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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  2000 denali - 2000 GMC Yukon Denali
  By allen mayer - December 15 - 10:00 am

  braking requires care due to the size and weight of the vechicle.

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  Love my GMC Envoy..but not the gas.. - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By bellasarah - December 15 - 12:44 am

  I love my Envoy, but want to just say that I filled it up to full just two days ago and only put 120 miles on it and am already on a half tank. I just bought this SUV and I knew that the gas wasnt that great, but at this rate I am going to be filling up probably every week just to get to work and back. If GMC came out with a hyrbid Envoy that would be awesome.

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  The Pick Of The Bunch - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Matty In California - December 14 - 9:26 pm

  The Envoy is great ride and good companion for the midern mom with kids. Even though it has it ups and downs.

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  Satisfied Customer - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By Dacius - December 14 - 9:23 pm

  I love this vehicle. It fits my whole family, plus relatives in town, plus all of their luggage. The fuel mileage is better than I expected on a 4wd and the Onstar phone system is very convenient. Most people that see me think I am a football player because of this car. I simply agree and then walk away. If you are in the market then buy this car.

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  Great Family Car - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By mtaylor - December 11 - 1:10 pm

  They have thought of everything when designing this car. The V6 is enough power even with a full 6 passengers. We have the captains chairs which allows kids and adults to easily get to the back seat. The back seat seats 2 adults comfortably or 3 kids. Captain chairs are comfortable.

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  better have a second car!! - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By ramdaddi - December 11 - 10:13 am

  you will need a second car while this one is in the shop!! bumper to bumper, this ride was designed by a bunch of engineers who see cheech and chong as THEIR role models!! i thank God that i purchased an extended warranty, or i would easily be out over ten grand! the service engine light keeps me company. finally went off with a new injector pump in mid summer, but now it is back!! EXTENDED WARRANTY!!

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  Hard Downshift - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By E.Garcia - December 11 - 5:33 am

  I purchased by GMC in November, from the very beginning I noticed an uncomfortable ride. I called the dealership, they advice me to bring it in. I complained about the hard downshift and they took a test drive and said that they couldnt replicate the problem. But they did find that the tires were out of balance. It was dissappointing to find out that a new vehicle was not inspected properly from the factory for this. But the hard downshift still remains.

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  GMC XL Denali - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Johhn - December 10 - 10:00 am

  If you need lots of room and still want the luxury without the gaudiness of an Escalade, then this is the right machine to buy. Great ride. Easy to drive. Well crafted and tight. Wish the interior could have some better appointments, a lot of plastic but OK. Overall, a fine vehicle. I just bought this one and couldnt bear the thought of trading in my 99 Denali. Their that good.

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  Little giant - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By mike jewell - December 10 - 12:19 am

  It feels like a small swift SUV, but it has plenty of room for everyone to sit comfortable. We traded in a Lincoln Navigator and we are glad we did. Nothing against the Lincoln, but it was getting old 15mpg. we are definitely getting around 21-22mpg. So far very happy

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  25,000 miles on my 2014 Sierra Slt - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By leonizean - December 8 - 9:32 pm

  Well what can i say. I Fell in love with the way she looks. to those who have not put any real miles on there vehicles yet the problems only get worse. I never tow or haul anything i strictly drive freeway. no off road. Let me list a few problems i have. windshield leaks into the cab, windows are loud at freeway speed, rattling in the cab, headlights suck at night, suspension when wet creeks badly, truck chirps about 55 mph. Satellite gps quits randomly,usb ports stopped working,110 volt outlet quit, transmission slips, transmission searches for gears randomly shifts,Today 4/22/14 she lost power going up hill. i am in a love hate relationship with my truck these days.