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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  Not what I expected - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Lisa S - January 27 - 2:51 am

  Have owned the AWD Denali for 5 months now and wish I could trade it in. It has absolutely no storage or luggage space. I have to fold back seats down just to go to grocery store. The Acadia died within the 1st month of having it as they said there was a glitch in the software and whole vehicle just lost all power. Good news was I was home and not out somewhere. Still does not run correctly, has loud rattle in front drivers side, terrible handling around curves and on road.

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  pleased with the Canyon - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By patentmike - January 27 - 2:00 am

  SLE, 5 cylinder, auto, Excellent vehicle so far. No defects, plenty of power and comfort. GM got this one right.

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  price is high for this suv,better buy,s out there. - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By mrs r - January 26 - 2:35 pm

  door,s lock.s system stink.s motor,s noise is louder,

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  verdict not in - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By gameface - January 26 - 2:00 am

  dont like the fact that all model dont come standard with rear defogger or power mirrors

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  Best SUV ever - 1998 GMC Suburban
  By Vetdoc - January 23 - 2:00 am

  I love my 1998 GMC Suburban. I tow a trailer and I have 4 people in my family to travel in it with. Good gas mileage for a big SUV. Very fun to drive and reliable.

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  Its the best car weve owned - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Happy in North Idaho - January 23 - 2:00 am

  Weve only owned this vehicle for about three months but we are extremely happy with it and would recommend it to anyone.

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Rahn - January 21 - 2:00 am

  My family loves this vehicle. The teenagers are always asking to take it instead of their own cars because its "cool" to their friends. The styling--both interior and exterior-- wear very well. I still look at other Envoys driving by and think how nice they look. The vehicle is very comfortable. The driving position is excellent. Long trips go by effortlessly. MPG is a little weak at about 17.5 MPG average for highway and city driving. This is a definite recommend to buy.

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  Good Choice - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Bob S - January 20 - 7:03 pm

  We usually bury our vehicles, so after 14 yrs and 150k miles on our 94 Explorer we decided it was time. Looked at all the SUVs including Acadias two siblings, the Saturn Outlook and the Buick Enclave but picked the GMC. So far we love it! Great inside and out, and the ride is perfect. Two things stand out. We are only getting 19.8 mpg on the highway which is about 10% less than the 22 mpg advertised, whic is the same as my 94 Explorer was getting. Next, I find that on hills especially it hesitates getting into high gear and I have to push down hard on the gas pedal until it slips into high gear, this is very annoying.

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  questionable - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By kesstan - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Had a 89 jimmy in high school..loved it. got this 99 about a year ago and hate it. Its not as roomy as i would like and i feel cramped. my one year old daughter is running out of space in the back seat. security light keeps coming on no matter what i do or where i bring it, same with the service engine soon light. dont care for the push button four wheel drive. right now i cant use the 4wheel drive or it sticks on.(not good where i live). okay ride over all never has left me stranded poor visability for someone my size when backing up or turnning into a tight spot i like the jimmy, but i dont probably will never buy another one

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  safari - 2004 GMC Safari
  By sstmfadwn - January 19 - 2:00 am

  it is the coolest van