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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  The best there ever WAS - 1994 GMC Safari
  By Shai Drori - February 14 - 3:48 pm

  Bought this car because I needed the room and the power. It was a wreck when I bought it , previous owner didnt take care of it at all. After some work it has performed flawlessly. It has amazing ability for heavy cargo and mileage is not affected by how much it is pulling (although fuel economy is not good to begin with). It has 186000 miles on it (300,000 KM!!!) and I have no plans of selling it anytime soon.

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  Love The Ride - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Cpersons - February 4 - 3:14 pm

  Leased this vehicle for 39 months and couldnt be happier! Love the ride love the dashboard, love everything! This car never gave me a problem, the only maintenance done was oil changes and tire rotation and car ran perfectly. I had to turn in the car 2 months ago and it was one of the worst days of my life! If your looking for a reliable suv this is the one to purchase

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  LUV THIS CAR!!! - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By EAS - January 29 - 10:32 pm

  I purchased this car after trading in my Honda CRV. I drive 50,000 miles a year for my job. I wanted something that was a bit bigger then the CRV and more comfortable. These Acadias are sharp! I have only once been able to get 20mpg but it has been so cold out it is hard to get the good mileage so I am waiting for the warm to see what I get. This is really comfortable and I love this car!!! Ive noticed that when I put the car in Park out of drive it seems to roll forward a bit far after you take your foot off the break, I just have to get used to that. I have been recommending this car to lots of people.

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  Love it! - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By AZMom - January 29 - 8:56 pm

  My Highlander became too small and the Acadia is a great upgrade. I like the lines on the vehicle and it is a very practical people mover. I considered the Enclave but was turned off by too much chrome.

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  Canyon Conquers Mountain Commute - 2009 GMC Canyon
  By Wayne Dear - January 29 - 1:18 pm

  I drive 120 miles round trip uphill both ways. The 3.7L I5 4sp auto has lots of power even with a full load. Got 24.9 mpg on the first fill up. 17" tires, high clearance good for off road, truck tracks steady in 4wd on snow and ice. CPU broke down in mountains OnStar emergency towing and GMC warranty worked fine. Plenty of storage behind front seats but no room to sit there cept for babies. Middle seat belt a joke so I disconnected it. Friends commented on rugged good looks and awesome metalic blue paint job. Overall, a smart, affordable "small" 4wd truck.

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  Excellent Value - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By Denali2002 - January 23 - 9:13 pm

  Perfect SUV for a family of five, surprisingly MPGs is not as bad as we were expecting...average 16-17 with the 6.0L. Handles great in the Wisconsin winter roads.

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  172,000mi on my suburban - 1995 GMC Suburban
  By sean - January 22 - 11:33 pm

  iv hauled my lawn mowing trailer and use it to drive to louisiana i still get 17mpg interior is like new iv been egged and paintballed this is the prettyiest white ever it blinds u it so bright good buy

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  Great Car - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By DA - January 22 - 8:12 pm

  Best car I have ever had and I have had a lot of them. Had the car for 2 years, 41K on it. Never had a problem, never been in the dealership other than an oil change. Started making a whining noise it was just a little low on power steering fluid which was easy to fill. We love our Acadia.

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  Love it! - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By jessb - January 18 - 10:27 am

  I just purchased my new Denali and absolutely love it. My 2 year old loves the DVD player. I love all the features and they are easy to use - the Navigation is a must. Plus the steering wheel is even heated, which is a great option since I live in Minnesota. Handles great on snow and ice and the heated leather gets nice and toasty. The back hatch also opens from the remote which is great when carrying groceries. Plus it looks great from the exterior, I love the chrome and 20" wheels. Not great on MPG but if you can afford this rig that shouldnt be a big concern. My dad has a Yukon SLT and wants to trade!

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  great truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By w biello - January 16 - 12:39 pm

  truck has preformed very well - handles great- 21 to 25 mpg.no problems- dealer mastria buick gmc best dealer i have ever dealt with - service dept great-