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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  2006 GMC reveiw - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By John - June 7 - 4:20 pm

  This truck has been everything and more than I expected. I tow a 27 foot camper and it pulls it with ease. Driving this GMC truck is a pure pleasure. Rides as good, if not better than, my Chevy Tahoe.

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  Fun to drive - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Nautique454 - June 6 - 2:53 pm

  Ive owned a 2005 Tahoe Z71 4X4, a 2005 Suburban LT and now that Ive owned this one, Ill never go back to anything less. The 6.2 L engine sounds awesome and performs to match. The fit and finish are much better than the previous design. A blast to drive and a lot of room.

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  Denail XL - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By S Schmidt - June 6 - 12:53 am

  Excellent vehicle throughout. Could not be more pleased.

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  Love this 6.2l slt, this is a 6.2L not 5.3 - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By thatblacktruck - May 23 - 10:24 pm

  First off this review is for my 6.2L not the 5.3l. I came from a 2013 GMC denali . this new 2014 is by far better, Very Quiet, and this new 6.2L is a Real Rocket, I am getting yes AVE 17.8 with mostly City driving about 20 miles per day this is amazing compared to my 2013 denali which got Ave 14.8 City. this 2014 I purchased is a mid year build (6/14) and Built in the Indiana plant, and they have done a great job during assembly, things fit well no noises or Rattles and no problems so far. Turning radius is great, no Radio Reception problems I am not sure yet about the headlamps, they seem to be fine, however I do not like the interior lighting, its all LED and no footwell lighting.

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  What a Ride - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By dcintron - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle weight makes for a comfortable ride. Handles the interstate like a luxury car. The Quadrasteer feature makes moving around the city a breeze. Parallel parking and parking garages with appropriate height clearance are easy to handle. The Denali has good acceleration. Does not get blown around when passing the Big Rigs. Dont expect better than 14 miles per gallon, about 13 mpg at 80 mph. Once youve driven the Denali youll never want another full-size pick-up without Quadrasteer.

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  GMC Yukon XL Denali - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By RPyott - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Great Vehicle. Lots of room and handles well - Much better than our old Suburban. Very comfortable seats. Kids particularly like the CD controls in the rear so they can listen to their CDs on headsets while we listen to a radio station in the front seats. Only prolem was a loose interior molding. Really wish we had put a navigation system in it; love that feature in our other car.

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  My Acadia - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By RoadGlide55 - May 3 - 5:06 pm

  This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. The handling is superb in all weather, with outstanding styling, visibility and comfort it is a true joy to drive. I went from a 4wd Super Crew pickup from another manufacturer, that I truly loved, to the Acadia and have never regreted my decision. What an awesome vehicle. I am constantly getting comments on it and everyone who has ridden in it is impressed with its options and ride. Thanks GMC for coming up with a true winner.

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  Truck of the Year - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Seth - May 3 - 2:00 pm

  Fuel milage is great, 15-18 mpg.Steering column has presented a few small issues allong with sticky power mirror on the drivers side - replaced once.

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  GMC is back from the forest with a winner - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Tom Retnauer - April 30 - 6:06 pm

  Just took delivery of my new 2007 Acadia. The brick leather is stunning and is really shocking people at first. So far the truck is a dream. Havent figured out all of the electronics yet. (read the manual!) Ride is quiet. Fit and finish look great. Dealer was superb. Highly recommend. Cost was a bit high, but it looks like it is worth it.

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  Fantastic!!!! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Matthew - April 26 - 7:40 am

  We just got home with our new Terrain. We looked at Yukons and Enclaves. We had a Yukon Denali and LOVED IT!!!!!!! This little suv is the little engine that could and DOES! It has stylish looks, a bit agressive. Love the electronics! Wish it had cooled seats like the Enclave and other siblings!We could have spent alot more there was no point. It also has the power to tow our sea doo. Nav system is cool! LOVE IT!