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 truck ! - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By mr bill - November 24 - 9:49 am

  I bought my 2005 used in 2009 after the lease ran out. It is a great tight well handly truck and I have had no problems with it. It gets a consistant 26 mpg with 3.5 and auto transmission. As I said I bought it used, but it still is in great shape and I am very pleased and would recomend it to anyone wanting this size truck.

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  Best SUV on the market - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By leitew - November 24 - 3:43 am

  This is the best SUV on the market. Extremely reliable and confortable to drive. Purchase new in 2002 and now the odometer reads 97,000 miles. The average gas mileage is 16mpg (city and highway combined). The only mechanical problem was the steering that started to make a "clunk" noise at about 40K. Took to the dealer who repaired for about $400. Now at 97K the noise is back. Other than that no complaints. Excellent SUV, reliable and confortable to drive.

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  Envoy Review - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By puppetkat - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my 2003 GMC Envoy. The only thing I would change is the fuel economy and the design of the front bumper, I dont like the big gap between the front of the vehicle and the front bumper. But other than that everything is awesome. It is very comfortable to ride in and fun to drive. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  One of a kind - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By ironmedic - November 20 - 7:36 am

  I recently purchased my Denali for my expanding family. It is definitely much better than the Escalade. The power 2nd row seats are great and the DVD system is even better. Kids are much quieter in the back. You can watch a DVD in the front screen while parked. Navigation is easy to read and the denali handles very well. Great steering and stopping power. Power liftgate is a great option. Gas mileage is improved with the 6 speed transmission. I sit at 1500 rpms at 60 mph. If you want a stylish and reliable suv, keep the Denali on your list! Only problem: cant read the instrument gauge! It is black and hard to see during daytime. Need it in white! Black interior is very nice

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  Love It - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By NoMoreMiniVan - November 18 - 5:20 am

  I love this car. It handles great, super roomy and comfortable. The seats are easy to fold down/up. Very pleased with purchase!

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  We love it - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Loretta Bradley - November 16 - 2:00 am

  My husband & I have really enjoyed this GMC pick up. I like the extended cab & the extra doors for convenience of accessing the back seat. The dual heat/air control is especially convenient for my husband & I. I love the way the truck handles on the road, the smooth ride & the comfort of the front bucket seats (although I wish the passenger side reclined more for snoozes on long trips. We are SPOILED for regular am/fm radio now that we have XM Radio in the truck! Just generally LOVE this truck (have had it for about 5 or 6 weeks now & already took it on a 1000 miles round trip).

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  Lovin it - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Lisa Tyler - November 13 - 2:36 am

  The perfect car for a mom who refused the minivan stigma but needed something easy and cool for three kids and a husband. Worried about first year model, but after test driving and reading these reviews, we bought and have no regrets.

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  Fantastic car - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By a.v. - November 8 - 6:47 pm

  Ive never owned a GM before -- always Fords or Japanese cars. But this is a great car, just the right blend of size, versatility, fuel economy, and luxury. It is a pleasure to drive. The electronics are extremely well designed -- responsive, intuitive, functional. We chose this over the Honda Pilot, Kia Sorrento, and Ford Explorer, mostly because we liked the styling and the use of space. Were really happy with it.

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  More Than I Expected! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Patrick Obi - November 8 - 7:10 am

  I am a BMW fanatic, however, I decided to take a look at the GMC Acadia and I was pleasantly surprised! Amazingly, doing 60 MPH feels like you are still around 35. It is a very solid and smooth crossover vehicle.

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  I love my GMC Envoy Denali - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Pat - November 7 - 12:40 am

  I purchased my GMC Envoy Denali a year ago. I looked at the Acura, Lexus and other SUVs but decided I liked the extra room the Envoy offered. It had 20,000 miles on it and it came as a pre owned certified vehicle. I LOVE it so much. Theres not one thing that I dislike about it. Im so glad that I purchased the Denali model as it offers so many outstanding upgrades, its worth every dime that I paid extra for the Denali model. I have had no problems and love everything about it. I also love the OnStar option. It provides so much for the monthly cost, I could not live without that either!!