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 Yukon - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Jim Sander - April 14 - 10:53 am

  My last three vehicle have been GMC Yukons. They are an all purpose vehicle that is also very driver friendly. With a whole family loaded in the vehicle I feel very safe as well. It handles better than any SUV I have driven in the past. Its easy to park, it rides very smooth, and has all the extras for the whole family. I would never consider buying any other vehicle in this class. As a matter of fact, I will probably never buy a car again.

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  Love It - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By andreas - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Upgraded from a Rodeo to a 2002 SLT and I couldnt be happier. Kids (and I) love the stereo in the back. Seats are comfortable and roomy. So far havent had a single problem. Would recommend to anyone to at least drive it.

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  Love It - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Andreas - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Upgraded from a Rodeo to a 2002 SLT and I couldnt be happier. Kids (and I) love the stereo in the back. Seats are comfortable and roomy. So far havent had a single problem. Would recommend to anyone to at least drive it.

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  2006 Yukon - 2006 GMC Yukon
  By Anna - April 11 - 9:47 pm

  An upgrade from a 2001 Trailblazer, this vehicle is great. Since the overall rating of the Yukon was far better than my "guinnea pig year" Trailblazer, peace of mine was definitely a factor in our choice. Handling is very stable (no scary moments arount curves or corners) cargo space (after removing the 3rd row seating) is very spacious the choice of the "bucket style" back seat is a great feature. Although I miss the smaller Trailblazer, my comfort and peace of mind in our Yukon make up for it. No complaints, problems, or quirky nuisances for four months. Gas mileage - during the break-in period average 17 mpg now about 18 mpg (which is less than 1 mpg less than the Trailblazer).

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  A Horrible Experience! - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Turan Kul - April 11 - 12:10 pm

  This V6 Envoy turns out to be a lemon! From the beginning it had that terrible engine smell. My 3 year old goes promplty to sleep within minutes during the ride. However, we were alarmed about the noisy brakes, oil leaks & being a gas guzzler! (The old rental uses much less gas and has smooth brakes!) We took it to a shop and found out about the AC leakage. Probably thats why my son always ends up sleeping! The mechanic had to order a big part from GMC - I think its the transmission. Hell fix the gas guzzling problem too! However, Im afraid to be in this vehicle. I wanted a refund or a new vehicle.

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  Engine trouble in GMC Cannon - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By tccagle - April 10 - 8:53 pm

  I bought a new 2005 GMC Cannon to use as a work truck. I bought a very basic model without any extras. I have been so disappointed. Within the last year I have had the truck in the shop over 10 times. They have never found out the problem wiht the engine. I have been through several meeting and I am happy to say that GMC is repurchasing my truck. I have missed so many days from work taking care if this matter, but it is finally over.

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  The SUV - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Emily - April 8 - 12:23 pm

  I love this car! It has the DVD which my kids love for long car rides and it drives like a dream. It truly is the SUV!

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  Does what we wanted it to do - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By Charles Nicholson - April 7 - 4:41 am

  Purchased to tow a travel trailer. Very comfortable and smoothest ride of all the SUVs we test drove. Tows without issue 7000+ lbs. ated for 8500. I like the v4 mode but wished it would do that while idle. MPG is ok considering what it is.. I got about 10-25 with trailer and 15-20 without it.

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  Does what we wanted it to do - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By Charles Nicholson - April 7 - 4:41 am

  Purchased to tow a travel trailer. Very comfortable and smoothest ride of all the SUVs we test drove. Tows without issue 7000+ lbs. ated for 8500. I like the v4 mode but wished it would do that while idle. MPG is ok considering what it is.. I got about 10-25 with trailer and 15-20 without it.

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  Nothing to jump up and down over - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Miller - April 6 - 8:56 am

  Ive had my leased 2017 Acadia for a few months, coming off of a 15 year old vehicle. Build quality is not what I would expect from a 2017 model year. Hood/grille is slightly off-center, gaps between the grille and headlights, trim pieces dont fit flush, rear seats are uneven, and when the seats are folded flat in back, there are a lot of weird humps and bumps in the fabric. These are all kind of nitpicky, but these types of issues should have all gone out in the 90s. Driving the Acadia is a pleasure, it is very comfortable on the highway or in town. It does not feel like a full size SUV at all, much more svelte. All in all, if you can get an SLT-1 for about $35,000, I feel like it would be a good deal, but for something north of $40,000, Id look elsewhere. It feels like GMC spent way too much money on electronics and flashing lights in the cabin, and not enough money on the mechanical quality of the vehicle.