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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  Almost But Not Quite - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By tony stuart - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Nice ride,quiet,comfortable,duel air works great,tows whatever you want to tow and you can hardly tell you are towing and better fuel mileage than my 97 Tahoe at 65-75 mph but it drops like a rock if you go above that.Power is ok but next time Ill opt for the 6.0 ltr motor and I would strongly urge GM to offer the Duramax diesel which I would buy.

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  2005 GMC - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By w. conlee - March 24 - 2:00 pm

  Gas mileage is very good, truck is very comfortable to drive. I have very positive comments from others about the overall appearance. The heated mirrors are very helpful.

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  Denali Pros & Cons - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By redvette1 - March 24 - 2:00 am

  This GMC Denali is the 5th large GMC SUV that Ive owned in 18 years and is by far the very best. This is an effortless vehicle to drive despite the size. The all wheel drive was flawless over the winter. I find the gas miles to be acceptable given the weight and poor aerodynamics. In 12,000 miles of combined city/highway the average is 14.7 mpg with 87 octane fuel. So far, no complaints.

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  GMC Sierra - Suberb Value - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Stunts - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I am amazed by this truck. I used to be an F150 owner, but have switched product loyalty to the GMC. This is strong, reliable, good-looking, great riding truck.

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  excellent - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Alan g. - March 22 - 10:00 am

  excellent overall performance and handling. good for off roading, hauling and highway, fully recommend this truck, by the way its a 3 door not a 2 door.

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  my thoughts - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Soiteful1 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  We, the wife and I fine this vehicle to be above our expectations.

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  Awesome Denali - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By mg1 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Best SUV Ive ever owned!

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  Dont need a Diesel ! - 2011 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  By usapatrick - March 16 - 7:51 pm

  We shopped Ford and GMC. Bought the GMC because of build quality. Smokes the Ford in body gaps, paint, noise, warranty. Did the math on a diesel, no way for $8000. You dont see daylight for 500,000 miles. Pull a 24 enclosed with a car with the cruise control on in trailer tow mode. Absolutely love this truck. My local dealer found it for me. The paint is incredible, the interior is extremely quiet and comfortable with the leather bucket seats. The 40,000 mile warranty over the Ford has an untold value that could mean thousands. Installed headers & exhaust, K&N, Bosch Iridium plugs & Tayler 10.4 wires etc. No effect on warranty! Didnt even look at the Chevy as we own a10 GMC. Both Z71s.

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  LOVE our terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Matthew - March 16 - 10:33 am

  We have owned our Terrain for about 4 months nowe and LOVE it. The only thing I can say I dont like is I wish it had a better turning radius. Thats it! We got a loaded slt v6. It has good pick up and handles great on the highway. Its comfortable and fun to drive. I just dropve from Atlanta to Phoenix and love the technology. LOVE onstar. Love the weather downloads and traffic info that is avail thru xm radio. It helped alot with all the snow. You feel safe in it and it has plenty of room if you dont like huge suvs. We have friends who bought toyotas and for what they paid for a strip down rav we got loaded! Our Gmc will go just as long. Thank you GMC we are gm owners for life!!!!!

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  A High Miler with High Praise - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Don K - March 14 - 5:36 pm

  I am a high-miler business traveler and typically trade about every two years at 100,000 miles. Have lots of experience with minivans through SUVs. Thought about another Jeep G. Cherokee, but gas mileage is a problem there. The MDXs were good vehicles although dont pretend they are problem free (transmissions at 50,000+ miles). The Acadia fits my needs very well. In comparison to many vehicles on the road today there is a lot of vehicle here for the money. My late father-in-law was a career engineer for GM, but this is the first new GM vehicle Ive purchased in my life (age 54). The Acadia is impressive to drive, beautiful to look at, and clips along at 70 MPH at about 1800-1850 RPM.