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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  Great! - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By DaveyDave - October 5 - 1:00 pm

  So much better all the way over my 98 version. 320 hp, Cold AC, Bose, seats, style, and mileage better, but still not great. I bought a Mini to commute in, and this is really the family trip vehicle. It is the best road vehicle Ive ever had or been in. After owning it, it gave me the feeling that GM really wanted to be in the auto business instead of thinking of just financing the usual average dull boring unreliable vehicles they have put out for years.

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  One of the best SUVs out there - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Mike - October 4 - 3:12 am

  I love my Envoy Denali. It not only looks great, it rides extremely smooth. I recently was involved in a car accident, a car ran a red light and smashed up my front end. My SUV spun 90 degrees and I felt completely safe. The moment I sat in the drivers seat at the dealership, I fell in love. The interior, design and looks, sold me not to mentioned the 300hp engine. I could not have ask for more in my first SUV purchase.

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  I cant beleive I bought another GM - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By bad decision - October 2 - 11:20 pm

  The build quality is horrendous! The doors do not seal and have no adjustment and are bend to fit. The seat material is garbage and already shows heavy wear at 12k miles. The a/c does not cool in traffic. Alignment was way off. Rear main seal seeps, power window go up crooked, no ash tray. The arm rest on the door is very hard and elbow gets sore after an hour on the interstate. Theres trash in the paint, and vehicle was delivered to me with known defective tires and on and on and on.

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  I love this ride - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Lordward - October 2 - 11:36 am

  I have had my Acadia for only two weeks, but I love everything about this vehicle! I researched many vehicles in this class, but the Acadia surassed all of my expectations! Everything about the Acadia was so well designed. It looks great, the ride is powerful and smooth, and our five children can easily be seated with plenty of room. The V6 engine is very responsive and has plenty of power. I have not expereinced any lag or hesitation. The cruise control function is easily accesible and actually assists in better gas mileage, which for a vehicle of this size, is quite excetional. All conrols are well designed, easliy reached, and the upgraded Bose stereo system is awesome!

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  Could be Better - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Greg - September 30 - 5:13 pm

  Yes, you get what you pay for - many features for lower than competition prices. Materials, fit & finish are poor. 4-cyl + 5 spd manual gives me a 25 mpg avg. Not much power w/ a/c & 500 lb load in back. 5 spd manual has been hard shifting into 2nd gear (dealer says "normal"?). Main (major) problem so far is driver side doors (ext cab) have constant water leak. At the dealer right now for the 3rd time having entire interior removed and carpet replaced + new weatherstripping replaced on both doors. If they can finally get this fixed I would consider the truck acceptable at an average rating. There are better small trucks out there but you would pay more money.

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  King of Trucks - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By DACO7916 - September 30 - 5:00 am

  To me this is the best full size pick up there is on the market. It is the perfect combination of power, comfort, elegance, sportiness, not too over the top styling.

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  Leasing 2017 Acadia Denali AWD - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Pete Romano - September 30 - 3:47 am

  Leasing a 2017 GMC Acadia Denali. Have had it for a month, and for me, l love the new size (Similar footprint to a Pilot, Highlander). GM really has infoitainment down. It is dead simple to use, the combination of touch screen and hard buttons is intuitive, and terrific to use. Also has both Apple Car Play and Android Auto. The safety features all work as promised. I looked at most of the competition (Pilot, Highlander, Explorer, XC90, MDX, Pathfinder), and the combination of near luxury feel, great in car technology and the new styling just for me put it ahead of the competition. I really liked the XC90, but was hesistant to get into a first year Volvo model, and the large touch screen I thought was not as intuitive as advertised. This is my first American car in 30+ years (Coming out of an 08 MDX), and have to say the Acadia Denali is a great alternative to the mass Asian/Koreans, and the near lux competitors. If you still need the larger size, GMC is selling the previous body style as the Acadia Limited, and you can still opt for the Traverse/Enclave. Areas of improvement would be more exterior colors, and the use of real wood versus the fake veneers. I also would have preferred more interior leather colors, but I guess GM needs to maintain separation between GMC and Cadillac.

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  Lets take a road trip! - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By David Magness - September 28 - 4:08 pm

  Outstanding vehicle, perfect for traveling. Good looks, and performs just as well. Dash information is cumberson for driver, but there is a lot of it. Great improvement over prior models.

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  Lets take a road trip! - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By David Magness - September 28 - 4:08 pm

  Outstanding vehicle, perfect for traveling. Good looks, and performs just as well. Dash information is cumberson for driver, but there is a lot of it. Great improvement over prior models.

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  Beware of front differential bearings - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By mcouch - September 28 - 5:40 am

  After a defect plagued experience with a new 1996 Suburban, I was pleased with the performance/reliability of the 2001 Yukon XL Denali I traded-in for, until hitting 60,000 miles and having the front differential bearings "come apart", according to the dealer; as if that were something I shouldve expected after 60,000 miles! If you are foolish enough to buy a big GMC SUV make sure you trade it in before warranty expires!