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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  My 2000 Savana Conversion - 2000 GMC Savana
  By Keith Johnson - January 3 - 5:54 pm

  So far so good with this van. It is a big vehicle and sits high off the road. I have the 5.0 ltr motor which gives it decent power. A little noisy when you punch it to merge with fast traffic. Brakes are spongy but work when required. It is great if you have lots of kids. It seats 6 people very nicely. Very roomy and the heater is great. Good handling but tends to pull in high winds. It is a highway cruiser vehicle however, it handles nicely in town. Gas mileage is great. I like it a lot. I am glad I bought it. GMC makes a good quality vehicle which is why I bought this make of van. I have not yet drove it in deep snow which will be the real test for handling.

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  Charming Canyon - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Edwin Feliu - January 3 - 11:06 am

  This truck drives like any of the best Japanese SUVs, roars smoothly like a classic muscle car, the off road package gives you commanding visibility and a smooth ride that lures you for more driving, and the fuel economy is about 19-20 MPH if you stay in the highway. On wet pavement it is a steady stead. GMC successfully created the ideal SUV-truck hybrid: tough like a truck, yet spacious and comfortable like the best SUV. I am very impressed and pleased with the package and final invoice.This vehicle definitely and permanently changed my previous skeptical opinion and dislike for trucks in general.Thank you, GMC engineers, for this remarkable and extraordinary vehicular achievement.

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  Leather seats are VERY UNCOMFORTABLE - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Dennis Hughes - January 3 - 8:58 am

  Overall pleased with truck even though it was in shop twice in first five weeks. Biggest complaint is the leathet seats are not comfortable driving on long drives. Had a 2016 with cloth seats and did 9100 miles in 3 months, gteat trip. Traded it in for 4x4 drove 2600 miles and had leg circulation problem on several days. These seats are not made for the long drives at all.

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  basic suv - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By jack b - January 3 - 12:08 am

  overall good performance, this is our 3rd gm suv, had initial problems with steering shaft noise. Has lots of room and power, pulls small boat with ease. would like to see better mpg, tighter handling and please upgrade interior materials , getting several squeeks/ rattles after 35000 miles. also could improve acess to 3rd seat.

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  Love my Jimmy - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Carol Evans - January 2 - 6:35 pm

  I love the handling in snow and ice, the reliability starting in heat and freezing temperatures. Very responsive handling, good cargo room. I wish the gas mileage was better. This vehicle has a small gas tank just like the Chevy Blazer, and Chevy Trailblazer. This product needs better gas mileage and a larger tank or a hybrid design.

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  Piece of Tin - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By Beberday - January 2 - 2:45 pm

  While I enjoy sitting higher in a vehicle and having 4 wheel drive capability, this vehicle has been a disappointment. From riding like a lumber wagon, getting 17 mpg, road noise, no tire traction whatsoever (read: white knuckling it on ice/snow and Im from Minnesota and know how to drive) to the fuel gauge/thermomemter/CD player, etc., crapping out, I wouldnt buy a GMC again.

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  Just got it - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By colorado grandparent - January 1 - 6:16 pm

  We just completed our first 250 mile trip. I cannot find a thing to complain about and lots to compliment. We traded in our 02 Envoy with 80,000 miles. The Acadia is much quieter on the highway -about the same gas mileage (22 hwy). We have grandkids visiting and the 7 passenger seating is ideal - the back seat is comfortable. My grandaughter pointed out there is even a 120v outlet in the back seat for laptops and dvd etc. We are very pleased thus far.

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  Nightmare Finally Over - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Hoosiersec - January 1 - 12:27 pm

  I finally unloaded my Jimmy. Took a big loss with trade-in. SUV was the biggest money pit I have ever owned. Performance through first three years was good, but as soon as the warranty expired, bang, the problems occured. GMC had to know this car was substandard by only offering the 3/36 warranty. Wheel bearings/ball joints went at 60k-dealer told me I was lucky, as he had seen them "as early as 14k." That was $1300. Other problems: drivers door joint fell apart/replaced rear window hatch rusted/replaced alt. replaced, etc. I maintained this car meticulously with no off-road. Much of the miles were highway. Reading other similar ownership reviews leads me to believe this car is a lemon!

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  You are wasting your time! - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By lifeiscars - December 31 - 2:33 am

  I bought the car as my first car. It has been a reliable car but when you put it in the shop you find out things that are wrong. Ive replaced the radiator, Ive replaced almost everything. Now at 120000 I have to replace oil hoses, brake lines, front suspension pieces, ball joints and so much other things.

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  Denali - 2000 GMC Yukon Denali
  By Glen Amger - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Good power, great handling for a vehicle of this size, AWD helps in this regard in all weather. Power adjustable seat with heat quite the pleasure, along with reclining second row seating for longer trips. Gas milage suffers due to large engine, but much better than previous owned 4x4 Durango. Great ride!