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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  First 3 Months - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By James Kearney - July 8 - 2:00 am

  This 2003 Envoy is the first new SUV I have owned or had experience with which had no defects which required a return trip to the dealer for a warranty repair - great quality!

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  Satisfied With my Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Terrain - July 5 - 10:16 am

  I purchased my SLT-2, 2.4L 4-cyl on December 11. I have been very well pleased with it for the first 1,000 miles. The 4-cyl has been real good for me and I am getting 22 MPG on mostly city driving. I havent been on the road yet. I would rate the vehicle overall a 9.5. The only problem I have had so far is in very cold weather, the ignition key would not turn off in the last notch so the key could be removed. The dealer has found a defective sencer and has ordered one from GM.

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  Executive Model Edition - 1995 GMC Suburban
  By JackBP - July 1 - 2:00 am

  Model bought off lease. This edition includes custom interior package of laquered wood trim, CD Multi-Player Unit,Quad 4 Leather Seating, and Video Entertainment System CD/DVD/Video Tape/Monitor.

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  02 Yukon - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By FMPG - June 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my second since 2000 and I love this truck. Gets good gas mileage for a v8 as well. Will own another one.

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  Great sooo Far! - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By larry brixey - June 28 - 2:00 am

  WE just purchased this SUV and soo far soo good! It runs great and has plenty of room for 8! My wife and daughter love the size and the reliability. WE plan on lifting it 3" and upsizing the tires to probably 36" Inches. It is a stylish, comfortable and affordable!

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  Best Vehicle - Best Experience - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By marcia - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I really like my new Envoy XL. I was questioning about getting the XL but I am very glad that I did. The extra room is nice. It is very comfortable to drive and ride in, even on long trips. The SLT package has everything and are very nice vehicles. I did my homework on all brands of SUVs and test drove everything. The Envoy won against the competition hands down! I purchased my Envoy at Sangster Motors in Wenatchee, WA and they were wonderful to deal with. Would suggest that anyone shop there.

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  Satisfaction! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Francesco - June 22 - 9:50 am

  I am glade that I choose the Acadia as my family car over a mini van the Honda Odessey that we drove over four years,and it is a super change for us have a secure, safe, functional SUV and is easy for the kids use the space and the confort the Acadia provide. Thanks to GMC for the bold and beautiful Acadia!

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  GMC Yukon XL Summit White 2002 - 2000 GMC Yukon
  By Magic Woman - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Best vehicle investment I have ever made. I use it for business and we are considering purchasing a second Yukon because it just meets all our needs for hauling equipment, furniture, weekend getaways, etc.

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  A Winner - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Nichole - June 18 - 7:03 am

  Overall, the 2008 GMC Acadia is a great vehicle. One thing I dont like is there is not a dome light when you exit the vehicle. Another downfall is the gas mileage, its not horrible but definitely not what they said it would be.They said it would get 18+, really I get 15- 16mpg, but the luxury is worth it. Everything else has been great for me, no problems with the shifting as I have heard others complain about. Also, the AC vents dont seem to hit me when I am driving. The vents are made for taller people. I am 56" so not too short.

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  Love it - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By cec - June 15 - 3:50 pm

  I drive approx 100 mi per day as a delivery vehicle, lots of idleing time, and average 15 mpg. Thats OK for a 4500 lb comfortable vehicle. Can hardly wait to go on a trip. The chrome dash ac vents reflect in the rear view mirror and is somewhat distracting.