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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  Amazing! - 2008 GMC Yukon XL
  By NJ Alvin - December 6 - 8:06 pm

  Ever since we bought this truck I cant wait to drive it again and again. My wife and my three kids like it very much. There are so many qualities that really hooked me into driving this truck almost every day. Comfort and ride are superb, handling is secure it makes us feel that we are safe especially for our kids. I like the design both outside and inside. Engine power will not compromise when you need it. Features that we find very useful like onstar, bluetooth and a lot more. In other words it is simply Amazing!

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  Great Vehicle! - 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
  By Jay - December 5 - 5:23 pm

  This is a very well engineered vehicle. In 9 months I have driven over 27,000 miles in both city and highway driving, as well as a short 300 mile trip towing a medium size Uhaul. Very comfortable on the road and around town. For a 5,600 lb. SUV with 4WD I cant complain getting 18.5 MPG pulling a trailer at 80 MPH and 19.5 MPG on the open road at 85 MPH. Around town I average 20 MPG and I dont drive like a little old lady.

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  Acadia - Grand Slam Homerun - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Bill Sheridan - November 26 - 4:26 pm

  I researched everything out there, and landed on the Acadia. I needed a good family car with a towing capacity of not less than 4500 lbs. That shortened the list to the MDX and the Mercedes, and other GM Lambda platform cars. I purchased a loaded SLT2, and it seems great. Build quality is excellent. It handles extremely well. I believe GM hit a grand slam here. If build quality holds up, this car will compare very well against the MDX and others. And, the six speed tranny should give me an efficiency edge over all non GM competitors (until they adopt similar high efficiency transmissions).

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  Great Truck! - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By hakdaddy - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I previously owned a 2002 F-150 prior to this truck, which was an absolute lemon. Ford did nothing to fix the numerous problems, which led me to switch to GM products again. I can say I am pretty impressed with the truck overall. It has decent power, but lacks a little in the torque department. The body, fit, and finish are excellent. There are no squeaks or rattles. Mileage is about 10% better than the similarly equipped Ford. There are many more amenities in the GMC, including OnStar, and XM radio. I will never buy another vehicle without XM. It is great in remote areas. The truck also runs great, and the transmission shifts smoothly.

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  Acadia - MN Driver - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Geddyr - November 10 - 11:53 pm

  Outside of the couple off issues with the transmission this vehicle has ran great as it nears its first year and 12,000 mles. What impressed me most were the calls from GM and their engineers when they found issues with the transmission as one of the first customer to purchase. Best of all, this car has handles great and been 100% reliable in this very cold and snowy winter

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  Sad but true - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By gm again - November 9 - 11:50 am

  This truck was without question the nicest riding, looking and driving truck I have ever owned. Good power for towing or snow plowing with the standard 6.0 gas engine. This truck, despite its terrible fuel economy [avg 10 mpg with 4.10 axles] was always a pleasure to drive. Two days ago I started up the truck to hook up the job trailer it was hard to pull out of park. I noticed the check engine light on and noticed rough running along with a burning smell. I had it towed to the dealer and got a phone call that mice had eaten wiring in the power center under the hood and that all the wiring and the power center would need to be replaced. After seeing in person what a catastrophe it must go.

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  Nice job GMC - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Timotheus - November 5 - 1:53 am

  After narrowing the choice down to either the Acadia, or the Mazda CX-9, we went with the Acadia - and we couldnt be happier! My two boys love the dual sunroofs and the DVD Entertainment system. Handling is outstanding and the ride comfort is better than expected. Minimal road noise allows for easy adult conversation while the kids are entertained. My wife loves the power liftgate and remote start features. We Havent had it long enough to judge fuel economy - still on my first tank ! This one can stand up to an import any day!

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  Love my truck... so far - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jim Talley - November 4 - 2:00 am

  In January I bought a 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE with the trailering package and the Z71 off-road package. The truck is quite as a church mouse on the inside and runs beautifully. The ride is firm, like a truck, but not so stiff that you have to visit your dentist and have your fillings put back in weekly. Visability is very good and the inside is extremely comfortable (including the back seat). Transmission shift isnt always smooth as GM silk and there is some growl from the front end in 4WD... time will tell if these are normal or not.

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  Work Truck - 2016 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Michael Little - November 2 - 10:28 am

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  Really Great Truck - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By BEDFORDFORREST - November 1 - 5:16 pm

  I am very happy with my new Sierra. Fuel economy has been better than expected, but I drive 70-75 max and dont floor it. Getting a solid 20-21 on highway and 16-17 city. The SLT interior is plush and the seats and ride are wonderful. I would recommend this truck to anyone. There isnt anything I dont like except I wish they offered a bluetooth option and 6 speed tranny!