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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  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!

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  Awesome! - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By skwdjw - January 14 - 8:56 pm

  Excellent handling in snowy conditions. Ive repalced in the five years owned the water pump, breaks, rotars, Thermostat, wheel bearings, tires, a/c condensor, fuel pump, alternator, fuel gauge & battery. It has over 130,000. miles on it and runs great. With the money Ive put into it I feel like I have a whole new suv. What else could go wrong? I love my Jimmy! Comfort and ease. Love all the little gadgets and stereo system on the steering wheel. Bose stereo! Excellent system.

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  Great SUV from GMC - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By Montanadan - January 13 - 12:16 pm

  We purchased the GMC 08 Denali after many reviews and this SUV offered the best value compared to the other options,(BMW,Lexus,Ford,etc). We love the way it drives, comfortable layout, nice interior features. If you are looking for 30 MPG, this is not your vehicle. The only negative is the gas mileage but we knew that before buying it. I strongly recommend the GMC Denali if you like great performance (6.2L V-8 for towing),great interior features(heated seats,steering wheel,comfortable seating with lots of room) and nice look (new body style from the 2006 denali). I would recommend one to my friends and family but get a gas card.

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  2005 GMC 3500 SLT DRW - 2005 GMC Sierra 3500
  By DREW - January 13 - 1:16 am

  The comfort and drivabilty beats the Ford 350. I had an 01 F350 which was a great truck, but had some reliabilty problems and the brakes were not up to the task. The GMC is much better overall with towing and the interior is more car like. My biggest complaint about the truck is the gray steel rims with cheap trim rings. For over $40K the truck should be outfitted with Ford/Dodge similar rims. I almost went for the Ford again because of this.

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  Big changes - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Jean - January 13 - 12:31 am

  I traded in a GMC Z71 4 WD for the 2007 Acadia. It is very different and took some getting used to but I have grown to love it. The only complain that I have is with the leather seats. They are very hard compared to the leather seats in the 2005 GMC truck. They were butter soft and I miss them. Otherwise, this is an awesome vehicle that I feel very safe in.

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  The Best vehicle weve ever had - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Jorge B - January 12 - 7:06 pm

  I recommend this vehicle to anybody whos looking for quality, class, comfort and safety. Plain and simple, the best vehicle weve ever had, ever.

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  A#1 truck - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Donald Blakely - January 12 - 2:06 pm

  This truck handles great and has all the power I need to get going. The stabilatrac surprised me how great it works. The ride is smoother than my 03 Sierra classic and more room and comfort. You dont really realize the power until you look in the rear view mirror.

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  2017 4x4 6.2 liter V8 W/8spd transmission, Nice! - 2017 GMC Sierra 1500
  By CJJ - January 12 - 10:34 am

  This review did not allow for the proper 6.2 liter 8spd option to be selected as a detail regarding this vehicle which is what I am describing here… I Have a little under 900 miles on this truck, barely breaking it in after trading up from a 2014 GMC 5.3 liter 6spd double cab... The new 2017 with the 6.2L engine and 8spd tranny is far more drivable under every condition I have experienced to date… lots of low end torque and power… mountain driving in Colorado is much less an effort for this power train, it always seems to be in the right gear for the task… less clunky and more responsive than the 5.3 w/6 spd… Also, I am getting similar maybe even better gas mileage than the 5.3L 6 spd did… The 6.2L now needs to run on 87-91 octane so a bit of a trade off for fuel expense… I registered approx 27 mpg avg for a 60mph 50 mile run through the hills... 30 mpg one way and 24 mpg returning… some light snow and rain at the time… I have the All Terrain package which is great except for the Rancho shock absorbers which feel mushy at highway speeds... too much disconnect from the road, like the stock 20" wheels and tires are bouncing at times… I much prefer the grip and feel of Bilstein shocks and will change them over after a bit more driving… did the same on my 2014 with a vast improvement in handing and control… it felt much safer to drive under all conditions especially on rough roads, paved, gravel or dirt… almost got a speeding ticket right after changing to the Bilstein shocks on my 14 All Terrain double cab because it felt like I was driving slower than I was used to, when actually I was going 10 mph faster… I do wish the 1500 frame was stiffer with less resonance like the 2500HD… Didnt like 2500 gas powertrain… felt sluggish… The GMC 17 electronics now have a much better user interface for the most part, a more positive touch screen and works fairly well at linking the functions on my IPhone… some distractions, random glitches, possibly user error… there are a few mysteries yet to unfold in that 8" glowing screen on the dash even after studying the manual for an hour… All in all… Yes, I am liking this truck! Is it worth the $$$$ ??? Time will tell...

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  Coffin Dodger - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Coffin Dodger - January 9 - 5:19 pm

  Good pickup for older person. Rides and drives great. Not bad mileage. Dont regret buying it.

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  I like my ride - 2000 GMC Yukon Denali
  By joguy - January 9 - 10:00 am

  The new denali I just got rides smooth, there is no problems with it I could stop on a dime. I have washed it, waxed it and, detailed it every day now and it is great, I think everybody should have one.