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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  Been to the shop twice already - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Alison62 - September 10 - 9:58 pm

  I have owned this for two weeks. Day 1, went to start car in driveway, wouldnt start. Had to be towed! Dead Battery, new car? Day 12, the wipers went off by themselves, and stabilitrak light went off. The wipers wouldnt stop. Turned car off to get gas, messages were gone. Took to the dealer. 24 codes had been thrown, but not the two that happened. They cant explain it. its running fine now.

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  My fifth GMC - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Mick - September 10 - 1:43 am

  This truck drives great! I have an 03 Yukon that gets about the same mileage without cutting 4 cylinders off so that doesnt seem to be worth much. It has developed a squeak in the front end the past few days like a dry ball joint but the dealership isnt open on the weekend so I will get it there Monday, pretty annoying for a truck with 3000 miles. I have always loved GMCS so I love this one too, it looks great and other than the squeak has been great. There is a lot of air noise from the doors that is annoying with the radio off. There are plenty of power ports for devices in the front and back and even one in the console!

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  2008 Acadia Rocks - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By West Chester, OH - September 9 - 8:23 pm

  Got one of the first 2008 Acadias and we love it! Replaced a Chrysler Town & Country. GM has done an excellent job with this vehicle, it continues to exceed our expectations. One minor problem with the power driver seat motor, but I wont take it back till its time for the first oil change. Our gas mileage started out low - near 14 MPG but increased to near 18 MPG after 2500 miles. We have the AWD version. The heads-up display, nav and back-up camera work extremely well together. The sound system is also great. Only other wish was for bluetooth, but Ill add some aftermarket version - the rest of the vehicle is awesome, maybe the best vehicle weve ever owned.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By FWhite - September 8 - 10:00 am

  If it had a bathroom I could live in it. Smooth on the highway, heated leather seats - great in Chicago when cold outside. 18 MPG on Highway is good but would like better - if at all possiable.

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  love my denali - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By alexmandi - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I love my Denali XL it is a joy to drive. I also have an H2 Hummer and when I get back in the Yukon it is like driving a car!

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  Nice 2003 Changes - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Lauri WIlfong - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2001 60,000.0 0 miles on it few little problems but over all great truck.. I traded for a 2004 and I loved my first one and like some of the NEW UPGRADES on my new one... Wish it would come in Blue :( not many options for colors but great ride. was looking at the Cadilac but could not get them to deal w/me and I am glad I got a new GMC

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  Whatta Truck! - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By krakrjak - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Excellent truck. MUCH more than I expected. Good value, excellent craftsmanship. Fit and finish is up there with fine import automobiles costing $75,000+.

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  Engineering design needed - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Joe - September 6 - 3:23 pm

  I purchased the newly designed 2007 model Denali with all the options. With winter here in Idaho, the accumulation of 1/4 inch of ice on the rear bumper, blocks the lift gate from opening. With the automatic lift gate option it keeps trying to open until it completes its cycle with all of the grinding that makes you cringe.. There is no splash guard to keep the tires from throwing snow and ice on the running boards. The build up of only a few inches does not allow the doors to open, or it drags the bottom of the door. When the snow melts on the roof it runs down between the door pillars and drops out the bottom and freezes on the running board, keeping the door from opening, or rubbing.

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  What else could go wrong - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By done with GM - September 5 - 2:25 pm

  We bought the Jimmy so my wife could have a low cost 4wd vehicle. Its probably my fault for buying it used, but it certainly isnt low cost. After replacing the heater core ($750) ball joints twice ($200 each time) and fuel pump ($300) I can say Im nothing but disappointed in this vehicle. And as Im writing this my Jimmy is sitting idle in the garage with the fuel pump out again and the 4wd solenoid ($550) out. Having only put 15,000 miles on the car Im nothing but dissatisfied

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  A Truck that puts a smile on your face! - 2006 GMC Sierra 3500
  By don lewis - September 3 - 5:36 pm

  I have owned this truck since 2006 and now have 56000 miles on it. The Duramax/Allison combo outshines the rest. I have hauled volleyball teams, 15000lbs 5th wheel up the Cascades, to work everyday and a multiple runs crosscounty and I smile everytime I start this truck up. Do I have complaints? One, the roof liner fit and finish leaves alot to be desired :( I have drove the rest and this is hands down the best. A Quiet diesel that can smoke the tires. I laugh when the Toyota boys try to pull something heavy up the mountains, they just dont have it. It will be the last truck I own.