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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  Good Looks - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Good Looks - October 12 - 8:13 pm

  Would like more hp when accelerating to get onto freeway or pass another vehicle, vehicle is a little sluggish in that area. Fuel economy is o.k., 17 mpg city. Otherwise overall excellent ride so far.

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  Great SUV. Bad Options - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Salex - October 11 - 9:16 am

  You hear all the hype about GMC being "Professional Grade", dont believe it. I purchased an 07 Envoy with a Nav System. This Nav system is a waste of money. It is DVD based like most, but the one thing that GMC did that all other makersdecided not to do was to only allow the in-dash unit to accept one disc at a time! For a $2000 option, dont waste your money if you want to Nav and listen to your CDs! Get the 6-disc in- dash and buy a TomTom or Garvin that rides on the dash. It is cheaper and better that way!

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  Awesome! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Jim - October 11 - 3:06 am

  We looked at all the current cross-overs, in the end this is the largest and in terms of efficiency, same or better as the rest. In comparison to imports, it runs on regular which is a huge plus, fuel econ better than MDX & X5. Versitility is tops; 2nd row captains and 3rd row bench easily accomodate adults and any kind of gear you want to store. Switched from smaller car, still adjusting to size. On the road, feel as big or bigger than minivans, but not as large as full size SUVs and some mid size SUVs. Getting 19.5 overall with a mix of 60% highway and 40% city. Driving close to posted limit, long highway trips getting 21, hope to improve once the AC goes off this fall.

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  2003 Envoy review - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By gord - October 10 - 7:18 pm

  At the end of the warranty, I had the car checked and all was fine. I was told nothing to worry about. 6,000 miles later and after the warranty expired, that same dealer provided me with an estimate of almost $2,000 to repair an oil seal, the links, brakes, etc. The SUV runs well, is a smooth running vehicle, but does not seem to be that reliable. Most of my mileage is highway between Canada and Florida, so we do not travel on rough roads that could affect this vehicle. Except for some trim problems at the beginning, a seat module control that had to be replaced (Cost of this module was (900$, but covered under warranty, and an oil leak, I have had no other problems with this vehicle.

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  Love it - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By DM - October 10 - 7:10 am

  One of the best trucks Ive owned. Was looking at another brand until someone told me how good the fuel mileage was with this truck. Somewhere around 18 to 20 mpg highway driving. The 6.6 Duramax diesel/6speed Allision trans is one awesome drive train. Plenty of power to spare. Shifting is very smooth. Interior comfort is excellent. The dual zone auto temp. control, leather power bucket seats keeps comfort at the front in this vehicle.I would highly recommend this truck to anyone wanting muscle and comfort.

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  2003 Denali XL - Excellent vehicle - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By wvufan5 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Overall, an excellent vehicle. I took it on a 8500 mile cross-country trip last summer. Lots of room, plenty of power. Performed well in all types of terrain. Drove it through Death Valley with myself, 5 passengers, and enough luggage for a three week trip. Didnt experience any problems. It now has 40000 miles with only very minor repairs being made (one air conditioning switch). I plan on buying the same vehicle next time.

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  Yukon XL - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By rsa240 - October 9 - 12:43 am

  This is the 2nd Yukon XL we bought and they are outstanding. Tried all the competition and they canÂ’t touch the ride quality, especially with Autoride. Good power, nice ride, great utility, good looks, quite, you name it. We have had only minor issues that were covered under warrantee. Both vehicles have gone through multiple batteries and I cannot understand why GM uses the same battery on the Yukon that they us on a Malibu??? I wish they had better seating arrangements. Having to choose the bench seat with more seating or captain chairs that are more comfortable is tough. GM should offer an option to have 3 captain chairs in the middle row like some mini vans. On-Star not worth $.

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  Impressed! - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By TSully - October 8 - 10:50 pm

  I think this vehicle is a bargain. The only other vehicle that you can compare to is the Escalade. I had an 04 Sierra 4wd extended cab. The new Sierra drives so much smoother and feels more solid. The steering feel is improved as well. Not so soft. I like the 6 speed transmission. It shifts smoothly. Except out of 1st gear. There is a little push there that makes you feel there is a lot of power here. I like not having to mess with the 4wd stuff. All wheel drive does it better. The looks are a surprise improvement to me. I receive a lot of compliments on the looks. The gas mileage isnt a bad as I expected. Same as last truck.

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  2007 GMC Yukon XL - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By donewithgms - October 8 - 4:26 pm

  This is a nice looking SUV, but that is one of the only good things i can say. Bought mine brand new, and have numerous ongoing problems. Excessive oil consumption, throttle body problems, and battery issues. The dealers and GM dont know how to fix many of the issues. GM customer support is useless unless the truck is still under warranty. They wont even help the dealer solve the problem. This is not the SUV to buy for reliability or long term.

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  GM Got This One Right - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By john178 - October 7 - 7:51 am

  Picked up my 2014 GMC SLT Sierra (Z71) today. It is black with black leather interior and chrome galore- including 6 inch running boards. I also put Line-X in bed of truck. The truck is a head turner for sure. There is additional room in the backseat, improved door seals make this even quieter than the 2011 Chevy Silverado I taded in for the GMC. Ive driven around all day and cannot come to grips with how comfortable the ride is. GM hit a homerun on this newly designed 2014 truck.