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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  Sierra to Yukon - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Brad - December 9 - 9:34 pm

  Traded a nice 2002 Sierra for this fully loaded Yukon and what a step up this is. Only had it a couple of weeks and Im still in awe of just how cool this big SUV is to drive. Took a while to find one with all the goodies without a sunroof (cuts down on head room). Besides, this is Texas. We get in our vehicles to get out of the sun. Im hoping the gas mileage improves, but I didnt buy a full size SUV thinking it would get 30 MPG.

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  GM has a winner! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By DHL - December 8 - 8:30 pm

  We saw this car on the showroom floor, took it for a test drive and were completely overwhelmed with ride quality, comfort and styling. Its the most stylish vehicle weve ever owned with features we thought we would never be able to afford in an automobile. The dashboard and console are nicely designed with all controls at your fingertips. The dual sunroof is really cool, letting in plenty of light. Radio controls in the back are great for tailgate partys and theres plenty of space for storage in the back. This summer, we towed a 19 foot boat and a storage area full of gear from behind the front seats to the rear tailgate with no loss of power, handling or ride quality.

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  AMERICANS ARE BACK - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By HARD SELL - December 8 - 10:00 am

  NEVER BOUGHT A NEW AMERICAN AUTO TIL NOW. WE LOOKED AT EVERYTHING FOR OUR FAMILY, AND COULD HAVE BOUGHT ANYTHING, THIS YUKON 5.3, 4- CAPTAINS, DVD, WHITE, TAN LEATHER, TOW, AND FINALLY A GREAT STEREO SYSTEM FROM GM, GREAT A.C. CHROME WHEELS. WOW GOOD JOB YOU AMERICANS, WATCH OUT REST OF THE WORLD. THE AMERICANS ARE BACK! BORN AND RAISED IN CALIF.

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  Great truck - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Doug - December 7 - 5:29 pm

  This is my first GM product, and so far so good. Its comfortable, smooth, quiet and powerful. The features in the vehicle are vast, and I agree with another Edmunds reviewer that the dealers need to be more aware of the features and their functionality. They were clueless (first time Ive actually had to read an owners manual). Aside from that, Im very satisfied with the vehicle.

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  Junk - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By jp1 - December 7 - 4:19 pm

  This is by far the worst car I have ever had. When it starts, and you never know if it will, it sounds like a flock of birds going down the road. It makes weird noises in the dashboard, along with popping noises from the windshield. On wet pavement or snow and ice it is completely unmaneuverable and unsafe. Brakes are undersized and inefficient for the vehicle. It is terrible for wasting gas. I had a 78 Oldsmobile 88 that got better mileage. The door locks freeze up completely at 29 degrees F. Oil cooler hoses can go without warning, frying the engine within a matter of minutes. The CD player and sunroof work, so you can listen to music while the snow comes falling in. Id rather walk.

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  Happy Driver - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By love it - December 7 - 12:22 am

  I love my Envoy. For a truck the handling is wonderful. Great pick-up in the 6 cyl and a very comfortable drive. I splurged on top of the line interior and it is well worth it. My biggest complaint is the very noisy air conditioning system. Unless you have it on low it is very noticable and annoying. Also the back windows cannot be opened unless the front are also open or you have a very uncomfortable air compression going on. Small problems to put up with compared to the very positive performance, style and comfort. I love the OnStar feature. Well worth the small cost.

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  Good But. - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Jason - December 5 - 5:02 pm

  For a midsize pickup I have no great complaints. It is great for a light load, and has a slightly larger look to it than the previous S-10. With 30,000 miles on it, I have had no problems.

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  Strong Over Time - 1990 GMC Suburban
  By Hunter - December 4 - 10:20 pm

  A bulletproof machine that was perfected near the end of its design run. Well mannered and still capable 16 years after I bought it. Suprisingly easy to park. Worlds apart from the passenger vehicles GM was dumping on us back then. Only advice- keep your all your engine gasket seals fresh or they will shrink and leak.

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  Excellent Mid-Sized Truck - 2017 GMC Canyon
  By Jon - December 4 - 10:34 am

  This is a base model Canyon, with no real features (were talking manual side mirror adjustments here), aside from the 308-hp V6 and towing package, and very basic convenience option, including cruise control, easy-left tailgate, and a few other basics. The only other option was the gray metallic paint... No navigation, no advanced sound system, no chrome, no leather - but the vehicle is absolutely gorgeous, and performs well as a daily driver that can also tow the boat or load up for a family outing, very pleased...

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  Best of breed - 2005 GMC Sierra 3500
  By Crusty Codger - December 4 - 8:30 am

  Except for the cruise control switch that failed early on and the really poor tires that were provided I have had zero problems with my GMC 3500 long bed duramax allison crew cab dually that I purchased in 2005. My GMC has largely been used for hauling trailers, including my 35 foot fifth wheel, a car hauler and a 20 foot box trailer. The diesel never falters, even on fairly sharp inclines. And compared to Ford or Dodge the engine remains quite quiet.