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:

• 

  Great vehicle ... - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By KenMosher - October 29 - 6:40 pm

  I bought my 2001 GMC Yukon XL 2500 used. Initially I didnt think that I wanted a 3/4 ton truck, but it drove a lot nicer than my 1993 GMC Suburban 1/2 ton! It has smooth power, awesome towing capacity, great 4WD capability, and a cavernous interior. I really like the 3rd seat fold up feature. Its much easier to remove than in my old Suburban. It tows my 6,000 pound car trailer (loaded) effortlessly and I really like the easy "plug and play" style attachment for my electronic trailer brake controller. The only problem that Ive had was the rear heater coolant line rubbed against the frame and had a pinhole leak that took the dealer three trips to diagnose and fix (under the Certified Preowned warranty program). This is a great all around utility vehicle!

• 

  SUV For All Seasons & Reasons - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Jerry G. - October 29 - 10:00 am

  My main consideration for purchasing this vehicle was for towing purposes. A recent trip from NJ to Lake George, NY and back to NJ proved that this GMC SUV can handle tough situations, and do it comfortably! Soon after being on the road you almost forget that youre towing a 6,000 Lb boat on a 2,000 Lb trailer. Sharp and hilly curves at the lake was never a problem. My wife loves this Yukon XL, and is now looking forward to driving the SUV this winter. (Fat chance!)...Well, maybe sometimes.

• 

  Comfort & Power - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By burntpeaks - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle. My 3rd Denali. I am an addict!

• 

  Do not buy - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Jimmy Hater - October 28 - 6:53 pm

  I have put well over $8000 in repairs to this vehicle. It is a very sharp SUV that was poorly designed. I have replaced ball joints and well bearing hub assemblys multiple times. A small fortune was spent to fix a secondary air induction pump. I would recommend everyone to stay away from purchasing this vehicle. I am not the only one that has these problems, everyone I know with one has the same problems to some extent.

• 

  Best car I have driven, ever - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By ritz - October 27 - 12:06 pm

  My last car was the Cadilac SRX. The new Acadia is vastly better in all aspects. I can not emphasize how much I have enjoyed driving the car in the first 30 days of purchase. The only correction that needs to be made is the acceleration at high speed and initial fuel economy. Going in for an adjustment this week. GMC has made a car that my friends call a big Lexus 350! Top quality and a great ride

• 

  Awesome 2500 HD - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Eric - October 26 - 8:50 am

  Was driving a 2006 2500 HD SLT and loved it. Just traded and picked up my 2007 2500 HD SLT. Wow, what a huge change. Feels like I am driving a luxury large SUV. Totally updated inside and out. Inside much better and up to date. Quiet ride. Feels larger than 2006 when driving. Smooth. Recommend this one!

• 

  Great Automobile! Car is so responsive. - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By G S English - October 24 - 2:06 am

  This is my third new GMC Acadia - the reliability is exceptional, extremely comfortable ride, abundant amenities and great storage space for travel.

• 

  WHAT CAN YOU SAY....? - 2003 GMC Sierra 3500
  By Big Money - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Extremely Satisfied with Fllet Manager Diane Ford, Ironic working for GM with that Name. Excellent Truck! 230K MILES On the Last One and going for 430k On the Duramax/Allison Combonation.

• 

  2006 - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Ron - October 19 - 4:42 pm

  Very comfortable on long drives. V8 has lots of power and good gas mileage for the size. Been averaging 22 highway and 18.5 overall. Back seats could be set further back to allow more room for passengers, and would allow seats to fold flat with front seats back.

• 

  Nice Job GM! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Pete - October 17 - 5:06 pm

  Weve had this for 3 days now. Its a very nice car/truck. My wife had a BMW 528i wagon, and was a little leery of trading down to a GM. After a few days shes over that. It drives very nice. All passengers sit nice and high so theres great visibility. Theres a nice feel of security in this vehicle. It drives like a car but has the road presence of a truck. And it feels like its put together very well. Heated seats, mirrors, great stereo, parking assist... Its full featured and gives off a great confidence. GM is back with this one!