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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  Its big! - 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By marty - August 13 - 3:50 pm

  My 1st 3/4 ton. I have the 6.0 gas with a 6 speed hydramatic. Everyone told me it would be a gas hog. I get an average of 18 mpg mixed driving. For a gasoline engine, its a torque monster. I think it would pull a mountain. Very powerful acceleration, smooth and quiet for an HD truck. On a bumpy street, you will spill your coffee! It is a big, intimidating looking "AMERICAN" vehicle. Nice standard features like the satellite radio, onStar and integrated trailer brakes. My only complaint is that the cab "creaks" when you hit a harsh bump. This is a truck for real truck lovers. Volvo, Honda and Toyota drivers stay way. This is a real truck, built to do a real trucks job.

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  Elevation Edition - 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Pak Him - August 13 - 8:35 am

  I live in Canada and the Elevation Edition just arrived for 2016. Great looking truck with the Elevation package. Tons of compliments. The engine provides just enough power for how i use the truck and the cylinder management works great. Shopped other trucks but no one else provides such a good looking truck in the same trim and price.

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  No regrets - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Don - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I was shopping for a Ford F150 and was determined to get the best. I was frustrated that I could not get factory remote start, DVD or a motor that impressed me. Just by chance I decided to check out the Denali. It had everything I wanted, NAV, DVD, Sunroof, heated steering wheel/seats and best of all a motor with more power than I ever imagined. This thing is a beast and sexy as ever. I turn more heads with this truck than I did with my Mustang Cobra. Its a combination of looks(black with chrome everywhere) and sound (the 6.2 L sounds like a 60s muscle car) Everytime I start the truck it puts a smile on my face. The black leather and stitching is perfect. Manual shift is awesome.

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  GMC XL Denali - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By ScoutHauler - August 8 - 1:10 am

  Just coming to the end of my first year of ownership( 20K miles) No problem to report. Love the GPS/Nav system.

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  A great family vehicle - 2015 GMC Yukon XL
  By mring - August 4 - 11:22 am

  We had a 2012 Traverse that was just to small for our family of 5 when we travel; started looking at other SUVs. My youngest daughter pointed out the Suburban that I thought was to big; but after looking at it found it was not. Then looked at GMC; more options for the $ decided to go to GMC. Glad I did took delivery in mid July; have 6k on it now; NO problems at all. Great vehicle; 4WD is very effective in the heavy rain in FL; towed my daughters car to FSU; didnt even know at times it was there. The engine shuts down to 4 cylinders when 8 are not needed to increase gas mileage; on one local trip got a high as 23 MPG; 150 mile in total trip; averaging over 19 on highway and 14-15 cit

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  Best Full Size SUV - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By MasterD - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my GMC Yukon Denali 03 for just a few months now and I cant say enough positive things about this SUV. The Denali is a lot of fun to drive with exceptional power, stability, comfort and towing capability all in one package. GMC has really improved on their overall build quality and the engine is one of the outstanding features of this vehicle. Fellas out there - this is a vehicle you can use to haul your family around without lowering your self-esteem by driving a mini-van! This by is far the best vehicle I have owned.

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  best suv !!!! - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By bigjim7070 - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I looked at the competition and decided on the Yuikon XL Denali. It was the right choice! Handling and parking are a dream. The Bose stereo is the best! The air conditioning can cool down the entire vehicle in a minute. My kids love the rear stereo and heating/cooling controls.

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  Best vehicle owned - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Jeremy - August 1 - 1:10 pm

  Just took a 1300 mile round trip with the Acadia filled with 3 people, the dog and all our luggage, etc. Drove through pouring rain and up north through the mountains and never skipped a beat. Best part - avg over 22 mpg round trip driving about 75 on interstate and varying through 2 lane mountain roads. Very good family vehicle!!

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  Love it - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By ANGELA - July 22 - 1:20 am

  Have had the Acadia since May and have nothing bad to say about it. It has a very smooth ride, very roomy (we have 3 kids; ages 2-8 years, and 2 dogs). We have been getting pretty good gas mileage for the size of the vehicle, we average just over 22 mpg. We have gotten up to 28 driving up-north. We love it so much, 2 of our friends went out and bought Acadias

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  Love the Car - Not the Performance - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Zplnfan - July 21 - 8:46 pm

  First let me say that I absolutely love my Acadia - but hate the performance and mileage. I thoroughly researched and special ordered one. I have to admit that I did not heed prior reviewers warnings about the mileage and the sluggish transmission, so I take responsibility for my disappointment. I test drove 4 different Acadias and rented one for a weekend and never experienced nearly as bad mileage or the very sluggish response when it is needed most. The closest I can compare it to is a clogged air filter or fuel line. I had it checked and was told it was operating perfectly. If mileage and performance are high on your priority list, you should look elsewhere. If not, youll love this car!