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:

• 

  My Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Kenneth Grant` - March 14 - 10:00 am

  The handling of the suv is great ,fun to drive,& plenty of power.

• 

  My first diesel - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By cdietz - March 14 - 7:00 am

  I never had a diesel before but my prior experience with gas trucks was tainted with getting 13-15 mpg. So I opted for the diesel with the allison. Wow. I get 19mpg average and on highway trips I average 21.5. I put about 31000 on it so far in 10 months of ownership and I have no complaints. The true genius of this whole setup is the transmission. In tow/haul mode it downshifts for you when you brake while matching revs. Really saves the brakes and instills total confidence in pulling heavy loads - skid steers, tractors, trailers full of blocks, etc. I get about 15-16mpg while towing on the highway. Great truck!

• 

  07 Acadia impressive - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Chris - March 12 - 11:46 am

  Very surprised by quiet interior even on interstate in windy conditions, smooth ride and very comfortable seats. Transmission cant decide when to shift at times making for less smooth drive then the Pilot or MDX. So far so good after leaving a Pilot and picking the Acadia over an MDX. GM has done their homework!

• 

  Better Than the Rest - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Bob - March 12 - 9:50 am

  Have not had a truck in a while and I love this one. Great deal, excellent fit & finish and actually drives & rides better than a Volvo sedan I traded.

• 

  Envoy Review - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Joe Envoy - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this vehicle for 36000 miles. It provides a good ride and reasonably decent handling. The inline six has plently of power for towing and going. The transmission shifts smoothly and firmly. The interior provides plently of room for dogs, suitcases and general gargo hauling. This SUV is comfortable, quiet and a joy to travel in.

• 

  good - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By The G - March 12 - 2:00 am

  it makes me feel safe

• 

  Is a "Green SUV" an Oxymoron? - 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
  By Ralph - March 11 - 7:36 pm

  After having owned the Yukon Hybrid for about a week, I have found the Yukon fun and easy to drive with excellent gas economy. The hybrid takes some getting used to--it sounds like a golf cart when starting out. After considerable research, we replaced a 4WD Tahoe and the difference in the mileage is startling and pleasing. We anticipate the difference between the conventional and hybrid will be obliterated in three years or less because of the gas. The interior is comfortable although the seats are harder than the older Tahoe. We took out the 3rd row of seats (not getting them was not an option)for more storage on trips. Overall, an excellent vehicle.

• 

  Very good but could be better - 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
  By nibs - March 11 - 11:48 am

  Just turned 36k on my MY10. Ive the SLT, aluminum 5.3 engine, external oil cooler, Z71 package. 10K of the milage has been done while towing a 12ft enclosed trailer with a sled and gear in the in it. No issues towing but the transmission is clunky. There is squeaking from the doors. The seats could be plusher and have more power settings. Id like to have the option to be able extend the steering wheel as well. I do not like the hard plastic. I like that the Sierra is not a tank of a truck like the Ford, Dodge and Toyota. Fuel economy is ok but I think it could be better. The edge of my rims seem to have deteriorated and that should not have happened so soon.

• 

  Too many kids - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By pete - March 11 - 8:46 am

  I needed something that could fit 6 kids and still had the room for other things like a stroller fit for twins and groceries. This is the best vehicle that I have ever owned. The most reliable and definitely the best looking. The gas usage isnt nearly as bad as my friends told me before the purchase. But with this many kids I had no choice and it was a great one

• 

  GMC Safari 2WD - 2000 GMC Safari
  By gstefan - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Virtually no mechanical problems. Good ride for a full size van. Rear wheel drive is nice for towing large trailers. Children love the mid row captain seats.