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:

• 

  Driving Miss Daisy - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By studentdrivr - July 17 - 9:06 am

  Just bought the Denali and Im having almost much fun with it as I do with my 07 Corvette! I had ordered a 5.7 Crewcab Limited Tundra mainly for the 6spd tranny. I had looked at the Silverado but was unhappy with the lack of a 6spd. Luckily I happened upon my all black Denali and it was love at first sight. Needless to say I was sold, took it back to the dealer and drove it home. I love the look,I love the way it handles and the interior is probably one of the best truck interiors Ive seen. Did I mention it goes real fast? Everything works as designed, no buyers remorse

• 

  Not quick but still very much OK! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Woody in Virginia - July 17 - 5:36 am

  Weve had it a month - already taken a 1,000+ mile trip... bottom line is that we love it. Feels as big as a Tahoe [weve had one of those] but handles as well as the Jeep Grand Cherokee [weve had 4 of those...] on the road. This is an AWD model [with every goodie except the cargo area audio control] to help with the snow we get from time to time but off-road was not a consideration for us. I am impressed with the fit and finish as others have said - much more upscale than the similar model from Saturn [and the Acadia price was the same as the price for the Saturn]. The navigation system is superb - the best one that I have ever seen -- very easy to operate.

• 

  Another great product - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By SharieLinn - July 16 - 1:00 am

  We are a loyal GM family. This is our second GMC SUV, and it is the greatest. Has a smooth and quiet ride. Its got the Brut of an SUV with the ride of a fine car. The best of both worlds. Plenty of leg room in the second and third rows.

• 

  Best Vehicle I have ever had - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By Bob Boyle - July 12 - 9:36 pm

  My 2015 Yukon Denali is simply the best vehicle I have ever owned, 60K mile and no break fix repairs or complaints other than the price but, I guess, the quality is what I paid for! I have had most of the big time cars such as Cadillacs and Mercedes but this vehicle is the best and its a truck with all the cargo capacity to boot. It is quiet, has a great entertainment system, the iPhone also hooks up to the system which never happens in my wifes Ford, huge acceleration, great traction, what more can i say

• 

  Best Vehicle I have ever had - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By Bob Boyle - July 12 - 9:36 pm

  My 2015 Yukon Denali is simply the best vehicle I have ever owned, 60K mile and no break fix repairs or complaints other than the price but, I guess, the quality is what I paid for! I have had most of the big time cars such as Cadillacs and Mercedes but this vehicle is the best and its a truck with all the cargo capacity to boot. It is quiet, has a great entertainment system, the iPhone also hooks up to the system which never happens in my wifes Ford, huge acceleration, great traction, what more can i say

• 

  Great family car - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By mike brien - July 10 - 3:00 am

  We have had our Acadia for 3 weeks and drove to South Carolina and back from NY without any problems. Very comfortable (15hrs of driving straight). We drove through snow, sleet, wind, rain and sun. It handled great in every aspect. We have two young kids. They had plenty of room for all the toys and things to keep them occupied for 15hrs.

• 

  The new diesel is "wow" - 2008 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  By Brian - July 4 - 2:06 pm

  This non dually 3500 with the new diesel is a blast and very man like. I just purchased a 2006 3500 dump for my construction business. I love the fuel economy and the way it pulls my big trailers I didnt care for the new body style so I found a new 06. I added a pickup this month and all they had were 07 & 08. I bought the 08. Holy cow is the power different. This truck is sharp and can pull a trailer. It gets worked on job sites and I pile the mile on. Good fuel economy and pretty comfortable for a 3500. I will buy more as I update my fleet from Ford to GMC.

• 

  GMC # 5 in 8 years - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Guy in Texas - July 1 - 5:23 am

  I have 1400 miles on my new truck. Love it. The 5.3 w/6A is a super combo. Using the electo/manual shift button, you can chirp the (18" chrome clad) tires in 2nd gear (it hits quick!). Just traded a 2008 GMC 5.3 w/4A. 3 reasons why I traded/upgraded so quick: 1) Cloth seats collected lint, 2) Slow (20" wls) 3)Fantastic trade-in value on the 08. I have no trouble getting 20mpg highway at 75mph. If you drive it like you stole it, you cant get much worse than 15! Easily 10% better than my 08. The leather seats are great for long trips. Deep floor mats, nice touch. Added Retrax bed cover, black nerf bars & black wheel well liners for the rear wheels. Looks good with white paint.

• 

  Can you say wow!! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By ctpatsfan - June 27 - 3:40 pm

  Looked at Subaru Outback and Forrester as well as Ford Escape. None could compete with drive, feel or accessories of the GMC Terrain. Almost didnt look at the Terrain but glad I did because I fell in love with it once I drove it. Good acceleration, smooth transmission, great accessories, even the red trim lighting isnt as bad as people make it out to be especially if you use the dimming knob. Have had the car 3 weeks now and have loved every minute of driving the vehicle. The key now is reliability. Will check back in when I have full year under my belt.

• 

  Powerful and Comfortable - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By spud90 - June 24 - 12:46 pm

  I have never owned a truck before, but I will be moving my son to college and am planning some large home renovations. I bought this truck because dealers are making incredible deals on full-size trucks. A 2.5 ton vehicle with a 315hp engine that gets 15mpg around town is not bad in my opinion. Mine is a 4x2 because I am always on asphalt and it rarely snows in SE Virginia. One tip: Stabilitrak comes with traction control. So consider this option with a 2WD if you want a lower sticker and really dont want/need the extra maintenance and fuel comsumption of a 4WD. This vehicle handles well and is smooth and quiet. It reminds me of a 1977 Lincoln Town Car, only it handles much better.