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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  Bobs GMC - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By RBob - November 5 - 10:00 am

  Drove this GMC across the country, many mountain roads and off highway. One of the most fun vehicles I have driven and I absolutely love the Turbodiesel and Allison transmission combination. I have had zero problems with this truck, you would think it was made in Japan for the quality.

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  Great - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Martin - November 3 - 7:29 pm

  Ok 1st The whole thing about it rolling back only happens on the FWD version. this is not a defect. I test drover the fwd and loved it. 2nd i got awd because i have a cabin in the mountains nearby. the vehicle is really roomy and has a great powertrain. The Bose system is great. The display panels look great. very decent acceleration when needed. 288 HP pushes 3196lbs easily. If you are looking for something roomy and made with quality workmanship this would be a great family vehicle. This vehicle will grow with your growing family. seats 8 ot 7 if you opt for captains chairs in the second row. Enjoy.

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  One Month Review! Love it! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Michael McCauley - November 3 - 3:33 am

  Bought on July 4, 2007, it is now Aug 7. Compared many cars including very expensive imports like Lexus and Infiniti. This car doesnt look too large but IT IS!! Heavy! Safe!! You can carry a lot! Bought the most expensive model. This is a wonderful car! Does not lean in turns like our old SUV. No problems at all so far. Did not notice the glare (other reviewers). This car has many premium features, see some below. It all works just fine, at a reasonable price, too! Just ecstatic about this purchase, recommend this car highly!

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  Best SUV I have owned - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Marylander - November 2 - 2:00 am

  My only complaint, which transcends almost any luxury SUV or sedan, is the bulky center console which restricts drivers leg movement and makes frequent stretching breaks necessary on long trips (Im 65")! Great looks, comfort, fun to drive, turns on a dime, fuel economy has significantly exceeded EPA estimates, no regrets about this purchase.

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  2015 Sierra HD diesel - 2015 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Jon - November 1 - 2:14 am

  So, yes. The SD card reader is pretty much useless. But all of the storage is amazing. The 6.6 is amazing along with the Allison transmission. Im getting 17 in town and 20-21 on highway. Towing my tractor around is a breeze almost forget its behind me. I did read the other reviews and the gap at the tailgate is real, and it does let a lot of dust in, However you can buy a seal kit for it. The safety features are cool. With the vibrating seats, lane departure detection, and back up camera, if you crash and its your fault. It is actually your fault. bottom line Ive owned a lot of vehicles, other than a minivan which I havent owned but have been in and was amazed at the comfort and room this is the best and most useful vehicle you can get.

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  EXCELLENT CHOICE IN CROSSOVERS - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By krishnameee - October 31 - 9:05 pm

  I have been throughly stunned at the ride of this crossover. Pricey but worth the money. GM needs to look at some extras to keep the customers happy like seat memory standard on SLTs. Turning radius and fuel efficiency was very good. I topped at 27 MPG at 59 MPH freeway. I have driven about 400 miles so far and very satisfied

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  Worth every penny!! - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By joe - October 30 - 2:26 pm

  First truck i have ever owned and its everything i expected. Have owned 4wd suvs in the past and this truck has out performed them in winter by far. I take the truck for every family function and vacations , even over my wifes car.

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  Great truck at a great price - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By OleMissDispatcher - October 29 - 11:53 pm

  Have owned truck for almost 600 miles and really enjoy the truck. It has 5.3 V8 with the Flex Fuel Management. City driving is ok, highway is a lot better. For a base model, it came fully loaded with all power options, CD, cruise, fog lights, chrome bumpers, towing package, XM, and OnStar (which I think XM and OnStar were standard). Truck can ride rough over unkept streets, but still a lot better than my old Chevrolet Tracker. Air and heat are great. Cant wait to try the 4x4!

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  Exactly What I Wanted - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Very Pleased - October 28 - 1:12 pm

  I’m very pleased thus far. Easy to park, feels to be the right size overall. I have only 900 miles on it so far, took one long trip (700 miles) up & down desert mountain Interstates at 75-80MPH and averaged 22MPG. On a local freeway, mostly level at 70-75 I saw a high of 26MPG but mostly 24+ so as they say “Your mileage may vary.” Engine & transmission work very well. If you nail the throttle getting on the freeway and let the engine/trans do their thing, there’s plenty of power to get on the freeway that may result in a big ticket. The dash & controls are laid out very well. I have found no flaws in the paint or trim fit. I am very pleased & will update when I get more miles on it.

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  Yukon XL - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By hdteacher - October 28 - 9:20 am

  This is the fourth Yukon I have owned. This is the first XL however. I love the extra room I have and the XL is just as easy to handle as the shorter version. The heated front seats make early morning travel a pleasure! The electronic folding mirrors make going through a car wash so easy. I plan to purchase a new 2007 XL in about 6-12 months. This is the best large SUV on the market. The trade in valus doesnt depreciate like the other SUVs.