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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  My Jimmy - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By UnoT - February 15 - 2:00 am

  This car is great...I feel very comfortable driving it and whenever i am in i feel free...if you take care of it it will take care fo you and u have had no major problems at all

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  A New Generation of Quality - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By rick_hynes - February 13 - 11:40 pm

  Ive had this truck for just about a year, it replaced a 2002 Chevy Silverado. Nimble footed, powerful,well able to keep up with daily work requirements and still feel like you riding in a luxury SUV. Power to spare when towing (we have a 28 power boat) you have to look in the rear view to remind yourself the boat and trailer are still there. Mileage is great hwy/city. thus far very pleased with the choice of GMC.

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By jlem - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought my first SUV six weeks ago and opted for the Envoy SLT, fully loaded, mostly because I liked its lines, but also because of what Id read about it. Test-drove it and found it comparable or superior to other SUVs I tested, including Land Cruiser. Its solid on the road and quiet, even at 80 mph, a very comfortable. The only negative, a small complaint, is the poor city gas mileage - about 14 mpg, sometimes less. But on the highway, I get better than 20 mpg, even at sustained high speed.

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  Amazing TRUCK!!!!!!! - 2012 GMC Sierra 1500
  By bigguybob13 - February 12 - 3:24 pm

  This truck is the best choice I ever made, its my first truck ive ever bought, my brother and parents are having great luck with theirs so i thought id give it a shot. Could not have asked for more with this amazing vehical, im 64 and the shortes of 4 guys in my family, we all fit great in this truck, great for road trips or just driving around town, gas mileage is great for the size and safety!

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  Awesome Vehicle for the Money - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By DARREN - February 8 - 6:33 pm

  This vehicle has all the room and very reponsive on take off and on the interstate. Around town it looks good and very simple to drive.

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  Nice truck - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Love the style - February 8 - 10:36 am

  test driving the Canyon Denali this week. I like the truck very much, but couldnt find a comfortable driving position. The power seat is lack of adjustment and the front of the seat is too tall. I decided not to purchase it. Besides that, its a nice truck. This is a Denali, but the seat is suck.

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  Not Tippy or Numb - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By hooverj - February 8 - 2:00 am

  After having spent months looking at and driving all the other major players in this class, Envoy was overall and in most areas superior. Dont know what reviewer decided "numb steering" and "tippy in the twisty", the only one close in quality and handling but with better gas mileage was 4-Runner!

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  Great 4 cyl SUV from GM - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By PmcGee - February 5 - 10:10 pm

  Just picked up a Terrain a couple of days ago. Ive put about 200 miles on it already, and its a great vehicle. My last two cars were foreign, and I fully expected this purchase to be foreign as well, but GM has put together an SUV that rocks its class (Rav4, CRV, Rogue, Santa Fe, etc). I bought the FWD, 4cyl SLE. It comes standard with 3-way power seats, XM Satellite Radio, a backup camera with a 110 degree wide-angle view. The vehicle seats 5 and is fairly punchy for a 4cyl. I had a 4cyl Nissan Altima previously, and this vehicle is comparable off the line. Most important for me however is the 22mpg city/32mpg highway that the Terrain gets, with SUV size & comfort.

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  What a TRUCK! - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Huck BB62 - February 3 - 10:00 am

  If you havent driven a new GM heavy duty, youre in for a shock. The thing is super quiet inside. Ive got the upgraded interior and its very very plush. The 6.0 is a forceful engine and delivers in spades. It is a very capable truck off road and on long trips, its real pleasure. A long inspection of the underside and underhood of this truck reveals a ton of thoughtful engineering and plain old brawn. Not ONE factory assembly error has been found on my truck. If it got stolen tomorrow, Ill be back down to the same dealer to get one just like it.

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  Comfortable, Reliable & Looks Great - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Kalbo - February 2 - 10:03 pm

  Excellent ride. Remote start, power rear door great to have. XM, Four captain chairs make easy access to third row for adults a cinch. navigation and climate system contribute to the pleasure of driving the Acadia.