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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  New 2008 hybrid - 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
  By James K - September 23 - 3:43 am

  What a vehicle to say the least and fun to drive. I can manipulate the truck to pretty much run electric only around the neighborhood. Or "stealth mood" as we have nicknamed it. Love the truck! I have owned 8 new Surburbans. I fully recommend the vehicle, awesome to say the least

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  GM Belt tightening at customers expense - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Bob - September 22 - 8:23 pm

  I recently took delivery of my Beautiful 2010 GMC Acadia and was a little disappointed to see the little things that GM decided to eliminate or add to the parts dept. inventory for sale. The 2010 model when ordered with the sun roof, has a manual pull rear shade, compared to the power one on past model years. The hitch cover is now an option that you can purchase from the parts dept. in excess of $50.00, and the compass that is listed in their literature is not available if the navigation option is ordered. Too bad they dont add that tidbit in their selling info!! When i questioned the salesman, he replied that GM had to cut back to keep the price down?!! At $50K up from $48K last year?!!!

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  Best SUV Ever? - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By DrumDawg - September 20 - 5:14 pm

  This may be the best SUV ever. It is a large vehicle so it feels safe. Gets good gas mileage yet has loads of power. The inside feels like a honda odessey except it has more style and loads much more upscale. This vehicle is great for a man or woman and really is a step up from a car or mini van. This is the best SUV yet!

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  Beyond Excellent Truck - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By B - September 19 - 9:53 am

  This truck is amazing. I traded a great 2001 Silverado in and cannot believe the comfort of this truck and the ease of driving it. Its the quietest, smoothest, most comfortable truck ever. Its one amazing vehicle.

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  Comfy - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By wxmanunr - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Love this vehicle. Just took it on a 2500 mile trip. Very comfortable and very capable driving in big city traffic.

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  THIS IS THE ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By forsyth2build@aol.co - September 15 - 2:00 am

  THIS TRUCK IS BEYOND EXPLANATION - FULLY LOADED - WITH ALL THE OPTIONS 0% FOR 5 YEARS. I DONT WANT TO TALK ON THE PHONE ANYMORE WHEN IM DRIVING. I JUST LOVE THIS TRUCK. I REALLY LOVE THIS TRUCK - AND IM IN IT 8 HOURS A DAY. SHOW ME A WOMEN THAT DOES THAT FOR AND ILL GET MARRIED. AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Good old American know how - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By averageamericanguy - September 12 - 10:43 am

  I purchased my GMC new off the lot. So far Ive only logged just over 21,000 miles on it. The only problems have been minor; eg: a mild knocking, a broken seat spring, and somewhat twitchy speedo (possibly due to the subwoofers). Overall the truck has proved to be utterly reliable from a mechanilcal aspect and other the the fuel economy of a big truck, the throaty 5.3L is always fun to floor.

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  Texas Acadia - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Mikey - September 10 - 8:41 am

  We received car on Friday went to Colorado on Sat. 25 mpg. Great handling in mountains, great on highways.Very hard not to speed in this vehicle. Roomy interior a good vacation vehicle. We would highly recommend it.

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  Beware of Estimated MPGs - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By BRBall - September 9 - 7:58 pm

  All around I love my new Acadia. But beware of the sticker estimated MPGs. The sticker says 17cty/24hwy, my actual so far has been 13cty/17hwy. If I had known this before my decision may have changed on buying an Acadia. All but the poor MPGs I love my new Acadia.

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  Very reliable, perfect for our needs - 2009 GMC Yukon
  By Gundo - September 9 - 9:16 am

  Weve got the Yukon Denali and it has been incredibly reliable with decent gas mileage considering its size. To date, Ive put 47,000 miles on the rig, and other than a recent brake job have done nothing but change the oil. Those that complain about GM and these trucks havent owned one. I have been pleasantly surprised by the lack of repairs required. Biggest complaint would be lack of reclining seats in second row (weve got the bench) and slow to respond reverse camera - seems to take forever sometimes. Cheers