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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  water leakage - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Denise - December 22 - 10:34 am

  We too are having problems with water inside the vehicle.Pretty embarrassing having passengers notice water is dripping from the dome light in the back seat and they get wet putting on their seatbelt. We have had it to the shop three times now, first it was the drain tubes, then they said it was the roof rack and now thirdly, its the sunroof. (they admitted fixing the drain tubes incorrectly on the first visit) Water dripped from the dome light, from the seatbelts, under the driver side soaking the floor board. We had it leak onto the dash board from the inside window. As much as we all spend on these GMCs this is unacceptable. We hope there is no long term damage. FRUSTRATING!!

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  An Uneasy Feeling - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Ro-Ro - December 17 - 11:03 am

  We owned the 2007 Acadia less than three years. First 2.5 were great. Only complaints were poor rear visibility and bad fuel economy. THEN, major breakdown with kids in car. The water pump went. 1 week in shop. TWO months later, another major breakdown with kids in car. This time they couldnt figure out what was wrong. Transmission and engine problems. ALMOST 3 weeks in shop. I have now lost all faith in the vehicle. Thank goodness it was still under warranty. Id never buy another.

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  2nd opinion - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Martin - December 16 - 11:21 am

  Have now driven the vehicle 20,000 miles, nearly all in Mexico. Good news is that I have had no mechanical problems at all and the car is very useful for hauling people and baggage. However, gas mileage remains unsatisfactory. Even at sea level, averaging around 55mph, mileage never goes over 18 miles per gallon. Have had the vehicle checked twice for gas consumption, with the computer showing no problems. I cannot believe other, much higher, mileage reports. Local GMC dealer confirms that real gas mileage does not come close to advertised numbers.

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  sonoma review - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By Sonoboy - December 15 - 1:46 pm

  Great little truck. Have a plow mount for it and it works great. Easy sight lines in reverse. Nice, comfortable interior. A/C works good, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, reading lights in the mirrors, mirror defrost option is really handy!!! Decent leg room, a little crampy on longer rides for big guys. Powerful motor that gets the job done. Nice package. Plenty of bed room and the extended cab provides a nice area for extra storage when you need it.

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  Great truck few problems - 2009 GMC Canyon
  By seabig - December 15 - 9:49 am

  I have a 2009 ex cab long box 2wd. Pros. -gas mileage, just over 20mpg in the city -no problems really so far, -stabilitrac is a must for winter driving -stereo sounds great -comfortable -power is adequate -Love all the chrome and the little tool boxes under the rear seats Cons. -Tires (amerigeneral) love to grab little stones and fling them up causing paint chips. Driving down a road that is dirty sounds like you are being shot at. -Plastic around stereo and vents looks very cheap -trac control comes on automatically and limits acceleration if you forget to turn it off and try to jump across traffic you might die -drivers door wouldnt shut right but dealer adjusted it and its fine now

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  Great Truck - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By CJB - December 15 - 12:06 am

  I bought the truck new in 2003.I needed something for the snow and thought I would try a GMC for once.There have been no problems with the truck until the 4WD module went out at 55k miles.The truck seems to dance around in the rear end in the snow abit.havent had any problems to speak of until 85k miles when the left front hub bearing went out. Tires lasted until 68k miles and still have the original battery in it.The front/rear brakes still have 50% left and should be good until 150k miles.The interior is still solid and everything still works like the day I bought it.

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  Frustrated Husband - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Frustrated Husband - December 13 - 2:54 pm

  Wifes car fully loaded AWD. In the shop too much! 47K on it now. Left wife stranded at least 4 times & 2 times so dead onstar wouldnt work. In shop over a month straight on 1 occasion. Thought problems were due to the sunroof leak, so accepted that as final fix around 30K. At 37K back in the shop, again at 40K, 44K & 46K. Intermittent DVD problems since 8K, figured it was certain DVDs, after warranty expired got worse. Last problem water leaking in car at side windows, fix was $110 to adjust the alignment on doors & car has never been off road! Key wouldnt come out of the ignition, chaffed wire $150. Car wouldnt start, faulty engine sensor, $250 not under power train warranty.

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  GNC Beats Imports - 2016 GMC Terrain
  By Pat Leaper - December 13 - 9:49 am

  Excellent Value compared to German counter parts. Excellent Technology. Poor turning Radius. Very comfortable ride, hugs the road well. 6cyl has poor mileage

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  Fun SUV - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By sunrig - December 12 - 3:50 pm

  Had to replace throttle body at 38,000 miles. Had a 2003 Yukon Denali. Nicer rig but Envoy is a great rig. My wife loves it, as nice as her BMW.

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  Duramax Rules - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By mARK - December 10 - 12:33 pm

  I love this truck so much! more quiet then a Dodge or Ford Diesel. This truck could pull a battleship with its strong Allison transmission!