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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  GMC 2500HD Diesel-Automatic Crew LB - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Steve - January 21 - 9:00 pm

  WOW....What a fantastic Truck! I have a 1995 FORD 250 Gas (70K Miles), and a 1994 GMC Gas (113K Miles). The 2005 GMC is comfortable enough and even with the longbed easy enough to drive and park that I leave the car in the garage and use the truck for work and play. When it comes to the work portion it is one powerful, competent truck. I wish the side mirrors were the size of Fords. All the manufacturers need to install a tie down hook in the front middle of the truck bed. Metal around rear wheels in truck bed is too thin in the GMC. GMC needs a radio mute button on the steering wheel. Needs additional LARGE cup holder for the driver in center consol. Cup holders too close together.

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  Great idea but poor execution - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Johnthegmclover - January 21 - 8:08 pm

  I own a 2005 XUV v8 with 121,450 miles on it. I have had to replace 11 window regulators, drivers side front, mid gate, and tail gate. Funny thing is GMC says they do not have a problem with these, what with the $450 plus replacement I guess they dont have a problem. I also had to have the suspension air bags replaced at 80,000 miles. I will never buy another GMC or recommend one. The newest problem with the car (7-16-17) is with the tailgate. I have had the swing out latch replaced twice and now it is defective again, as well as the let down latch. The dealer tells me that GM has an updated latch, and I should replace all 3 of them (the price for 1 is $470.00 dollars) , they got me again. Right now my tailgate window is down and the tailgate is held closed by a strap. Seems like the replacement parts dont last to long. Will be looking to trade in on a Dodge pickup.

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  Kept us safe in a bad accident, but... - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By wweezzyy - January 20 - 7:28 pm

  Horrible mileage-about 10MPG. Also so many repairs required on a 5-6-7 year old car! Brakes only lasted 20000 miles. Door handles and hinges needed replacing. Needed new brake master and vacum. However all is forgiven, because I had a very nasty accident and my passenger and I both walked away safely.

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  Not So Happy - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Duane Berney - January 20 - 9:37 am

  We have had numerous problems with are Acadia. Leaks through the roof onto the head liner, rear wind shield wiper would not turn off for two days, electronic front passenger seat jerks when you adjust it backwards and forwards, and the gas tank is smaller than what I am used to. I took this vehicle on the east coast for work and was not satisfied with its acceleration or its gas mileage. Also if you crack the window when it is raining, the water just pours into the vehicle. Signed, not very satisfied.

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  Duramax and Allison are superior - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Jim T - January 20 - 5:53 am

  I have owned this truck since new in 2003. Only in the last several years have I used it to its full potential. I have pulled a 10,000 lb fifth wheel to Florida twice and a new 12,000 lb fifth wheel to GA last week and I averaged a little over 13 mpg. On the return trip I got over 24 mpg running at 70 mph all day. I do have a tonneau cover for the bed which might help. I first took this new truck to Ohio in 2003 and only got 22 mpg with the same configuration. I did add a K and N air induction system before my last trip but this truck pulls like a champ without any additonal brains or Banks kits. The 5 speed transmssion is smooth and I know improvements have been made in the 09s.

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  Angry - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By mebedd - January 18 - 9:56 pm

  When my new Acadia had 1800 miles the check engine light came on. Took it to the dealership and they had to replace the head and both camshafts!! At 2100 miles the check engine light came on. They said the gas cap was loose and even though we repeatedly removed the cap and replaced it, the check engine light would not go off. They had to reprogram the computer to get the light to go off. To compound the misery Im only getting 17-19 mpg with 90% of my driving being on the turnpike using the cruise control! They say they can do nothing about the gas mileage but it should get better around the 10,000 mile mark!!

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  GMs Best Kept Secret - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Miss D - January 16 - 9:53 pm

  I cant wipe the smile off my face! This is the nicest truck on the road. The engine is very strong and the shifts are smooth as silk. Kids love the visibility out the side windows in the rear seat. I added the GM tonneau cover and carpet to the bed, which makes it great for hauling the stuff we haul.....groceries, stroller and hockey bags! The touch screen navigation/stereo is very user friendly and the stereo sounds great.

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  One Sweet Truck! - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Scott Stanley - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This is a wonderful truck. It rides so smooth you think you are in a Cadillac. This is the second GMC I have owned and I dont think that I would own any other truck!

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  2000 GMC Jimmy - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Norb Turner - January 15 - 9:41 am

  This truck has been nothing but great to me. I take excellent care of it, and in the four years Ive had it Ive minimal problems. Ive also been able to do a lot of customization to the truck.

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  Poor metal quality in major engine parts. - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Roger - January 15 - 2:37 am

  Lifters collapsing. Serviced every 3000 miles. GMC should recall on this but refuse to admit and wont help. Wanted to buy American. Never again!