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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  7 months of ownership & still great! - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By GMCcowboy - October 9 - 1:23 pm

  Bought my 2500HD 4x4 back in August. 8500 miles later, I still love the performance, comfort, and looks of it. Ive made one 900+ mile trip towing a 4,000 lb. trailer, and it drove like there was nothing attached to it. The interior comfort is excellent. The seats are very comfy, and the quality is outstanding. I have not had any problems to speak of. Im real impressed with this truck. The only downside is the gas mileage (to be expected). I average 12/13 in the city, 16-18 highway (depending on speed) and 12.5 towing a trailer on the interstate. Reckon the 6-speed auto helps the MPG a bit.

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  Good small truck - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Marcin Filip - October 9 - 12:27 pm

  Great small truck. 2.8 diesel is something to consider. 3.6 v6 is a bit sluggish, v6 is designed for a car not a truck.

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  Better Than A Broomstick for Granny - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Dorothy J Granger - October 6 - 2:06 am

  Be prepared to be riding high. Be careful turning around curbs, you are not driving a car. The Acadia is a beautiful glorified pickup truck. But its still an awesome ride and a great looking, great driving machine.

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  15 months later, still a great truck - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By godblesstx - September 30 - 10:53 pm

  This is definitely a Cowboy Cadillac. Performance wise, the gas V8 has all the power youd need and tows my 7K # trailer with ease. The tranny shifts smooth but as another reviewer said, make sure you get the TCM flash for better kickdown response. The 2500HD pure pick up interior on the SLE not only looks great, its durable and functional as well. The front seats are great for long road trips. Im getting about 12 mpg around town and up to 17.5 mpg highway at speeds up to 65. Above that, it nosedives into the 12-14 range. Overall, Im completely happy with my truck after 15 months. Ive had no problems and plan to keep this for a long time.

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  New Truck - 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Livwir - September 29 - 11:16 pm

  Z60 package with 5.3L V8 and 3.42 rear gear. Z60 chorme package really stands out on a black truck. It has great get up and go power, the 6 speed transmission takes some getting use to. The 20" rims and tires plus chrome, I get "Good looking truck" comments a lot. The steering wheel control are great, love the blue tooth(hands free phone). I have leather bench seat, the center fold down is just the right height & size with plenty of storage. Everyone that rides in the center complain about the seat beat release.

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  SLT-2 AWD 3.0 V6 - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By curlyjak - September 29 - 9:03 pm

  Cmon Edmunds! I have to title my review to indicate that I have the 3.0L V6 because the drop down menu selection does not have anything but the 2.4L engine option for all trims!! End of rant. So, I decided to give Government Motors a chance after being discouraged with my brand of choice for over a decade (Toyota) and boy did they come through with this model. Excellent vehicle overall, but watch out for the very poor 6-speed transmission on the 2.4L 4 cylinder - it is a disaster. The V6 is MUCH better in this department - really compare the two when test driving and you will see what I mean. If you care about a smooth drivetrain, the V6 is the only choice. Quality jury still out.

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  Great Truck - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Drewgold - September 27 - 10:40 pm

  Ive only had this truck for a month and all I want to do is drive it. It rides and drives much better than my 05 did. (though I was happy with that truck as well) The controls are well laid out and easy to reach. There is planty of interrior storage. As for all you cry babies about gas mileage, what do you expect from a 5000lb truck with a 315hp V8? I am pretty much getting what the sticker claims. (14/19) If you are that concerned about gas mileage I recomend the Malibu. If you want a great truck then buy a Sierra.

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  Screw the competiton BUY THIS TRUCK - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Z71-Stud - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Out of all the trucks I have ever owned this has to be the best! From the well thoughtout interior, powerful vortec engine, and classic styling I really cant ask for too much more. Well then again; Hey GM, how about a big block option!

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  Superb Ride - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By SUNRIG - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I drove every SUV out there before I bought and this had the room, looks, POWER(6.0), ride and equipment for the $$$$, this Denali was the rig.

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  the best suv ever - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By XLAP - September 16 - 2:00 am

  the gmc yukon xl is the best suv today the best work and more look and stel gmc has been sadowd by chvey now it is even beter no the heat is on its raising and if you get some thig else uyou will be miss out on professional grade A.P. GMC #1