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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  GMC Sierra - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By BJ Kirk - November 26 - 6:16 pm

  We bought this truck with traveling in mind. Havent retired yet, but we drive the truck every day and also driven it during vacations. Its equipped with a vortec 5.3L engine; in our opinion one of the best; along with many ammenities. Weve driven it for 5 yrs and its reliability is second to none. The cruise control is simple to use and the large bucket seats are comfortable. Also like the tilt steering wheel.

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  Envovy XL - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Hawkclark - November 25 - 2:00 am

  Good vehicle. Feels solid and has provided a really quiet ride. V8 engine delivers good pick-up. Like the roominess plus the interior finish is nice. Even though its a truck based vehicle, vehicle delivers a smooth ride.

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  So Far So Good - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By captonv - November 22 - 2:00 am

  So far I love the vehicle I am just not sure about the quality to cost ratio. GMC doesnt even give you the first oil change free ?? My lights also flicker when I hit a bounce must be an electrical short. Very comfortable ride. I used to say it rides like a Cadillac when a vehicle drove very well now I say it rides like a Dinali cause this actually rides much better.

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  The Best Ive Seen - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By MOC - November 21 - 9:50 pm

  I have put 70,000 miles on this truck, and it is by far one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. Any negatives I have seen on here were in reference to the SLE interiors or the Gas Engine and its transmission. The truck handles very well and can pull anything you can imagine. The 6.6L Diesel and its transmission get excellent mileage for a truck this size. I get 22mpg on a 55mph highway and 19mpg on 70mph highway. City mileage is around 14mpg(with lots of stoplights). I dont think you could find a quieter diesel thats more comfortable, more powerful, and tougher than this truck. The seats do have good lumbar support in the SLT package. I really highly recommend this truck.

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  Love the Acadia so much, we bought two! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Daphne Bernstein - November 16 - 4:33 am

  Before buying the Acadia, we looked at the luxury options at BMW, Acura, Mercedes, and Lincoln. The Acadia offered similar features at a fraction of the cost. While the gas mileage isnt great, we get lots of enjoyment from the bose speakers, ipod jack, heated seats, dvd player, two sun roofs, OnStar navigation, hands-free calling through my Verizon service, remote start that automatically adjusts the interior temperature, and the best cup holders ever made. The design is sleek, and we notice everyone takes a look when we drive by. There is lots of room for our kids, their friends, and everything that comes with them. We like the car so much, we bought a second one just a few days later

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  WE LOVE IT - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By RAY EVANS - November 13 - 2:00 am

  WE LOVE IT FUN TO DRIVE. FATHER IN LAW BOUGHT A NEW TRAILBLAZE.IT DOES NOT COMPARE.

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  Great Yukon - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Great GMC - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful SUV, super comfortable, great turning radius for a large SUV, great interior and exterior design.

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  Luv my Yukon - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Vanjenzo - November 9 - 2:00 am

  We really like our Yukon. We owned several SUVs before we bought it. The performance, ride handling and comfort is great. We owned a Ford and a Dodge, and by far the Yukon beats them both.

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  Good Beans - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Mesiah - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Its a good truck, more people should buy good ole american knowhow. Its good beans.

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  Dream Vehicle A Reality - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Mister - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Wanted a usefull SUV, not a tall car.. Test drove everything in the class including the Chevy, the GMC stood apart. Excellent engineering inside and out, VERY capable (no problems extreme off-rading) leather interior exceptionally comfortable. Pretty good sound system (the sub will distort at high volumes). I tow my 17 runabout without knowing its there. Autoride is a huge plus in my book, load it up and trailer and keep the level ride. One waranty issue (leaking front differential vent) that I spotted whilst chainging the oil, fixed in a jiffy and no problems since. A must have if you wnat the Utility in an SUV.