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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  BEST OF THE BEST - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By MONSTER9999 - November 6 - 12:34 pm

  HIGHLY RECOMEND FOR ALL PURPOSES

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  Go Bigger - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By cards1 - November 5 - 11:49 pm

  I purchased a 2001 GMC Jimmy because I wanted something bigger than the Plymouth Breeze I had. I was disappointed. The front seats were smaller and cramped at the feet. The radio is not very good. The back seat not really made for three. However, it drove nicely. I liked the high ride and engine power it provides. It also is easy to park and hasd great visability. It does feel like it leanes too much when going around curves though. Im not a big fan of the exterior either. I should have gotten an Envoy.

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  Perfect - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Debbie - November 5 - 10:30 am

  My husband and I need the versatility of an SUV with a car like ride. The Acadia is both. Our 3 dogs are comfortable on longer trips. When they are not with us the cargo space is just what we need. With the trailoring package we can take our UTV up to our property in the north country with no problems. We have an extended cab 4x4 truck so the Acadia rounds our options for our diversified lifestyle perfectly. I would highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Big Man Review - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By craig_allen - November 3 - 10:00 am

  We bought this truck new. Im over 300 lbs. We are 2 adults, retired with one vehicle to drive. Therefore confort, reliability, etc all have to be in the top of the scale. We have pulled fith wheel Travel trailer with this truck around SE USA wirh no problems. I expect we were close to 13K going down the road. Always performed like a champ. Only minor service things; 1) Daylight lamps had to be replaced. 2) OEM Tires replaced before 40K miles with Michlien LTX. 3)Drivers seat frame broke, replaced under extended warranty. I did have reservation about pulling TT, but there has never been a problem associated with this. PS Note having been a one TRUCK famil

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  My 3rd Suburban - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By StuMan - November 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my third suburban - #1 94 Chev Sub, #2 99 GMC Sub, #3 04 Yukon XL. Very reliable - better than Excursions and much quieter. XM is awesome - so is OnStar (we like the unlock card by calling a 1-800 number feature). GMCs are just a little nicer than Chevys in my opinion. The Denali is very nice, but not for 7K more than the Yukon. I was able to resale my GMC much higher than the trade-in value they wanted to give me. These SUVs keep their value.

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  GMC Sierra SLT Ext 2WD - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By NASCARBUBBA - November 3 - 10:00 am

  With Flowmaster Thunder Series exhaust and K&N FIPK II air system, this baby rocks and rolls!! Love the sound when letting off the gas going downhill, nothing like that rumble....

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  Buy something else - 2018 GMC Terrain
  By Michael - November 3 - 3:13 am

  Buy something else

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  ALMOST IMPRESSED - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Ralph - November 2 - 9:40 pm

  It may be too soon to truly evaluate. As of now only 800 miles on it. The alternator whines. The dealer says this is normal with new pulsating alternators, there is a slight seat of your pant vibration at all speeds. Brakes pulse as if disc or drum is out of round. The overall ride is smooth and comfortable. Gas mileage is not bad for 5.3, average 16.4 city. It tows my boat as if it were not behind me. So far, so good! Just some kinks to be worked out.

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  Problems before thier time - 1996 GMC Suburban
  By shade tree mech - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Transmission went out at 43,000 miles. The fluid and filter was changed at 30,000. The transmission shop said a bearing in the "reverse plantary came apart. He called it a fluke. I pulled and installed the trans myself but it cost $900.00 to rebuild - an expensive fluke. The fuel pump went out at 51,000± miles. The rear end started whinning slightly at 45,000 miles. It was incorrectely clearanced at the factory. The shim on the left side was too thin resulting in the whin and some bearing chatter marks. I reclearanced the ring gear with the original bearing and it is still running quiet at 71,000 miles. Has anybody had similar problems?

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  1996 GMC JIMMY SL - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By RossMac - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Its milage is as good as you can expect for a mid-sized SUV. The acceleration is surprisingly good. Overall reliability has been good, mainly the normal maintainance (oil, brakes, flush radiator, etc). We developed problems with the windshield wipers after 100000 miles. We have had some problems with radiator system leaks. The "Check Engine" light comes on when you need to change your oil (sometimes before). Theres room for 6 people, as long as they dont mind getting cozy, but 2 child car seats will prevent a 3rd person from fitting into the back. Comfort is above average for bench seats. Plenty of leg room in front. Enough in back for average adult.