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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  Denali won the competition - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By wifey - May 14 - 2:00 am

  We compared the Denali to the Eddie Bauer Expedition, Nissan Armada, and the Toyota Sequoia. We drove all of them, and had all family members assess the features of each since this was a family decision.The Denali was the clear overall winner.

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  2007 GMC Arcadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Luis R. - May 13 - 5:26 pm

  I was very impressed with the drive and style of my new Acadia. I feel that the transmission would run more efficiant had it been larger. Sometime the transmission dosen"t know what to do. I took it for a 15 hr one way road trip to Tampa, Florida and it drove great other than giving me the advertised fuel mileage. Overall I get many looks of impressed people when I drive it. GMC has to be commended for a job well done, makes you want to keep buying American.

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  One of the best from GM ever - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By pmp - May 13 - 5:16 pm

  Love my new Acadia. Fit and finish was excellent. Engine is powerful, smooth and refined. My car does not exibit the acceleration lag reported by others and which I personally noticed when I test drove another Acadia and the Outlook. Wonder if Im lucky or GM reprogrammed the transmission. The car turned the head of my brother in law who swore off American cars as well as the neighbors. The interior is so nice most could not believe it was a GM product. Ride is smooth and it handles extremely well, especially given its large size. Much more fun to drive than a minivan and significantly more refined than a SUV. Plenty of leg room in all 3 rows and and still room for luggage in the back.

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  Great Value - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Lovelldog - May 13 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck. It doesnt ride as well as a full size but is still much better than the Tacoma or Frontier.

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  Towing Superstar - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By ran - May 12 - 2:00 am

  I live in Michigan and tow a 35 5th wheel camper to North and South Carolina 4 times a year. The trailer weighs 13,500lbs and this truck will take on any mountion on I-77 in the Virginias. I get 7.5 mpg average towing which is much better than my 98 truck that had the old 454.

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  Move over - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Move-em-over - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Powerful,I have towhaul package pulls with ease and still has Excellent passing power while towing. best truck I ever owned and driven, owned for two years havent had one problem.

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  1st. GMC - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Gramps - May 11 - 10:16 am

  Handles great, comfortable to drive, quite and rides smooth. So far the fuel economy is unfortunately poor at around 15mpg. on the Highway. Too soon to pass judgement on the mpg. and expect it to improve.

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  New SUV Owner - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By tjanvrin - May 11 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is very good overall. It has great handling and ride comfort. I have been extremely pleased with my Envoy.

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  Almost perfect! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By gmeeper - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Beautifully designed SUV with all the features anyone could possibly want. Only downside is the low fuel economy (15 city/20 highway), but than again thats true of most SUVs. I would recommend this car to everyone. Spacious and well priced!

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  Improved While Missing? - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By RJ - May 9 - 12:00 pm

  Purchased on 2/23/2007 to replace my 04 Yukon XL Denali. It has a lot of upgrades for only 2k than the 03. The steering is much improved along with handling. The updated NAV and dash layout is great! Entry into the rear seats is much easier with power fold up. The sunroof does not make the presure noise of the past. Six speed trans is very smooth and increased MPG by 5 already. I miss the old seats, and dual tip computer on the steering wheel. The cruise is better, but like the old stereo controls. The center console is larger, but glove is smaller. It seems like lots of vinyl instead of leather with lots of plastic. The dash is hard to read in daylight and missing 2nd visor. New Opts a +