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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  MPG not as advertised - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By phil - August 26 - 5:09 pm

  The Acadia is fun to drive and comfortable on 3 long trips we have made. It has lots of room for about anything, but the mpg we are getting is not even close to the advertised mpg. Made a trip to Canada and pulled my small aluminum boat and got only 12.25 mpg on 2500 miles. my overall mpg is now averaging 15.50. I only get 17 on the interstate with normal 65-70 speed. GM customer service did not seem to care what mpg we got, so just pushed me off and said sorry.

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  I really cant complain! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Tony E. - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive just put my first 300 miles in my Envoy. I love all the features it has. My daughter just wished it had rear seat center arm rest thar my previous SUV had. I feel so comfortable on the plush leather seats. The power 6cylinder is there when I need it. I get nothing but compliments when people see it. It looks nothing like a "boxy" American cars. I also purchased the 4/60,000 mile top-of-the-line ext. warranty just in case.

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  Nice Vehicle HWY Mileage Disappointing - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By PM - August 25 - 1:40 pm

  We have had our Terrain for about six weeks and have just over 2000 miles. We got the Terrain over the Equinox because my wife liked the styling better. We ordered a 4 cylinder because of the calimed fuel economy. Overall the vehicle is great but after taking two road trips we have averaged only 22-23 mpg with very conservative driving. Around town we are getting from 20 - 22 mpg. Otherwise the vehicle drives well and is maneuverable and is a vast improvement over the Torrent. My wife is very happy with it. If our mileage continues to disappoint I will regret not getting a V6. Im hoping the mileage improves with break in and after the first oil change.

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  ok by me - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By luvmyenvoy - August 21 - 10:00 am

  overall i love it.

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  Great Truck Bad Transmission - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Bob Forsberg - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Delivery and paperwork was flawless Price was right. Sierra was delivered in perfect physical condition with only a minor transmission problem noticed. Problem increased, warranty looked into the problem. Problem is claimed by GM as "normal" and not a problem. Suspension has been cheapened translating into less comfort and a harder ride, even with the smooth ride suspension ordered. If this new truck rode like my 1990 GMC 1500 I would buy 3 more for my kids but will be hard pressed to ever buy another one the way they are being made today.

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  The good and the bad - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By downhilldad - August 19 - 4:09 am

  traded in my 2001 yukon sle 4x4 (170,000 mi) for the 2007 yukon sle 4x4 (32,000 mi). I am a bit disappointed and wish for the old 2001. Miss the heated side mirrors, and have a different rear end gear. I get better highway mileage, but worse towing mileage. Have not had it in the mountains/snow yet, the front end has a nasty bounce when going over speed bumps and on the highway over irregular road surfaces (dealership cant find anything wrong).

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  Me and my big truck - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By Jeff Nichols - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Picked up my 2002 GMC Yukon XL and have never missed a beat. Truck is huge but handles like a smaller SUV. Surprised by the excellent engine performance. Many trips over mountain passes loaded with family and gear, nothing but passing other cars.

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  94000 miles of no repairs - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By ron9311 - August 17 - 11:15 pm

  Bought it new, 94k+ miles and no repairs 1st set of brakes @ 60K, 1 battery, 2 trans flushes. Its seen the dealer once for a small recall item and headlight bulb replacement. This vehicle has a dual personality. The body is a rugged truck-like body on frame design but the in-line 6 is more like a BMW engine. Its smooth and docile until you punch it. Once it downshifts all hell (and the 290 hp)breaks loose. Unlike most SUV engines its torque peaks @ 4700 rpm and it loves to rev. All and all its been a great vehicle.

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  leaking lemon - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Lemon owner - August 16 - 6:13 pm

  Car has been in shop with 4 SEPARATE leaks-sunroofs, windows etc, in first 6 months. Gas mileage considerably less than advertised. Stabilitrak kicks in, on corners locking up brakes. Car smells like mold. GMC very unhelpful refusing to do anything more than supply me with a rental for the 30 days its been in the shop. Going through arbitration process for replacement through lemon law. So much for the reliability I had hoped for in a brand new car. Shame on you GMC.

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  Love my Truck - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Cheryl - August 15 - 3:26 am

  The Sierra has a comfortable ride with tons of room in the front seat and also in the back. I like the short box. It was just enough for everything I was hauling and kept the vehicle length shorter. The 8 cyl give the Sierra great pick up. However the gas mileage is quite low. I have owned it for three years (48,000 miles) and have not had one problem with it.