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:

• 

  Buying American - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Peg Cathcart - August 24 - 7:11 pm

  I have driven Japanese for years, but decided to give GMC a try, first with a 2005 Sierra Truck and now with the 2009 Acadia. I have never been happier. My 2009 GMC AWD Acadia SLE is fully stocked, including dual sunroof, LCD screen, folding sideview mirrors, back up camera, heated seats, Bose sound system, tri-coat platinum finish, luxury leather interior, bluetooth technology, remote start, and more. My Acadia is a beauty. We average 63 in my family. Amazingly everyone is comfortable - even on cross county trips. The Acadia is easy to maneuver, accelerates with easy, gives a quiet ride and epitomizes the best in luxury and savings.

• 

  FX-35 to Acadia - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By McClenna - August 19 - 9:10 pm

  After driving an fx-35 for four years, it was time for more room, but didnt want to give up the fun ride! Gmc has a winner with this one. Great spacing. Love the seating arrangement, sound system and blue tooth. Much quieter than the fx and smoother. Gas mileage is still in question, but so far am loving this crossover!

• 

  Used to be a Honda Owner - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Geoff Chamberlain - August 19 - 7:27 am

  We`ve just traded our 2007 Honda odessy for a 09 Acadia, great vehicle. Feels big because it is, fun to drive, good looks, roomy interior and the kids loike it too. Gets expensive very quickly if you aren`t careful with the options, in dash 6 cd changer should be standard as well as a back up camera. Overall ( so far ) a great choice and a much better value then the Honda.

• 

  2010 Acadia - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By jus10credible - August 18 - 3:45 pm

  Just bought the 2010 Acadia as a gift for my wife. We love the vehicle, it handles smooth, hugs the road, has a little get up and go when needed. Glad we added this vehicle to our garage.

• 

  glad I waited! - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By mariah51 - August 15 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Yukon was worth the wait! Every aspect of this vehicle has been well considered. The three individual automatic temperature controls, the steering wheel controls, the comfort, 17 mpg so far in the city with the 5.3L! I am very satisfied and glad I didnt grab a 02 for 0%!

• 

  Best Car Ever by GMC - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By John - August 14 - 2:13 pm

  After having the Acadia for for 6 months still love it. Made 2 trips to NY from Flordia. was great too drive and was the most comfortable of all the vehicles Ive owned. GM definitely outdid all the competition with this crossover. Looking at getting a second Acadia when I trade My Pontiac GXP in early 2008. GM has put pride back in building and owning an American vehicle.

• 

  Nothing but Love - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By GMCfan - August 13 - 6:56 pm

  I have loved this truck since I have owned it. I have added all sorts of extras like intake and exhaust work, so that is why some of my ratings are high. My only issue that I have had with this truck is the backseat. Once my daughter was born, trying to get a car seat in there safety has always been an issue. Nothing has ever gone wrong and only replaced things that I upgraded.

• 

  Great after 4 hard years! - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Brian - August 11 - 2:40 am

  Reliability has been flaelwss! Not one problem after 65k miles of hard living. I tow boats and a heavy boy scout trailer regularly, drive up to the mountians in snow and cruise at 90 on the highway. This SUV never flenched, squeeked or rattled. The air shocks and towing package make this an acceptionally stable vehicle to tow with. It will yank my 6500 LB wet boat our of the water with authority. The all wheel drive and stability control work flawlessley; I dont think its possible to get this SUV stuck. It also is very useful when going camping or taking my daughter to college with all her worldly belongings. It swallows up cargo like a fat kid eating a donut; wooofff; no sweat.

• 

  Grandma Loves This Truck - 2009 GMC Canyon
  By GrandmaBooBoo - August 10 - 6:26 am

  Perfect vehicle for this disabled Grandma who loves to go camping with the kids.I neither have to plop down into nor hoist myself out of the seat. Lumbar support drivers seat is a godsend!Plenty of room in the crew cab for 3 children and leg room enough for taller adults too. Even the short bed has enough room for my mobility scooter AND all our camping gear.I dont know how others are driving to get ONLY 20MPG, because I consistently average slightly OVER 25 MPG on the highway and 18-19mpg in town. The OnStar is amazing!I can receive calls in remote areas where my cell phone does not work. This 5 cyl. truck has NO problem climbing mountains even fully loaded. I LOVE this truck!

• 

  Denali XL - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By dave klinsmann - August 8 - 10:50 am

  Our family purchased a new Denali XL in September and are very pleased with it so far. The navigation and XM radio are great features. Very functional vehicle and well appointed. The extra money you pay is for the features you dont see, stabilitrack, automatic leving, auto- folding mirrors, and the 6.0L engine, and side impact airbags. With 4 kids, this is one of the few vehicles we could fit into and still have room to bring home the groceries and shopping bags. Only thing so far is the fold down rear entertainment DVD obstructs the rear view mirror when the DVD is in use. You have to get used to using side mirrors if the kids are watching a movie.