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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  awesome truck - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By youngstud - October 28 - 2:00 am

  this is my first truck purpose and the reason i graduated from college. i dreamed of owning a powerful truck and the gmc was everything i could imagine. the engine is incredible and i have had no problems with it. the bose rocks and power everything makes life easy.

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  Great trik - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By airborne - October 24 - 12:03 pm

  I bought my Yukon with 66000 miles, i have had to replace the front right lower balljiont and rear brakes. I love the way it handles the gas mileage is good for a truck its size 14city/18hwy.

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  One Great Ride - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By rjzawislak - October 24 - 9:43 am

  Really a great vehicle. Beyond my expectations. GM is finally getting it right. Should have no problem getting market share back from Toyota!

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  Roll Tide OnThis One - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By CARL4TIDE - October 24 - 7:43 am

  I have owned many vehicles in the past 10 years and Ive never been more giddy over a purchase as I am today. I absolutely love the Acadia SLT 2. Got every feature possible except the heads up display which I thought might just annoy me to be honest. Driving around in town the on board computer calculates mpg at around 18-20 so far and they are usually pretty accurate. Didnt hurt any that I bought it on the GM plan for retired GM employees - thanks grandad - and saved a bundle. Handles great, looks awesome, comfortable, a real head turner so far. Plan to get the chrome step rails asap

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  First GMC Truck - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Dr. Joseph White - October 23 - 1:16 pm

  1st GMC truck that I have ever owned. I have always been a FORD man until two weeks ago. This GMC leaves all the FORD trucks I have ever owned in the dust. I love everything about my new GMC truck, especially the ride and POWERRRRRR. This truck is like riding in a luxury car with a sports car engine.

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  Acadia a great car - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By kingadrock - October 22 - 7:49 pm

  This is a really great car in the crossover market. Owned it now for a year with no problems. Its like getting mini van comfort and size with SUV styling and performance. Perfect for our family of four with two little ones and our heaps of stuff we seem to need to take everywhere.

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  Great truck! - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 65wolf - October 22 - 4:09 am

  Well I have owned this truck for almost 6 months and have had ZERO issues and one recall to check transmission line leaks and none found. My last truck was a 2013 Chevy Silverado and this truck is a far better vehicle! It drives better has a better turning radius and just has a better feel driving it. I have owned numerous other trucks Fords, Dodges (junk) and Toyotas and they do not equal this truck. I see other reviews that do not have good things to say but I really LIKE this truck! I tow a small bass boat and it pulls it great. The gas mileage is better than my 2013 Chevy but I have yet to hit the 22mpg highway. Hope this helps someone looking at this truck!

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  Great Vehicle! Glides on the Freeway - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By hockeyatd - October 20 - 2:52 pm

  Ive been looking for an SLT Envoy for about three months, and let me tell you they are hard to find. Only had it for a week but no problems thus far. Smooth drive, feels like it glides on the freeway. Feul Economy has been less than I had hoped, only getting 14 in town, 19 on freeway thus far. Test drove many 4Runners and Trailblazers and always came back to the Envoy.

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  Updated Review - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Geoff Chamberlain - October 20 - 7:41 am

  Just a quick update on our ownership expierience so far.We are happy with our Acadia and the nit picks are very few ( and minor ).I just put on the winter tires , Bridgestone Blizzaks ,fuel milage is getting better with more miles on the vehicle,great on long trips,kids love it,better sound system should be standard for the price,effortless to drive on the highway (120 km/h)very quiet inside.

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  08 SLT Crew Z 71 pack - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By L. Morris - October 19 - 3:06 pm

  Last truck was a 96 Z71 ext cab Chevy. This truck is awesome! I love 99% of it! I chose this, over the somewhat cheaper Silverado, due to the way the dealer treated me and the price they quoted me. No one else could come close to my deal.