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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  Love my truck! - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By shelli - February 2 - 2:30 am

  Ive had my Yukon since April 04 and have not had any problems with it. Its got over 45,000 miles on it and everything is still like new. We have 4 children and often take trips that last over 5 hours each way -- the DVD player is a treasure. I love the heated seats and Stereo too!

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  Snow Surfin Safari - 1991 GMC Safari
  By miluch - January 28 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has 210,000 miles and never misses a lick. All major componants are original, no oil consumption, use it to tow regularly, and... it is just awesome in the snow and on ice slick roads.

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  Nice car - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Kevin & Laura - January 26 - 10:06 pm

  We really like our Acadia because of how it looks and it drives really nice, great turning ratio, very comfortable! We have 5 kids including 3 teenagers and we all fit in here with plenty of room. More leg and body room than our Suburban but we miss the storage room in the back. We have the FWD and are only getting 20 MPG and we drive mostly highway so thats a little disappointing. The vehicle is very doggy on hills unless you lay into the gas and then it wants to fly. Agree about the chrome on the dash, would be better to just make it the color of the dash as the sun does reflect off of it. We love the syling and people are always looking at it and even ask us how we like it, etc.

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  Smoooooth - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By happy_driver - January 24 - 2:00 am

  My previous vehicle was a 96 Pathfinder...given the Yukon is a larger vehicle...but the drive is soooo much better. The V8 engine has alot of kick to it, but not too the point where is throws you into the back of your chair. Ive had it 24 hours, and I look forward to the next 100,000 miles with my Yukon.

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  GMC trucks - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Randy - January 23 - 11:06 am

  I have owned lots of heavy duty GMC trucks with gas engines (5.7liter and now 5.3liter) for many years for myself and for my business. We very seldom have had any major breakdowns with these vehicles other than wearing them out after several hundred thousand miles have been first put on the trucks. Many times we just overhaul the truck and put it back in service. They have always been very reliable vehicles for our business and personal use. We recently purchased 3 light duty Canyon trucks with the 5 cylinder engines and so far with over 100,000 accumulated miles they have also been trouble free and are also providing great gas mileage!

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  GMC = great motor car - 2000 GMC Yukon
  By Greg8 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Bought the truck used w/ 5,015 miles on it. Now has 41,500--only maintenance has been oil, filter, and (1) fuel filter. Very roomy, very comfortable ride, mileage as good or better than the 90 Isuzu Trooper it replaced for me. Construction is very solid. Big truck commands respect on the freeway, too. Much quieter ride than the Trooper and much more powerful (285 HP vs. 150 HP).

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  this is a great truck - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By Ike - January 19 - 2:00 am

  this truck is great but i have the 4 cylinder and it could use a little more power in some situations. this truck is good on gas. comfortable and reliable.

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  this is a great truck - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By ike - January 19 - 2:00 am

  this truck is great but i have the 4 cylinder and it could use a little more power in some situations. this truck is good on gas. comfortable and reliable.

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  Best SUV Ive had yet - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Bernard Gonda - January 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had MPVs, Blazers, and Explorers but nothing matches the ride I get from this SUV. My wife and I prefer to travel in it over our Bonneville. I have only had one problem with it. Recently the load levelers failed because the check valve on the compressor broke. This was remedied by the dealer in 4 hours.

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  Whats Not to Like? - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By LittleJohn - January 17 - 11:43 pm

  I know this may seem early, but this is one great truck. Fit and finish is perfect. Interior design is great, well layed out. Exterior looks great! Love the Stealth Grey Color! The active engine management is seamless. I cant feel it switch from V4 to V8 or back again 1st tank mpg was 15, pretty good for around town for a lead foot like myself. This truck is as quiet as my Dads Avalon and rides just the same. The rain sensing wipers are terrific. If GM keeps this up with the rest of its vehicles, it will win back a lot of foreign car buyers. My last two new vehicles were a Honda Odyssey and a Tundra. This GMC is just as good as either of those vehicles