPM increase, no movement, look at the shifter and the D is flashing red. Its almost killed me 3 times so far and just this morning, did the same thing trying to reverse out of the garage. Dealership said I didnt know how to drive the "new" auto transmission since Ive been driving a stick for the last 18 years. Cant WAIT for the 2018 Ranger, this thing will be history. The last GM I owned was a 1990 Grand Prix, it, like this truck look pretty, but are rolling piles of junk. DONE WITH GM.