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 - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By SJS - November 29 - 2:00 am

  BEST ALL AROUND VEHICLE FOR FAMILIES SMALL AND LARGE. THIS SUV HAS MET ALL MY EXPECTATION AND BEYOND. IT IS A GREAT VEHICLE.

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  Good car from GM - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By stuard - November 28 - 4:46 pm

  We purchased this car after comparison of Pilot and CX-9. Our expectations were exceeded. Family members are very happy with it especially kids. Acadia is very roomy and styling. Ride is quiet and very comfortable.

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  exellent - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By stifler - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I,ve been shopping for a truck for a long time, and this one here beats them all if you love the outdoors this is the truck for you

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  Very Pleased - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By TSmith1926 - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, quality all around. Ive got the 5.3L engine and its awesome. Not the best on gas, but I knew that before I bought it.

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  Sharp comfortable work truck - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By efflandt - November 24 - 6:10 pm

  I am just approaching its first 1000 miles, so 13.8 ave. mpg of the 6.0L gas engine in wet to snowy suburban/hwy driving may improve in milder/dry weather as it gets broken in. The SLE1 interior trim is a step up from your average work truck with comfortable seats and leather wrapped steering wheel. A smooth quiet ride for a heavy duty truck under most conditions. Feels heavy, but stable and turns on a dime when you want it to. The 26 gal tank may seem limiting, but that is still good for mid-300 mile range, farther than most people would drive without taking a break. Overall it would be hard to find a better truck.

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  A great truck - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By stangin1 - November 23 - 9:20 am

  This truck has been very reliable and it still looks great. It has pulled whatever we needed it to. We have pulled cars from CA to MO and back with no problems.

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  Get On Board - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Robert - November 21 - 11:03 am

  By far the best crossover out there. Great handling with the stabilatrac, not like an SUV that can roll over easily. All the controls are very close. Getting 21 mpg, I think thats great for this vechile. If you dont need AWD get the FWD youll save about 1700 on the price & get 4 mpg more. If you need more MPG than this buy a Yaris.

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  Gotta Respect the Yukon - 1996 GMC Yukon
  By JusCrusinCali Yukon - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought her with around 98,000 miles on it. Thought that was kind of high but it was such a deal i couldnt say no. Plus the carfax told me she had be a commercial vehicle. Almost all highway miles. My only compliant is that the ignition had problems but that was promlty fixed, other then that she runs like a champ slight pull to the right nothing a good alignment cant fix. Thats all love my truck.

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  Velvet glove, Iron Fist - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Ray - November 13 - 1:20 pm

  This truck is the ultimate Great American Vehicle, a fast, powerful and exquisitely beautiful truck. I grew up in the seventies, and loved cars. This truck is quicker than Vettes of that era, with a ride equal to that of luxury cars of today. With its Z-71 suspension system this monsterous beast can cut around corners like a sports car, not bad for being able to tow 4 Mazda Miatas down the road without breaking a sweat. Gas mileage can stink, but this truck also comes with a sophisticated Driver Information System, one of its abilites is giving instantaneous fuel mileage. Steady 60 MPH kicks back 24.9 mph. That is phenomenal! Gunning the rumbling 5.3 motor is addicting however! I LOVE IT!

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  Everything it should be, & then some - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Gossett - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned & driven lagre SUVs for 30 years and now they really have it together. Its user freindly and most important, its a drivers SUV. Whether on the dry pavement of the interstate or charging through unplowed back roads of New Hampshire this vehicle handles very well and generally exceeds expectation.