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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  GMC 2500 hd - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By eheahey - May 25 - 9:16 pm

  Good reliable truck. poor interior design for room (my 2003 was much better) 1st bose radio I have ever had that was worth the money. Satellite radio very dissapointing.

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  Buyer Beware! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By TINA - May 25 - 12:20 am

  We recently bought the Acadia because we wanted a car with better gas mileage than our Expedition. Big disappointment. We are only getting about 12 mpg. Since the sticker advertised 16 city/24 highway, you can imagine my surprise when I only got 12. The car is beautiful in design and interior layout is excellent. But if youre looking for a wonderful car with great gas mileage, buy something else. I will be getting rid of this car as soon as possible. Looks arent everything and if GMC cant do better than to make a vehicle with such poor gas mileage, they should stop making them. Ill take my Expedition back anyday.

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  NDN 99 GMC - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By NDN 99 GMC - May 24 - 7:45 pm

  I bought this vehicle new in SEP 98 and 123,000 miles later, still runs strong. Being military and family of six, I needed a tough vehicle. Been through deserts of South West at 116 degrees to Yukon and Alaska at -27 degrees. Yep, the rear view temp reads negative. Always ran with Mobil1 Syn oil. I love my GMC but three fuel pumps (out at 30K miles each), three batteries (broken at terminal), ate brakes pads, warped front rotors (solved with Power slots), broken door handle, glove box lid, cooling hoses at 90K miles, T-Box at 65K, steering mechanism at 102K, barn door handle x 2, seat heater died...leaks sometime but from where? We love this truck. Will repair/upgrade and keep.

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  Sweet Ride - 1992 GMC Typhoon
  By Redhawk110 - May 24 - 4:20 pm

  I purchased my 92 Typhoon about a year ago. The vehicle is 14 years old and the rest of the SUVs are just starting to catch up. I have 124,000 miles on mine and the engine, turbo and tranny still run like new. I have one small leak and it certainly doesnt effect performance. This SUV is the ultimate sleeper. The mileage is painful, but then again thats a more than fair exchange for the performance!

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  Disappointed - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Darryl - May 22 - 10:10 pm

  I have loved Chevrolets and GMCs for 30 years. My 03 Chevy Silverado was the best truck I have ever had. The 08 GMC has been the most disappointing truck I have ever purchased. I am constantly getting alarms that include: Park assist off, air bag, low tires when they are not. On top of the alarms that the dealer cannot fix I have had two interior fans replaced and they are rattling again. The motor is tapping even though I do the recommended everything. The ABS brakes act like I am on ice on dry road. Cheaper braking system. Already have warped discs. My o3 brakes went 144K miles. The sun visors are not wide enough to block the sun. Cannot handle the same trailer as the 03.

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  Drive It Till the Wheels Fall Off - 1996 GMC Yukon
  By gofigure - May 22 - 1:45 pm

  Bought my 96 GMC Yukon in 98 with 36,000 miles on it. I now have 165,000 on the odometer and it still is the most dependable vehicle I own. I have replaced the transmission at 125,000 miles. Uses no oil and never fails to start and run. New trucks should be made like this. I intend to drive it till it dies or the wheels fall off.

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  GMC Rules - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Truck Man - May 20 - 7:09 pm

  So far this has been the best truck I have ever had. I have the inline 5 and it has more than enough power. Great for work or play. Wouldnt buy anything else. Great truck!!!

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  Marine Can Do Attitude - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Eric - May 20 - 9:27 am

  With full size SUVs costing an arm and a leg and gas prices just as bad. Our family looked to the GMC Envoy XL with 3rd row seating and was sold on it the moment we sat in it. Great interior quality with the leather package. Performance, it is not a race car but can handle any of the riggors found within the city limits with ease. I found no problems with the steering, its just very easy to manuever. This quality has sold me on the Envoy and GMC as a whole and will be looking at them for my next vehicle purchase.

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  Cool Looking And Fun To Drive - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By ruben - May 20 - 5:16 am

  Best looking SUV for the money. Great at the pump without sacrificing performance and comfort.

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  What Happened - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Disappointed - May 18 - 1:00 pm

  I have had this vehicle for about 5 weeks with 2000 miles on it already. I have been so happy with the way it drives and handles. Until last night, all of a sudden the transmission would not grab. Engine racing and couldnt go over 30 miles an hour. Not sure if it is the transmission or the computer misreading something. Will find out tomorrow once the dealership looks at it. First time I had bought American and hope I am not going to be sorry. I am on the road all the time and need a car that is reliable. I am very disappointed. Never had this happen with any previous foreign made purchases. Not getting anyway near what they advertise for mileage - getting around 22 mph,