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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  Great vehicle, Impressively Roomy - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Greg - December 18 - 2:23 pm

  I had been looking at Compact SUVs and a variety of cars for a few years now, and finally settled in on the Terrain. Im a bigger guy, 6 4", 290lbs, and I was amazed by how comfortable I am in the car. I could actually stand to put the front seat up a little bit from the farthest back it goes. Passengers were impressed with the room in the back seat as well. The amenities are very nice in the car, and works out to be better pricing than to try to get a feature-heavy Equinox. The 4 cylinder engine carries itself well. You wont confuse it with a Camaro, but it does good with acceleration and I have no complaints. Overall, Im very happy with the purchase--great job GM!

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  One of GMs best values - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By Lightfoot47 - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I have owned four (4) GMC S-15 Jimmys dating from 1988 to 1996. I drive 96 miles round trip daily and have only had very minor problems. I have back and leg problems but can ride comfortably.

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  First domestic vehicle in 34 years - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By John Mulligan - December 15 - 7:16 pm

  I have not purchased a new domestic vehicle since my 1974 Camaro SS. The Acadia is the first vehicle since that attracted me enough to make the switch. While the MPG isnt quite where I hoped it would be, I am averaging around 20 mpg with a combo of heavy freeway stop and go traffic. On a recent road trip to Arizona, I averaged about 24mpg, which I was quite satisfied with. I am very happy with this vehicle. For a versatile, all around utility vehicle with style and comfort, I dont think that you can beat it.

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  Best Vehicle Ever - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By John - December 15 - 3:20 am

  GMC Has finally got a product that has it all. Comfort, power, body style, and economy! Have owend less than a month, and have been asked about the Acadia almost daily. First vehicle Ive ever had that I can say is perfect!

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  Mine is a Duramax Diesel that wasnt on the list - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Mike L. - December 14 - 5:09 pm

  I have a Loaded SLT long bed 4X4 with the new Duramax Diesel engine. I love this truck!! It has great power once the turbo spools up. It takes a second for this to happen so there is a slight hesitation upon sudden acceleration but for the size of this motor it pulls really well. I paid $42,100 before tax and license which is a bit much but better than 60 grand for a full size diesel truck. The canyon is no small truck. It has a 62" bed (long bed) that is large enough for most loads and it still fits in my garage. I get 23mpg around town and 28 highway witch isnt bad at all. The technology is amazing. You can send or receive text messages without ever taking you hands off the wheel or eyes off the road and the bose stereo sounds great! The exhaust brake (jake brake) is a nice little feature that will extend brake life too! I highly recommend this truck to anyone looking for a midsize truck they can fit in their garage and still handle all the tasks the average light duty truck owner has. Its not cheap but far better than the toyota tacoma or nissan frontier. I am sold on this little diesel engine. Update: after owning this truck for a year and half I am still very pleased with it. I recently towed a 6000 pound trailer 50 miles trough some mountains and it did great! It was sluggish on steep grades but did the job. On flat surfaces and slight upgrades it pulls well. I still got well over 20 Miles per gallon while towing this trailer. I normally get close to 30 without towing. It’s a great little truck and I would replace it with another one in a second.

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  good ride - 2002 GMC Safari
  By emald - December 14 - 2:00 am

  2002 gmc safari has been a fine vehicle for my family. We have had zero problems with it. Here in Alaska the AWD and Anti lock brakes have been just the thing. With studed tires on it just wont be stopped.

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  GMC Yukon - 2000 GMC Yukon
  By J.Clancy - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Best vehicle that General Motors has ever developed--period.

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  Cool SUV - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By cheri2happy - December 13 - 2:00 am

  Had a pathfinder, this gets BETTER milage! This handles better, turns better, goes better~ For a full size truck, wow, I couldnt ask for anything else...

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  First Pickup and Its Great! - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Brett McIndoe - December 12 - 8:31 pm

  Im a little over 1,000 miles in on my 2016 SLE w/ All Terrain and am really enjoying the truck. Remote start is awesome, although I am overusing it a bit so it did ding the gas mileage. Overall Im in the 19s, on highway only trips it gets around 21/22. All Terrain tires probably does not help. I had experience with a Ford Ranger in the 90s and as expected this is light years beyond. In some ways it exceeds the interior of the Mercedes I traded in, although the Mercedes did have some bells and whistles this does not, such as dual zone climate control. While some reviewers do not like the infotainment, I think it works quite well and like it better than the Mercedes, and the voice activation is really easy to use. I did notice on some hilly highway driving it had to downshift to keep up at 65/70 mph, but otherwise have had no problem with power or acceleration. Im coming from Xenon headlights versus the Halogen that comes standard here and I will probably look into brighter lights at some point. Overall, I love the look, comfort and capability of this truck, very happy with the purchase.

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  my slt - 1998 GMC Yukon
  By Rick Lauder - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I love it. It has stability, and power. It is not as good on gas milage as one might like, but worth the extra expense.