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 Vechicle - 2009 GMC Yukon
  By Great Vechicle - December 11 - 11:58 am

  We purchase a 2009 GMC Yukon Denali Oct. 2009 to replace our 2003 Chevy Suburban, which was an incredibly reliable vehicle. What a difference the GMC Denali makes. Superior ride, more hp and even better fuel mileage, getting 18.1 city and unbelievable 21.6 highway at 78 MPH. Strongly recommend this vehicle to anyone that loves to be comfortable. It comes loaded with more than you can imagine. We just love it.

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  Just bought the Acadia - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Kris Rowan - December 9 - 7:28 pm

  I wanted to be sure to comment because one reviewer stated the problem with the Acadia rolling backwards while "DRIVE" only occurs in FWD version-- that is INCORRECT-- the Acadia DOES ROLL BACKWARDS WHILE IN "DRIVE" IN THE AWD VERSION, AS WELL-- I know, because I have the AWD and it rolls backwards on a hill while in "DRIVE" (just like a stickshift car) Other than this strange little quirk, I love this car. I test-drove many of its competitors and kept coming back to the GMC. The very best asset: its VERY comfortable 3rd-row seating. In my opinion, it is the only SUV that has a comfortable, roomy 3rd-row where you dont feel cramped.

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  Traded Expedition and love this SUV! - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Trish - December 8 - 2:23 pm

  I had two Expeditions before getting the Denali XL. The first Expedition (pre 2003 model) was great. The next Expedition was awful! Which makes the Denali look that much better! I love the space (Expedition lacked terribly), love the look, love the package (I got it loaded out), love everything about it (except of course the MPG... but was expected!). If you are looking for a wonderful SUV that is large enough to take a family of 5 (3 boys and mom and dad) on vacation yet nimble enough to park in the Walmart parking lot, this is it! Cant give it enough praise!

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  Great buy - 2016 GMC Terrain
  By Mike rowe - December 7 - 2:03 pm

  Under powered otHer wise super car

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  Greates car ever! - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By rick123 - December 3 - 11:51 pm

  Wow has this car ever been by far the best I have EVER had. We bought it 3 years used and it was like brand new. Never had been in a crash or anything. The car has lots of power and options. Ours had leather interior, 7 inch flip down dvd system, bose sound, heated front seats, towing package, and much more. I loved this car. Last summer we moved and was hauling massive loads of stuff and the car pulled hills like it was nothing. The only problem we had with it was we were on vacation and the steering pump went out. We do not have it today because the payments were to much and had to trade it off sadly. I now have the money to buy it back and looking for the dealership.

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  Amazing - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 4eyedfenix - December 2 - 7:16 pm

  I got my truck for work. Was going to get it or a Ford. Glad I got this one. More than enough power to get my oversized tires to start spinning. Ive pulled my fathers 9000 lb boat without any struggle, I would recomend this truck to anyone, it out pulls and performs anything on the road

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  Great SUV - 2009 GMC Yukon
  By Aj - November 30 - 7:43 am

  I always drove Toyota and Hondas but after long research bought Yukon 2009. I am really impressed by smooth drive. We have two kids and our parents often travel with us, its been great fun in Yukon. DVD quality is great. I wish they had LATCH for car seat at all seating places in middle and third row. There are no front latches in 3rd row and has only one back latch. You might have tough time fitting two car seat in 3rd row. I get about 14.5 mpg at 1000 mi. Over all, not going back to Honda and toyota at all.

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  Great SUV - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By theone - November 30 - 12:15 am

  I bought my Yukon on NOV of 08, its a great suv. It handles good in the snow and around town. So far had to replace rear brake and power steering pump. I love to drive it the only thing i dont like is the 255 hp. but its still enough to keep up with the newer vehicles.

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  2004 GMC Sierra 4.8 V8 - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Roger - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle used. It now has nearly 155,000 miles on it needing a little TLC and routine maintenance. It has needed little things like tune up, brakes, fluids changed, shocks and tires. This truck has exceeded all of my expectations for a higher mileage vehicle. It does not leak fluids or use and oil. I plan to put another 50K on it before even considering purchasing another truck. I have two friend that also own 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 with over 200+K miles on each. They both run very well needing only routine maintenance.

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  Fully Loaded Yukon XL Denali - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By Doug - November 24 - 3:10 pm

  Just a fantastic vehicle, drives wonderfully, handles well, never any problems. Love the GPS system, very easy to use.