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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  GREAT SUV - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By CindiRoe - February 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used to replace a Jeep Grand Cherokee lease. I love it! There is only minimal change in fuel usage from my Jeep and the room and comfort levels far surpass that of the Jeep. Excellent choice in SUV.

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  Surprise Love Affair - 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Monteiro - February 18 - 6:56 am

  I did my homework. I took 6 months to shop for a truck to surprise my husband with. I looked up reviews, vehicle history, manufacturer recent history, etc. My husband has always had to drive a cheap truck while I drove the nice luxury vehicle; therefore, I wanted top-of-the-line and nothing less for him. We bought it 13 months ago and we are still in awe with it. It everything we hoped it be and more.

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  Excellent family recreation truck - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By irideharley - February 15 - 6:33 am

  Was considering the Dodge Cummins for its tough reputation but couldnt swallow the tight back seat for a growing family. A friend had the Chevy Duramax and I havent looked back since. The GMC Duramax and 6 speed Allison tranny are incredible. Quiet ride, plenty of room in the back seat, power a plenty to pull the bass boat with a camper on top. With or without a load, city and hgwy driving we still average 18 mpg, and at least temporarily diesel is cheaper than unleaded in my neck of the woods. Absolutely no buyers remorse with this truck. Two thumbs up all around.

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  Great Truck - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Patriot Nation - February 15 - 2:00 am

  This truck is big upgrade from the Somona crewcab 4X4.More room,horsepower,better features.Just a better truck!

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  excellent vehicle - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By kbgmc - February 14 - 10:00 am

  2001 GMC Sierra ext. cab 5.3 liter, 38,000 miles. Excellent truck, no problems, the 5.3 is quick. mpg not the best, only 16.5-17. no problems. recommend GMC to anyone.

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  The Truck - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By MARK GUERNSEY - February 14 - 10:00 am

  This is our third GMC extended cab z71 we had a 99 a 02 now a 04 which we see a improvements such as the duel climate control, the bose sound system with the xm radio is fantastic, the 02 pickups speakers blew out with in a year.. much higher quality sounds.. the previous two pick ups with in a year the rear windows leaked air. making riding almost unbearable... which would be my two main complaints. which the 04 appears to be a much better truck. I wont go with the extended cabl on my next one i will go with the four door. but love the GMC product line, and will keep buying the yukons, and pickups. Mark G. of Niles Michigan

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  Worth a look - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By outn99 - February 14 - 8:03 am

  My wife and I stumbled across this vehicle. Had problems with previous SUV, came home on a weekend from military duty and bought the Terrain. We needed a car right then. Wanted a Hybrid for mileage purpose; however, dealer said we would not be disappointed, and they were right. Nice ride, comfortable, quiet, you need to upgrade from base model to really get the true vehicle. Price is right, especially for the size and mileage. Got the SLT and it has all the options we were looking for.

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  GMC Acadia 4WD Great for Towing - 2016 GMC Acadia
  By Robert Waltermyer - February 14 - 12:33 am

  Weve had our new Acadia for about 6 months and we LOVE it! Id been looking for something to replace our dying 2007 Chevy Avalanche and my biggest concern was towing our camper. I stumbled on the Acadia quite by accident and were so glad I did. Its a great looking car, has a very comfortable and roomy interior, plenty of power, steers and handles well and this mighty 6-cylinder tows our camper better than the 8-cylinder Avalanche, thanks to the smooth 6-speed automatic transmission! The gas mileage is a combined 17 mpg, which could be better. The biggest thing I dont like is the rear mud guards. They are hard plastic and hang low enough to scrape on those cement blocks in parking lots. I suspect they will eventually need to be replaced with flexible ones. Weve been on long trips with it and love the ride and comfort.

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  Good Job - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By mushucat - February 13 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck. Fun to drive and very smooth. Lots of room. Worth sacrificing a foot of bed lenth.

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  Great vehicle - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Lschill - February 13 - 2:00 am

  This is my first SUV & I love it! Great storage room-we moved our son to college & loaded ALL of his belongings in it & still had room for the 3 of us. My husband works at the facility that makes the engine so we knew that it was well made. Was disappointed with the gas mileage for such an efficient engine. But it has a 16-17 gal. tank so I guess it performs about average. Would recommend it to others. The 04s have some really nice features.