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:

• 

  2014 Sierra Denali - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mzion - February 16 - 10:35 am

  very disappointed in this pickup. transmission down shifts when going at low speeds and try to speed up. the Navigation system has started acting up by adding 1hr 30 minutes to arrival time on and dealers says nothing they can do. just have to live with it. Totally unacceptable but cant get GMC dealers to even try find the problem.

• 

  2003 GMC Sierra 1500 bad brakes - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Danny S. - February 16 - 4:56 am

  My first 50,000 owning this truck were great. It drives like a car and works like a truck. However, the brakes started to make noise and vibrate when stopping. I had it serviced and found the entire brake system developed severe rust. The rear brakes did not function and a pad was dragging on the rotor. I had to replace all the brake parts. The job cost me $1800.00. I later check consumer affairs and found this to be a common problem with the new GM tucks.

• 

  Sleeper King of the Road - 1993 GMC Typhoon
  By Typhoon=Typhool - February 12 - 2:24 pm

  I first came in contact with this beast almost when they came out and I could not keep my eyes off it. As soon as I could find a good example of one, I bought. Best purchase I ever made.I believe that you only go around in life once, so you shouldnt cheat yourself out of an experience like this. Buy it, have some fun with it, and sell it so someone else can have some fun. Dont be greedy.

• 

  Bonnies van - 1996 GMC Savana
  By Bonnie - February 11 - 11:25 pm

  An excellent conversion van-- Trailmaster conversion. After 10 years and 160,000 miles it is still reliable and comfortable. This van has spoiled me for driving distances in anything else.

• 

  Why doesnt GMC make a Yukon 2dr - 1994 GMC Yukon
  By Mike Porter - February 10 - 5:05 pm

  This is a great vehicle. I have kept it for 13 years and it still looks and drive great. Its easy to get around and park and fits in my garage. The 4dr Yukobeasts GMC sells now are not nearly as much fun, useful or good looking. This is a vehicle I love to head out in on Saturday doing my errands. Not for soccer moms on a cell phone. This is a guys truck.

• 

  GMC Canyon 2004 - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By CentPADon - February 10 - 4:52 pm

  I have owned my GMC Canyon for two and a half years now. Ive found it to be a very reliable vehicle, with great distinctive styling that sets it apart from other offerings. When we take this vehicle on a trip, we average about 24mpg. I opted for the five cylinder, and I havent regretted it a bit. It has a lot of torque. Hauling with a bed full over heavy items is effortless. I get many, many compliments on the exterior styling and what a sharp looking truck it is.

• 

  Great Truck - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By belliott77 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Great truck, surprisingly good mileage. Strong engine.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Rob F. - February 6 - 5:06 am

  We purchased our "barely used" 2008 Acadia 3 weeks ago. It had 9600 miles on it when we bought it and we have put cose to 1000 miles on it in the time we have had it. So far, we feel that this is an awesome vehicle. We have averaged right around 20 mpg in both city and hwy driving, and have experienced none of the transmission problems that so many reviews mention. This vehicle is definately an improvement over the 2002 Ford Windstar it replaces. The only gripe I have is the poor rear visability. A back up camera would be nice to have.

• 

  Nothing but problems - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Ursula Sexton - February 6 - 12:11 am

  Do not purchase any GMC product. The quality of their autos is poor. Customer service is even worse. I have been lied too and put off by company concerning complaints and issues. Not a reputable company at all.

• 

  Oil Consumption - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Frank - February 5 - 6:13 pm

  The new body style GMC Sierra with a 5.3 liter V8 has some oil consumption issues. My truck purchased new with only 30 miles on it, now with 26,000 miles on it and 3 years later, burns 1 quart of oil between oil changes. I suspect that the all aluminum block design probably has some oil ring clearance problems since I do not have any external leaks yet. Although there is no blue smoke coming out that can be seen, doesnt mean that it is not being burned. GM should do better here for a $46,000 truck. I am sure that the Suburbans and Tahoe owners are experiencing these same issues with the oil and 5.3 liter V8. I wont be buying GM again. Switching back to Ford.