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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  Mileage numbers reasonably accurate - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By papanav - October 15 - 8:18 pm

  As of this writing have 7600 miles on my truck with most of that mileage highway miles. I consistently get 22 mpg and did get 24.8 mpg on a trip to Delaware. I have a tonneau cover which I am sure helps with mileage and I noticed on flat terrain the truck runs in 4 cylinders and 6th a lot, hence good mileage. When I pull my trailer with my compact tractor the mileage drops off considerable because it is working much harder. I get about 12-14 mpg in that configuration. Very smooth running truck, comfortable and good looking.

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  Best Looking Truck - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jjhayne - October 15 - 10:00 am

  Fell in love with the look and compliment of my truck long before it became available to buy. First truck and I love it.

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  Great Truck - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By David - October 15 - 5:40 am

  I can not be happier with my Sierra. I needed a truck that would tow our 17 foot ski boat and what I got was much better. I traded in a beautiful 1993 Toyota 2.4L pick-up that had 253,000 on her and was still going strong. I hated to do it but I had to have something that would tow a ski boat. I will admit that I looked at other trucks including the Tundra but nothing came close to the comfort of the Sierra. I drive 72 miles round trip in Atlanta traffic daily and this truck is more comfortable than any car. After I replaced the factory GoodYear tires with Firestones, I had no trouble on wet roads and the ride is whisper quiet. No problems with the truck or repairs needed.

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  Could be better - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By bellms - October 14 - 1:54 pm

  Overall, a pretty good SUV. The cabin is comfortable. Although not super quiet inside. The front seat sits a little high and the back does not tilt. The pickup on the road is decent but underpowered at times of steep incline. I definitely believe there should be a V8, but there is not. The gas mileage for the daily traffic is horrible in town. Usually 12-14 at best. Highway, impressively up to 22 at times. The Envoys center of gravity is righ at the armrest, which makes for good turning. Last but not least, not very good use of space for seating.

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  Satisfied for the most part - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Raven1 - October 14 - 10:40 am

  I bought my Sierra used with about 45000 miles on it. It now has 92000. The problems with the power windows are for real. I replaced the driver side motor and I believe that either side could break again at any moment. The transmission went out at about 80000 miles (one of the drums broke). The dash rattles from time to time. Aside from these problems, the truck really has been reliable and enjoyable. The 5.3 has lots of power, but I do notice a difference in the summer with the AC on. I have enjoyed my GMC, but I will look into a ford when buying my next truck (a crew cab), but there is a good chance I will end up back in a GMC or a Chevy.

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  Love it - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By LewisG - October 12 - 1:43 pm

  Had our Acadia about three weeks now, and love it. After having Expeditions and Suburbans it was a shock to go down, but the car is great. Seats are all very comfortable, and so far the tranny hasnt been an issue for us. Kids love it too. Have to agree with folks on the cupholders and outlet up front. They need at least one more plug or even two on the side of the console so you can plug things in without blocking the front cupholder. Mileage is about what we expected (15 so far with heavy city driving) Great car.

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  2000 GMC Sierra 1500 4 x 4 - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Mike - October 11 - 10:46 pm

  Ive had my truck for 6 years, and I still love it. Its been a great work truck, and has the comfort of driving a car. Its been great in both the snow and mud, and has never had a problem. Its definitely a keeper. The only thing that I wish is that I would have gotten the rear window defogger, and the 4th door.

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  Seasoned owner - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By a littleman - October 11 - 3:06 pm

  Have driven through snow, desert, heavy rain and wind - vehicle is everything we thought it would be - dependable, comfortable, roomy, great sound system, power, etc. Gas mileage is not what one can find in crossovers - but this is a true, solid SUV - one of the last with metal bumpers.

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  Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By mike m - October 10 - 5:36 pm

  Traded the 07 Caddy Escalade. Almost identical interior and options. However, the Acadia is better, more storage, easier to adjust the rear seats, back seats fold down. Miles per gallon, need I say anymore. Improvements over the Caddy, price,storage,double moonroof, rear seats move back an forth for taller passengers, amazing leg room for thrid seat passengers and easier to use options.

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  Like the Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Jim C - October 10 - 2:16 pm

  I expect the Acadia will sell very well because it has nearly everything a family w/ 3+ kids is looking for if you vehemently opposed to driving/owning a minivan. Most of the features of a minivan without the ridicule from your friends and family. Hard to put a price tag on that! We researched and looked at nearly every third-row SUV and kind of stumbled upon the Acadia and were pleased to find that it had all of the features that we valued. Roomy, enough trunk space with the third row up, easy-in and easy-out with the captains chairs, and better mileage than the very large SUVs. Overall, weve been very happy with the Acadia.