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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  Excellent truck - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By EMD - December 9 - 2:35 pm

  Bought the Yukon new in Dec. 2001. Drove it for business (mostly highway) to around 180,000 in 2008. Since then my sons have taken the truck to college with them. Now has approx. 215,000. I have always changed the oil between 3-5000 miles. We have only had to do routine maintenance (brakes, belts, tires etc.) The only irritating issue has been the drivers side window motor. Have had to replace this 3 times. Otherwise very, very solid truck. In fact, bought a 2009 Yukon and love it. The key to any car is to keep up with routine maintenance and dont beat it to death. Take care of your car.

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  perfect ill buy a second one - 1995 GMC Suburban
  By kev - December 8 - 8:58 pm

  i bought a 95 2500 2 wheel drive 5.7 nothing but good luck with thin vehicle. i pull a 2 ton trailer every day almost i am a contractor and i put it to the test. i now have 271k on it no smoke and no rust at all. it starts every time no matter what the weather is. it still has perfect paint. im very happy. this thing will pull anything you hook it up to.

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  Snow Buster - 1997 GMC Yukon
  By Phil - December 4 - 9:40 am

  When it comes to going through the deep snow, this vehicle performs with the best of them(providing your tires arent bald). Out on the winter lakes in Wisconsin, your mind is put at ease that your in a Yukon!(see You Tube and search for an Eaton G80) Its comfortable, solid, has sufficient power. Drives like the first day it was purchased. I pull a boat and supply trailer with no problems. I have replaced the fuel pump, repaired the intake gasket @ 60K miles(costly), replaced drivers side door internal linkage, and air conditioner components (condenser, compressor, misc.). The gas mileage isnt great (12/17), but when your out driving in the wicked weather, you realize its money well spent.

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  No complaints - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By Chris - December 2 - 9:52 pm

  We bought our SLE 4x4 new off the lot and still own it. Its had its share of leaks and general wear and tear but overall has been a good vehicle. Got about 110,000 miles and most of the leaks and issues started after 100k. Its been babied the whole time, always parked inside and oil changed regularly. Gets around great in the snow and used it to tow quite a bit of stuff (doesnt do real well at highway speeds with the AC running). Weve been happy with it and the wife is still using it as her daily driver. Mileage ranges anywhere from 15-20.

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  2010 GMC Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By John Paul - December 1 - 9:40 am

  Every Two years I purchase a new car and in 2009 I purchased the Terrain based Two test drives in a V-6,styling and overall appearance. After checking many sources I decided to get the Four cylinder because of the better gas mileage. Well did I make a big mistake. I have taken Three trips over 400 miles each and the best mileage I got was around 25 MPG. My 2008 Taurus X with a V-6 got almost the same thing on trips. I seen ads they say you can get 600 miles on a tank of gas but I can only get 400 or so.

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  Hope it holds up - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Julia - November 28 - 7:03 am

  Locks on vehicle replaced after 1 month, carpet replaced because of poor installation (carpet is not secure where it meets under the dash, the dealer told me they all come like this but it looks very cheap and of poor craftmanship never had a car with carpet like this). Not to sure this car handles well in the snow, it seems to slide a lot. Interior roof of car was detatching had to have them secure it. Not to happy about spending time at the Gmc dealership and put in a cheap rental after the purchase on a brand new vehicle.

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  I think I made a mistake! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Judi - November 27 - 5:21 am

  My 2008 GMC Acadia, has had excessive sunroof leakage on several occasions. After being wet so many times, there were water stains on the ceiling and it began to smell moldy. I had traded in my 2007 Acadia (with the same issues), thinking because GM was aware of this problem, it would have been corrected before the 2008s came out. Well, that did not happen. For what I paid for this vehicle, this is very frustrating to me when I was told that it was due to the drain lines being plugged from leaves, etc. My car did not sit under any trees. I was worried about future electrical issues and assumed GM would have corrected the problem before the 2008s came out. Not the case!

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  Comfortable, Fun to Drive V8 - 2009 GMC Canyon
  By Lanie - November 24 - 6:24 pm

  FYI, I have the extended cab V8 SLT. This website did not have that choice. In any case I have had this truck about 9 months now, and just love it. It is really comfortable to drive. Being in CO it is wonderful to have the heated seats in winter. It handles well in snow, on rough dirt roads, etc. The gas mileage isnt great, but didnt expect it to be given that it is a V8. Has great "get up and go" to get up those mountains!

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  A few items - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By John - November 23 - 2:53 am

  Active fuel management is a little disappointing. I thought I would get higher gas mileage. I get higher gas mileage with my 2001 5.3l GMC. It could be GMCs choice of tires. I do like the trucks ride and interior comfort. The cup holder and glove box need work. The owners manual barely even fits in the glove box. All in all it is an 8.

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  ENVOY 2002 REVIEW - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By DKW - November 22 - 2:00 am

  GREAT RIDE AND APPEARANCE. REALLY HAPPY WITH OVERALL LOOKS AND HANDLING. A LITTLE POOR ON THE MPG BUT THE OVERALL DRIVING EXPERIENCE MAKES UP FOR THIS. I WILL OWN ANOTHER ONE FOR SURE.