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 fine - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By elcar1 - October 12 - 2:24 pm

  Strange to read all the horror stories about vibration, clunks, trans slipping. I have a 2014 Sierra V6 WT with the only options of a locking rear differential and a hitch. I crank my windows. Have about 2000 miles on it now. It is quiet, shifts smoothly, rides firm but it is a truck. It is quite powerful if you lay into it, most of the time I dont and it gets 18-19 city. Not sure about hwy yet but indications are it will get the advertised 24 hwy. No rattles or strange noises, actually it is very quiet. I wish it had a better exhaust note. You have to turn down the radio and concentrate to feel it go from V6 to V4 and back. The reg cab lighting could be better.

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  Too many small problems - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By tedmc - October 10 - 2:30 pm

  Overall, a nice truck, but too many small problems that are now adding up. So far, Ive had the steering shaft replaced 3-4 times, the passenger back window replaced, the heated seats on the drivers side replaced, and now the instrument cluster has gone haywire. Oh yeah, Ive been complaining about the awful noise the front end makes when the 4WD is engaged, but the dealership (not where I bought it) says that it is normal. Are you kidding me? I still like my truck as it rides and drives great, but I sold a 13 year old Toyota when I bought this one that was a better truck. I probably wont buy GM again if there are other options out there. Too bad.

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  No Engine Breaking - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By K22 - October 7 - 5:09 pm

  I recently purchased a 2010 Acadia, and it is already in the dealership. I noticed that when I am going up a hill and in drive, release my foot from the brake, the car rolls continuously backward without stopping. Same thing when I am on a decline with the car in reverse, the car rolls forward. The dealer said that this was "normal" however when compared to another acadia it did not do this. Also, the dealer also said that there is no engine breaking available in that model when it is in reverse. I consider this a pretty big safety hazard considering I have to floor it to get up a hill without hitting the guy behind me.

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  Finally fixed - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By jus10credible - October 3 - 9:52 am

  This is my third and hopefully final post. My Acadia is finally out of services. It spent 16 Days in the GM service dept. My stability system went down. The dealership didnt know what the issue was. After 16 days I was told that there was a pinched wire. Not sure if that was the case. But the vehicle is running smooth now. I hope that this will be the last of my issues with the vehicle.

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  Capable and solid - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By LYNDONGOLDEN - September 30 - 7:40 pm

  I wanted a stylish "basic" regular cab truck. I looked for a comparably equipped Tundra but there were few choices out there...with only leftover 07 models, almost all of them long-bed and white! And none of the base model Toyotas had factory XM radio. So I purchased the Work Truck package Sierra... and Im very pleased. The dash design, controls, seats, driving position, and interior storage all work very well for my tastes. The cargo management system is very usefeul as well. And the 4.8 V8 has a satisfying exhaust rumble. I drive alot in the bumpy inner-city Houston streets, and this truck hamdles it well. This was a good choice, and I beleive it will serve me well.

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  Dangerous Care - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By bill1947 - September 28 - 10:15 am

  We had 3 engine failures in about a year’s period of time. For no apparent reason the engine would just stop. It didnt matter if we were in traffic, on a major highway or making a turn. When the engine quits you no longer have brakes or steering that the average person could use. We ask GMC to get us into another Acadia since our lives were being put at risk in this car but all they did was offer to extend our OnStar.

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  Good family vehicle - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Scott - September 27 - 2:19 pm

  Traded in 2001 Yukon for 2009 Acadia. Similar passenger and storage space as Yukon. Occupies roughly same garage space. Acadia ride more comfortable. Similar turning radius. More visible plastic on interior, particularly dashboard and doors. Unlike Yukon, Acadias 3rd row seats fold flat. Would recommend to others with children looking for family vehicle but interested in SUV rather than minivan.

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  Best Buy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Americano - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Love My Envoy. Glad I purchased it. It is roomy enough for me, not too bog not too small, just right. Rides great. Handels like a car. Forget the Explorer this is the SUV to buy. Spend the extra money and get the SLT version. Forget the 4X4 if you absolutely dont need it. I purchased the 4X4 for just in case the need arises. Dont pay attintion to those writers that are complaining, they are working tfor the competition. Trust me on what I wrote it is the truth.

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  Best thing about it.. its not a minivan - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By hya - September 27 - 3:50 am

  I live in Canada, and have 3 very active boys who all play hockey. So l bought this SUV for all of us to travel around from arena to arena lugging around hockey equipment. Was pleasently suprised on the ride and the preformance. The interior has too much cheap looking plastic for my liking, but since it is getting alot of abuse, it seems to hold up to it. Gets decent gas milage for a vehicle its size. Had a issue with the defrost when l first purchased it. Dealer had to change whole venting system, but other than that, nothing. Tires are very hard to find for it.

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  1993 GMC Sonoma SLE 4x4 Ext. Cab - 1993 GMC Sonoma
  By Goose - September 21 - 9:23 am

  I bought this truck when I first got my permit to fix up and have fun. Then, things went down hill and i ran out of money so i couldnt fix her. Now shes a woods-beater. Sonomas are the most reliable trucks you could ever own.