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:

• 

  Excellent suv - 2018 GMC Terrain
  By jmechanic - April 8 - 10:32 pm

  best compact crossover suv on the market right now. in my 35 years as an automotive technician I have fixed ,driven,tested and owned many vehicles and nothing compares to a GM in overall quality, performance,safety and features, despite what you read out there. this 2018 terrain is another example of that. the sle also comes with the 2.0 l turbo, not just the slt or denali. i also love the fact that GM does not use the CVT transmission on their vehicles like Honda, toyota, nissan and many others do, just to get a litle better mpg sacrificing performance. will like to point out that although many of the features on the new terrain are new to the terrain, they are not new to general motors. I recommend the 2.0L turbo over the 1.5 unless your all about mpg, another option the 1.6L turbo diesel. go test one for your self.

• 

  GMC 8.1drw excab - 2002 GMC Sierra 3500
  By ssolfer - April 6 - 5:23 am

  Only problem has been the left door speaker went bad. Only thing I dont like about it is that the rear springs clunk with just the camper on some bumps at lower speeds

• 

  Love this car! - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Bonita Vergara - April 6 - 4:40 am

  I love this vehicle. It is excellent for large families and hauling large items. It doesnt do too well with in city driving but is wonderful for long rides and highway driving. Lots of room for everyone as well as cargo space. I would get another one!

• 

  2008 SLT-2 AWD - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By NYUnderground - April 4 - 11:50 am

  As Im sure most of you did, researched extensively prior to purchasing a new 2008 Acadia SLT-2 AWD. Options: DVD Entertainment, Twin Sunroofs, Tow Package and 2nd row bench seats.We traded in our 05 Accord to get something bigger after the addition of our 2nd child and I am really glad we chose the Acadia. After driving and looking at at least 10 cars in this very over croweded (gd for consumers) market segment we decided on the Acadia becasue of its looks, feel and overall comfort.My wife has never driven an SUV before but is able to drive this cross- over with ease, although backing up (even with parking assist) is still a challenge.

• 

  excellent envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By neoutdoorsman - April 4 - 2:00 am

  So far very fun to drive, wifes daily car, but I get to drive it nights and weekends look forward to going on trips and light towing with it.

• 

  Go U.S.A. - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Sue D. Phakia - March 31 - 8:20 pm

  I am so happy with my choice for the Acadia. I looked at Lexus, Acura MDX, Honda Pilot, and related vehicles. This Acadia has it all over the foreigners. I am proud that I can support my own country now, and have a great vehicle.

• 

  Best GMC Yet ! There is no competition! - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Towers - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I have owned ford, Nissan, and GMC. My last GMC (2001) was a great truck (SLE ext cab 4x4), but it needed a larger engine and a leather interior. The 2003 was what I was hoping for. Plenty of power, great ride, creature comforts, and can still haul two yards of topsoil. I can look good taking my wife out to dinner and still get the rugged use of a truck!

• 

  Solid and Stylish - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By jon d stanton - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV. American made, rugged, peppy, and stylish. Great pick up on the highway. I would like to see different steering wheel controls

• 

  Fun Ride - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Marcella - March 24 - 8:03 pm

  I reviewed and searched for the perfect crossover and I found it in the GMC Acadia. I had an Acura MDX and it was giving me mechanical problems. I said I would never purchase an American car. GMC has changed our minds! We have always purchased foreign and the GMC line has really turned us around. Thanks GMC for a wonderful ride that turns heads as well as makes us smile. My daughter loves lookingt through the 2nd row sun roof especially at night and watching her long awaited DVD player. My in-laws love that we can have them along since it seats 6 comforably and 7 with a small child on the third row. Only will trade for a new one. Its everything I thought it would be and more. Thanks GMC!

• 

  Base Model Canyon 4X4 Extended Cab 6cyl 300+HP - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Chuck - March 20 - 7:51 pm

  What a great little truck! The interior is excellent and the exterior is stylish! I ordered the Base Model with vinyl seats (no extra charge) V-6 and 4WD. I also have the basic radio and no carpeting. Its a truck! It hauls, pulls and handles great on or off road. Great value if you stick to the basics! No on star, no computer screen, no crappy cloth seats and no carpet. If you are looking for a TRUCK, build your own using the GMC build your own tool. Youll be surprised what the base model has to offer! 2 YRS free maintenance + 5 YR / 100,000 MI extended warranty. All of this for UNDER $30,000! Compare with Tacoma, Frontier and Colorado, the Canyon has way more options and is not over priced.