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:

• 

  No wonder GM went bankrupt - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Dan - October 31 - 2:37 pm

  Weve had the car for about a year and a half. Put plenty of miles on it. It breaks every month. Its been back to the dealer 16 times since weve had it. Leaks, trans problems, failed water pump, electrical problems, brake problems, rear hatch lifters, etc. Whenever I see someone who has put all 10s in their edmunds review, I immediately discount those reviews as someone who is congratulating themselves for a purchase, rather than reviewing a car. The amount of lemon law lawsuits over the Acadia is stunning. Too bad actually, because this could have been a great car, but unfortunately, GM has too many problems as a company to take care of their customers.

• 

  2008 Denali AWD - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By lgb - October 30 - 7:12 pm

  We first test drove the yukon SLT to replace our 2005 Denali. We never used the rear DVD player or Navigation in our 2005 so we thought we would down grade to the regular Yukon. NOT! Had to go back to the Denali series because the regular yukon didnt compare to the comfort we were used too. So we purchased a 2008 Denali.

• 

  stop replacing ball joints!!! - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By MK - October 29 - 1:44 pm

  Seeing all the other reviews and my own experience (GM Tech) DO NOT replace ball joints on this vehilce. GM specs allow for ALOT of play" or movement and 95% of independent shops will tell you you need ball joints replaced when you do not. If you think you need them or are told by a mechanic, take veh to a GM dealership and have them check and compare to allowed specifications. Most Jimmys and Blazers can go 150,000 miles + without needing replacement of ball joints!

• 

  Brake Problems - 2008 GMC Canyon
  By ken Almonrode - October 29 - 12:39 pm

  The day I picked it up the head lights would not shut off and brake pedal went almost to the floor. the Dealer fixed the head lights and was told the brakes were ok they are all like that. Back to the dealer for wipers that turned on by their self and low tire light coming on for on reason. Took vehicle to a none dealer service station were they trued the rear drums and solved the brake problem.

• 

  Love it but diappointed - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Truck4 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This truck has the potential of being everything I want it a truck. It offers a very smooth ride and the leather seats are some of the most comfortable Ive sat in. A friend recently purchased a comparable Ford model. After riding in my truck, hes quick to point out the superior ride and comfort of the GMC. Disappointment: I recently scheduled my 2nd service visit because the outside temp gauge constantly reads in the 90s if the temp is above 38 degrees. There are rattles in the dash. This is the 4th GM truck I have owned and this is the least smooth transmission of any of them.

• 

  is ok would be better if I get it cheap. - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Jose flores - October 24 - 1:50 pm

  The starting price, to much secrets onthe price and all the info that you need to send before you get a price that discouraged a pitential buyet.

• 

  seats not up to mar - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By brian - October 23 - 10:00 am

  For a top of the line truck that listed for over $32000 new you would think the company would put in better seats ;such as more padding in the bottom seat and go back to having the whole seat move by power not just the bottom. (this is for the cloth seat). the seats in my 1997 were more conforbly , other than the seatr it is an excellent truck.

• 

  OK so Far - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mgandrew - October 17 - 12:43 am

  Bought used 117,000. Used a little oil and coolant would need irregular replenishing, odd. Every now and then a sticky lifter, then when I added Lucas to the oil all H--l broke loose, literally. Next oil change there was so much sludge in the sump the oil would not drained. Long story short, the sludge clogged the oil pump suction and w/o oil pressure things were not going to get any better. Found a used motor (100,000) miles, swapped out. Better engine, more power, no oil consumption, coolant OK. Ill probably drive this truck for another couple of years. I like it. I think the sludge was related to the coolant loss. As it was infiltrating the crank case and slowly evaporating out?

• 

  Step Up - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By smacko - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my second- the first being a 1999. This is a definite step up in ride, comfort, power and creature- features. I remain a loyal fan.

• 

  2005 GMC Savana - 2005 GMC Savana
  By Tom - October 14 - 4:46 pm

  Great vehicle for past 4 years. AWD has worked flawlesly and as good as a previous 4wd vehicle with a transfer case, and certainly more convenient. Two problems...AC will not hold a charge more than one season...side swinging door hits front passenger door when both open and dents rear door on edge of front door, really poor design (where were the engineers???)