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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  Love It - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Zach - September 7 - 11:32 pm

  This truck can do a quarter of a miles in 13.267(average) I love it it burns out fast and the the I5 has 246 hp and its perfect i would love to get the 5.3 v8 but i got it for a great price.

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  bought American-GMC Loyalty customer - 2009 GMC Canyon
  By 355nation believer - September 4 - 9:36 pm

  less than 2K mi. just got it, but I Cash for Clunkersed a GMC Sierra 1500 w. 156K mi. The improvements in this truck over my 90s era truck are amazing! Its NOT the 4x4 model I have, its the 4X2. The site doesnt allow the inline 5 cyl. engine 4X2 choice for the crew cab. The power of the 225 c.i. engine is great, much better than my old 4.3 liter V-6 could muster. It has passing power! I have had a Taco (Toyota Tacoma) left in the dust after a traffic merging. Mileage is about 17-18 mpg in mostly city driving, not really broken-in yet. Interior comfort is high. The truck drives like a car more-than a truck. The crew cab is spacious-enough for two adults in the rear.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Mikcor - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Have only owned this vehicle for 6 weeks but we are very pleased with the comfort and performance so far.

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  Works Great for Us. - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By bgfred - September 3 - 5:39 pm

  We have now driven our 2008 Acadia more than 30,000 miles. This is by far the best road-trip vehicle weve ever owned, and we have been delighted with its performance and comfort under a wide variety of conditions. Labors a bit with heavy trailers, but handles very well when towing. No repair issues aside from transmission reprogramming to improve shifting responsiveness, which resolved issue. Gas mileage had been pretty good for vehicle of this size, but is VERY sensitive to driving style (highway range from 11mpg towing heavy trailer to 23mpg with moderate load/high speed). Find controls and switches to be laid out very intuitively, seats flip/fold very easily. Would buy again.

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  Best Cross-Over Out - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Robert - September 3 - 11:56 am

  The new GMC Acadia is absolutely the best new crossover out there right now. Whichever trim level you decide you will not be disappointed. I have been looking to by a new vehicle for 6 months and at first i thought the price range was just too much. But after comparing the features and standards to other similar vehicles i kept coming back to the acadia. I thought about buying the honda pilot, but after test driving them both i purchased the Acadia. No regrets here.

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  great crossover - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By rkt - August 30 - 10:06 am

  I believe this GMC is probably the best, quietest, smooth riding vehicle I have ever owned. Great looks, good performance, great quality built, all round great car.

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  Keep on GMC Truckin - 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
  By madeintheusa - August 29 - 2:30 am

  This is an amazing truck that has all of the "eco-modifcations" commonly discussed for trucks: aerodynamic styling, light weight engine / body parts, hybrid drive train. The result has been about 23 mpg in overall mileage in a 2WD truck that is fun to drive and easy to operate. Highly recommended to those who need and appreciate large trucks. There is simply nothing else like this truck in its size/weight class.

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  What a difference! - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Sierra - August 28 - 8:43 am

  Immediately drove 2 WD truck (17" tires) to central OH from central FL - 20.2 mpg @ cruise set mostly 75 mph. Returned to FL w/bass boat in tow 15-17 mpg. Ride is super w/effortless handling. Plenty of power with 5.3 engine. I wanted a truck with car type ride. Thats why I got 2 WD with 17" rims.

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  great - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By billlotida - August 26 - 2:00 am

  great

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  Great Car - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Evan - August 25 - 10:30 am

  I have had my Acadia for over 2 years now and I still really love to drive it. Gets good gas mileage for me ~20 combined, stereo is amazing, tons of room and plenty of power for getting around town. The only thing I will say is that even though I am meticulous about maintaining it, it is starting to develop some creaks and rattles and the dealer cant seem to be able to fix them. Nothing major but still slightly annoying for a $38K car. I have heard about problems with sunroofs and radios but luckily I hate sunroofs so I dont have one and my radio works great. Also for everyone that complains of it shifting alot, who cares? Its not like it noticeable since its so smooth.