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 2015 Denali ***LOADED***** - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By Sady - May 15 - 2:00 pm

  Bought the 2015 Denali w/ all the bells and whistles in October 2014. At that time, the new body style was very hard to find, because it was so new. I have owned for over 2 years & have 49,000 miles on it. Have major problems when going 65 to 70-75 mph on freeway with the transmission-- while driving and increasing the speed on highway, it feels like the car "jerks" as it accelerates. Its horrible! Have taken to dealership 3Xs complaining about it & they look @ me like I am crazy. I am getting ready to trade it in due to high mileage...other complaint is the usb ports--always tearing up my iphone cords. Miserable! When you plug your phone in into the usb, it automatically connects phone to vehicle...if you arent paying attention, end up missing texts, phone calls, directions. I do love that you can use OnStar w/ directions, & remote start from your iphone...great little perk. Love the 3rd row seats and cargo...haul kids & dogs

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  GMC 2015 Denali ***LOADED***** - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By Sady - May 15 - 2:00 pm

  Bought the 2015 Denali w/ all the bells and whistles in October 2014. At that time, the new body style was very hard to find, because it was so new. I have owned for over 2 years & have 49,000 miles on it. Have major problems when going 65 to 70-75 mph on freeway with the transmission-- while driving and increasing the speed on highway, it feels like the car "jerks" as it accelerates. Its horrible! Have taken to dealership 3Xs complaining about it & they look @ me like I am crazy. I am getting ready to trade it in due to high mileage...other complaint is the usb ports--always tearing up my iphone cords. Miserable! When you plug your phone in into the usb, it automatically connects phone to vehicle...if you arent paying attention, end up missing texts, phone calls, directions. I do love that you can use OnStar w/ directions, & remote start from your iphone...great little perk. Love the 3rd row seats and cargo...haul kids & dogs

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  The Acadia Dream - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Mike Louy - May 12 - 7:36 pm

  Lots of leg room with the seating.Nice ride,beautiful car.

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  8.1L tons of gas power! - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By black dog - May 11 - 4:50 pm

  The torque and power of the 8.1L is incredible, but be aware at the gas pump. An average of 9.1 mpg will be all youll get. Towing large campers or trailers is no trouble what-so- ever. Especially in lower range gears the 8.1L begs for more. All around I love the truck, including a great interior and stock stereo.

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  Easy Choice - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Easy Choice - May 11 - 3:35 pm

  Purchased new the day after big snowstorm.The 4WD is awesome and unobtrusive - really gets the job done. Also took from Ohio to Florida and back, great road vehicle. Fuel economy didnt suffer despite speeds of, well, lets just say well north of 70 MPH during the entire trip. Tire pressure monitor system saved our bacon when we picked up a screw in a tire in GA. The alert allowed me to change the tire before it went down and destroyed itself. Really nice vehicle. This thing has awesome legroom. Im 6" and can totally stretch out.

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  1995 Yukon - 1995 GMC Yukon
  By Capt2u - May 10 - 6:11 pm

  This has been a great SUV, 156K and going. Ive owned it for 10 years, replaced the starter, radiator, alt. regular oil changes and tires thats it! Drive it all over the western U.S. Hauls the boat kids etc. If you need a relaible people moving go to the fun truck, buy one of these!

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  Awsome ride! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Dee - May 10 - 2:40 pm

  I bought my Envoy new and I absolutely love it! I have had minor problems. Driver window sticks 2/3 of the way down and will not roll up or down. It has been in the shop 19 times and everything has been replaced but the wiring and the window. The 4wd light is starting to flash for no reason so it is going back to the shop. Other then this, I love the Envoy. The Envoy with the 3rd row seat has a much better ride the the ones without! It glides down the road just as well as a Cadillac. My husband refused to drive it because he is afraid he will fall asleep behind the wheel because it is so smooth.

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  08 Acadia not delivering promised MPG - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By muddy1 - May 9 - 4:46 pm

  The Acadia is great in every way but MPG. The new EPA estimates are at 16/22 but unless you always drive downhill with a tailwind its impossible to achieve. Were stuck at 14MPG in mixed town/highway driving and can only get to 19 on the highway. Given the 6 speed transmission I dont understand why we cant get more out of it. I also would like to see the vehicle that the EPA drove to measure estimated MPG. It just doesnt seem possible.

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  Nightmare for life - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By CBR - May 8 - 12:03 am

  We bought this vehicle new trading in a great Tahoe. I have owned everything from a Rover to Benz and this has been the worst ever!!! Every part of the driveline has been replaced and it has never been offroad. The electronics are a joke. Memory seats that dont work to a radio that wont turn off. Replacement of the instrament cluster (which GM now recog. as a known issue). Steering shaft problems (known issue to GM). You name it. NEVER AGAIN!

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  93 SLE 2 door / 4x4 - 1993 GMC Yukon
  By The Big O - May 7 - 10:51 am

  I bought this Yukon from a Mom and Pop shop almost ten years ago with 114000 miles on it. If it was black in color Id keep it and restore it but its two tone silver and teal and the rust is starting to show through so Im thinking off to auction it goes. Its been the most reliable truck Ive ever had but the GMC has had major repair bills over the years. I cant think of anything that hasnt been replaced at least once but the engine and tranny are still original and running strong at 215000. Still, I wonder if the money spent on repairs over the years wouldnt have been better spent on a newer model. Still a great vehicle for the market price of 3 thousand. Hate to see it go.