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:

• 

  3500 GMC Savana - a Workhorse - 2006 GMC Savana
  By Lars - December 21 - 1:50 pm

  Have owned this from when it was new and I really like everything about it.

• 

  Giving More Cash - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By lsrry - December 16 - 12:00 pm

  Dont buy it worst piece of junk I will never by another Chevy as long as I live I was a Chevy man never my envoy I replaced the engine pulleys ,fuel gauges, Windows modulated dont work after recall,nine recalls and the vehicle still garbage

• 

  Great van - 1999 GMC Savana
  By Terry Derian - December 15 - 5:53 pm

  bought this van new in 2005. The only repairs beside the normal (oil, tires, brakes, fluids) was a water pump at 185000 miles. Put 191,000 on this and was still going strong until i t was in a wreck. This was one of the most dependable vehicles i have ever owned.

• 

  PAINFUL!!! Thank to bad seats - 2015 GMC Acadia
  By Katarina - December 12 - 6:46 pm

  No matter how I adjust the headrest it kills me. Im 59" my other passenger 6 & we are both Extremely uncomfortable. My neck and upper back used to hurt every time I sat in the car, since it throws me off SO BAD now my muscles near and around cervical area hurt and my muscles and upper thoracic area kill! These seats were designed for obese people with back fat. Something that my passengers and I are not!

• 

  2005 Envoy is a Keeper - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Bruce Strickland - December 5 - 6:04 pm

  I bought this SUV, certified pre-owned, in 2008, preparing for a move to rural New Mexico. This Envoys reliability has been flawless. Its gotten us through miles of extremely muddy roads with no problem. Last summer I had an Alpine car stereo installed for the USB and Bluetooth capability. My criticisms are rattling door panels and a poorly placed cupholder on the console. We had a painter do our interior last summer. He drives an older Envoy. 243,000 miles on the odometer, which tells me I can drive this one for quite a while.

• 

  Jimmy #4 & I will buy more! - 2000 GMC Envoy
  By George - December 2 - 12:02 pm

  When buying one or the Blazer Trannys & Ball Joints can be an issue around the 160k mark on the 4x4 models. Other then that pretty much good oil changes and turn key. When I get around the 300k mile mark I usually give them to my bro and he puts another 100k.

• 

  Reliable and Indestructible - 1998 GMC Yukon
  By Don - December 2 - 10:23 am

  Purchased this vehicle brand new in 1998 and has given me no major troubles. Great power and always starts. If your purchasing check the running boards and check for play in the front end. Besides that it will be 100% solid.

• 

  Turn on the theft-deterrent alarm system - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Ismael - November 30 - 12:04 pm

  The acadia turn on the theft-deterrent alarm system and I follow up the instruction of manual many times, but the alarm no turn off, I had to change the fuse (2amp) and the alarm turn off and I can turn on my car, now the alarm turn on one time by day, change the fuse and and go, any body to know what happen with this and how I can fix. thanks!!

• 

  The Acadia Denali is a winner. - 2015 GMC Acadia
  By Perry - November 29 - 6:22 pm

  The Acadia is a good vehicle. The Denali Trim makes it a great vehicle. Everywhere you look, there is some added feature make the car better. My favorite is the heads up display.

• 

  2.4 ecotec is a scam - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By Paul - November 22 - 4:24 pm

  This car and other gm s have the 2.4 ecotec engine in it which will leave you disappointed and broke. The Ecotec consumes oil which will lead to a faulty motor. Please google the 2.4 ecotec oil consumption before you consider purchasing this vehicle.