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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  Not to big not to small - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By Noru - February 4 - 9:03 am

  I have had my truck for almost one year. So far I have had no problem with this truck. It has a very smooth ride and feels very heavy duty. My gas mileage in town is around 17 city and 25 highway. I too don’t understand any complaint about the interior, as this is a truck and not a luxury sedan. I am looking forward to keeping this for the long haul.

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  Solid like a Rock! - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By Mr Monte - February 3 - 6:40 pm

  Ive put over 200K miles on my Burb and she still looks and drives like new. For 9 months I commuted weekly from Denver CO to Austin TX (950 miles) and with a 44 gallon tank I didnt have to stop for gas! Thats 25mpg hwy, city is only 13.5 mpg but I have a lead foot. I change my oil every 6K and use Castrol Syntec Synthetic Blend. Every 5th oil change I add Engine Restore and replace the serpentine belt, fuel filter and front brakes. All other fluids get changed every 90K along with spark plugs(bosch platinum),wires, cap, rotor, O2 sensors, rear brakes and fuel pump. I upgraded the fuel injectors at 205K and rebuilt the rear end. Replaced water pump, power steering EGR valve & shocks(KYB)at 120K.

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  Great Milti-Purpose Vehicle - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Hornetsp - January 29 - 3:10 am

  The vehicle handles extremely well and the features make it a car worth having.

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  Still satisfied after 2.5 yrs. - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Don in PA - January 28 - 4:10 pm

  I remain very satisfied with my GMC. I especially like the distinctive styling that sets it apart from all other trucks currently offered. I receive compliments on a regular basis. Most people assume it is 4-wheel drive with the off road stance. Its been 100% reliable throughout, with more than ample power for everyday driving. Driving with a full load in the bed is effortless. Driving on a rough country road is very smooth and controlled. I like this truck, and would buy another.

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  Most horrible car ever owned - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Esfandiar - January 28 - 2:05 pm

  I purchased this car to commute to work everyday and not for heavy duty use. This car has been driven only 17000 Miles and transmission started losing oil. The power steering makes noise and the car runs rough on turns. This is my second GMC car and the last one. I hate cheap workmanship, crappy design and horrible engineering. How can a well maintained car (by dealer every 3000 miles) has to have transmission problem after only 17000 miles? Please save yourself a lot time/money and buy a decent car and I urge GMS to send their designers to Honda or Toyota for through training.

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  The bus - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By w. stovall - January 27 - 10:00 am

  All our friends call it the "bus". When we all want to go out together, they call us. We have hauled a lot of stuff in it while remodelling our house. The water pump was replaced under warrany, but, no other problems. Gets 15 mpg no matter where or how you drive it, but 4 people and lots of luggage ride in comfort.

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  Good but not great! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By New Acadia Drive - January 27 - 6:10 am

  I love driving my new Acadia. I have no complaints about the ride, interior design, etc. I highly recommend it. The only downside is I am not getting the gas mileage I was told it should get. I am only getting 14 mpg. I took a trip with it and I expected to get 22-24 mpg but only got 18. There is a problem with the Acadia- if you park on an incline the computer gets confused on how much gas you actually have and your fuel gauge will show that you have less gas than you actually have. I was told that GMC is trying to fix it.

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  2008 Acadia - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By max63 - January 26 - 8:43 pm

  Got a FWD SLT-2 fully loaded. I test drove all the CUVs out there and this was the vechicle that fit all my familys needs. Very roomy, my 3 year son cant kick the back of my chair like in my volvo XC90. Large cargo area in the back fits all the family gear. Never thought I would buy a GMC, but we love this car.

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  What a great value, used Jimmys. - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By jimmysurecanjump - January 25 - 10:09 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for a year. I bought it with 87,000 miles. I just put new tires on it. Other than that the only expense has been oil changes and wipers. I love the storage space and good clean looks of the vehicle. Even with the deluxe SLT package the interior is a little plain to todays standards. It does have nice leather heated seats. I previously owned a 98 blazer that I bought new and only did oil, tires and front pads in 100K miles. These vehicles hold up and last. One can pick up a used 30k sticker vehicle for 4-6 K what a deal! Very realible and great utilty vehicle. I have found that cops tend to ignore this vehicle on speed traps too.

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  GMC Jimmy - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By gmc owner - January 25 - 2:45 pm

  Really have liked the car. Have had no problems with it. Regular mainrenance has helped to keep it in good condition.