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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  Amazing - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By Female Driver - May 14 - 11:54 am

  I cant really complain about this car. I have had issues, but they were the fault of the previous owner (tire went flat, battery wont hold charge). The car itself is amazing. Being a girl, and a little on the small side, this car is nice. It gives me power in the snow and gets me where I need to go, yet isnt so big to the point where Im scared to drive it. Overall Id say this car is nice, very nice.

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  Too many manufacturing Bugs. - 2015 GMC Yukon XL
  By norab1 - May 13 - 4:00 pm

  I received my Yukon XL in April of 2015. To date it has been returned to the dealer multiple times. There have been two recalls, and several "repairs". The heated steering wheel failed to work on delivery. Even though the vehicle is designed to be quiet inside, sheet metal "poping" noises inside are a disappointment and nearly impossible to repair. I believe GMC is aware of the problems. I received a Customer Service survey whose link was removed before I could respond.

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  Safe, secure, comfortable - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By sales call - May 9 - 6:17 am

  I bought this Denali for my wife. She can haul around groceries, our two children, and their friends. When gas was $4.00 / gallon, her father asked what we got for fuel economy, I asked him how do you equate fuel economy with safety for your daughter and grandchilren? He didnt get it. Once you drive the Denali, you will. For the record, we get 13.5 mpg around town and averaged 18+ mpg on a 2000 trip. I think the fit and finish could be a little better, but overall, I wouldnt trade this truck for anything.

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  Pretty good truck overall - 2007 GMC Canyon
  By Kev - May 7 - 2:13 pm

  Truck lacks in the power department, especially after putting any larger wheel/tires on. I added exhaust, high performance plugs, throttle body spacer, and knn air filter which all helped quite a bit. Exterior design is fabulous great looking truck. The auto locker in the rear is a great thing to have has saved me a lot especially being 2w. Interior with the vinyl floor is nice and easy to keep clean no carpet to worry about staining. Seats are uncomfortable @ best. Handles very well around corners. Manual version has low towing capacity.

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  Disgusted Acadia Owner - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By LT - May 6 - 3:33 pm

  We purchased our Acadia in 9/07 because of its safety ratings, size, comfort and price. Initially we had no problem and loved the car until a year after we owned it. Then the leaks started (9/08) and were still having problems. First they installed the drain extension tubes for the sunroof but that didnt work. Ive had water leaks from my dome lights, grab handle,sun visor and on the floor of the passenger side. I also had the ignition switch replaced last month because the engine kept running with the key out of the ignition!! I am currently beginning the arbitration process!

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  The Best Trruck On The Road - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By JOE_FROM_MO - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I love my truck. It was bought to work and it does that. There is a lot of Maintnaice on this truck though. The style and beauty of this thing is awsome. I like the looks of this truck more than the new ones, but you know how guys are. We want the latest, greatest thing. Im sick of having to replace the main engine drive belt every 15000 miles. It starts squiling and I cant handle that. And it sucks the dealer never has the parts to fix a damn thing when you take there. You have to go back and forth two, three, or sometimes four times before anything gets fixed. great big bummer since there is not a dealer anywhere close to where i live.

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  Central lock defect - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By zeina - April 29 - 1:16 pm

  My new Acadia just became faulty. A month after I purchased it, the central lock broke down. After being sent to repair 3 times, the dealer still couldnt manage to figure out what was wrong. It would be great to open my acadia without using the key, driver door. It will also be great to get my kids in without having them wait outside in order for me to get in and open the windows to be able to unlock the doors manually.

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  The No. 1 SUV: GMC Yukon XL !!!!! - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By BJs - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Air Bag Lite stays on/off. Front shock too weak or needs different kind. Replaced 2 times as tire wear caused by bad shocks. Shifts to tow/haul by itself, have to stop and turn off engine and restart then it goes off.

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  Awesome truck but. - 2008 GMC Yukon XL
  By NY Jim - April 29 - 12:26 am

  This is a great truck. Has everything under the sun in it. Love the look, handling, comfort, the deal I got etc. Problem is as I write this review, it is sitting in my garage and will not start. It has only 1,000 miles on it and is 2.5 months old. This is really pathetic. First time buying an American made car. I have 2 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVS and never had any problems with them. I figured when I bought the truck, let me buy American. I always like GMC line. Now, I think I am regretting it.

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  James the Jimmy - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By Anselm - April 27 - 11:48 am

  Ok Ive had a Jimmy for a few months now and i cant say that I havent had my share of problems (Engine Job, Front Ball joints, Intake Gasket, Gas Gauge doesnt work, and a couple missing parts that fell off) since I got it. But this truck has has been quite reliable, it has been through the runs and hell and back in the months that Ive owned it, its been through mudding, High speed driving, and casual driving. I like how it sits higher than most SUVs since it easier to go through deep mud and water and with some larger tires on it theres not many places that my Jimmy cant go.