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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  I Love My Acadia! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By lmstancel - June 23 - 10:10 pm

  This is my dream car! I love it! The way it drives, the luxury feel to it, everything. This car has every bell and whistle I could ask for. The back cargo area is roomy and the rear seats fold down and back up easily. The steering collum has touch control for everything. Very deep, roomy consoles. We fit 6 large adults very comfortably with lots of room left. The driver assist backup camera is so helpful. I feel very safe and confident driving this SUV.

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  GMC HD - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Harris - June 20 - 4:10 am

  Best vehicle I have ever owned. Still smooth and powerful after 150,000 absolutly trouble free miles. Ford and Dodge probably have as good an engine, but no way can they match the Allison/Duramax as a package. I used to trade trucks every year, but I still enjoy this one so much I want to see just how long it will go.

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  Great Ride - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By tn803 - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Choice of SUV. Top of the Line in its class. Blows away Sequoia in power and price.

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  MIni-Van Killer - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Clinton - June 14 - 1:20 pm

  Just bought the vehicle a week ago, and it has been great. We live in the mountains of Salt Lake and it has no problem with power. Love the fit and finish of the vehicle, as well as the car like drive.This really is the perfect vehicle if your wife hates the mini-van, but needs a mini-van. This car has mini-van advantages without the image abusing looks of a van.

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  Just a great looking SUV - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By NY Traveler - June 13 - 10:53 am

  This is just the finest looking SUV on the road today. Very comfortable and it delivers in excess of the 22mpg highway. Mine is fully loaded with everything imaginable. Instrumentation is excellent including the heads up display on the windshield. Bose is great as is the 36 "favorites" you can set up on the audio. Its nice that you can move from AM to FM to XM without changing the mode. This is my first SUV so Im just getting used to the size. My last car was a BMW 330 so the change is quite dramatic for me. Backup camera helps tremendously in reverse.

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  The First of Many - 1995 GMC Suburban
  By Newton - June 13 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this `95 Suburban new. Since I ordered, it had everything I wanted and needed. I have been very pleased with its performance and handling. At the 100,000 mile mark it went in for new tires and the installer just had to remark on what a nice truck it still was. We are so pleased that we are about to pick up a 2002 Yukon XL, equiped much the same except we moved up to a 3/4 ton to pull a larger trailer. I wouldnt have anything else. I do hope that we are as pleased as with our last purchase. A terrific truck!

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  Better ride and features than imports! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Pete OB - June 11 - 4:50 pm

  I have driven many different vehicles, having worked in the automotive field, but Im very impressed with the GMC Acadia. It has the space of a mini-van but definitly not the look of one and it rides as smooth as a sedan with the ability of an SUV. GM hit it on the head this time. Its truly a vehicle that covers all the bases. Plus a 5yr- 100K warranty and roadside assistance, (some of imports dont even offer roadside unless you purchase it), how could you lose. I give it a big thumbs up.

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  Sonoma Crew Cab the finest in Luxury - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By Slink - June 11 - 2:00 am

  The Sonoma Crew Cab is the finest in Luxury with a Kick! It has the power, it has the options, it is the best small truck that thinks its a big truck on the market hands down.

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  99Denali - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By AML - June 11 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has performed excellent, is a great car. Gas mileage is not too great but I was aware and accepted this when I purchased the vehicle. I and my family have been very pleased to date. The amenities are great and the car has been a tank through deep water ( we were in a flood last year, and in snow )

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  WHAT A TRUCK - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By skriser - June 10 - 2:00 am

  There are a few things to look for when buying. 1. Make sure it has LT tires and not P, the passenger radial tends to pull even though the alignment is good. We just spent over $500 putting 4 LT tires on and it rides a heck of a lot better. 2. Make sure there are good shocks.The dealer claimed to put on new shocks, they spent $11 a piece. They are wrong for that class of truck.3. Check for maintenace history. 4.Have FUN. We did the 100k tune up,and it runs like a champ. The gas mileage is about 15 mpg, but the tank holds 40 gallons and we can go a long long way on a tank.