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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  Awesome Truck - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By gsp473 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I love my truck! I drive it almost daily and I havent had any problems with it. I pull a 6000 pound fifth wheel camper to the mountains with it and it does not even feel like its working hard (with 3.42 gears!). The tranny sometimes hunts for gears on the long uphill grades, but it never stumbles or lags. The towing mode works well though it only gets about 11 MPG with camper in tow. It normally gets about 16-17 MPG. It has a car-like comfortable ride and handles well. I wouldnt trade it for anything.

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  The bad reviews must have gotten a lemon - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By benjaminc - August 5 - 5:31 pm

  Ive had mine since feb of 06 and the only thing that has been changed is the drivers side headlight because of moisture. My fuel economy is great at about 28 mpg highway. As far as power goes I gave a Cadillac cts a run for its money with v6. When I bought this truck it was the cheapest on the lot. Add some aftermarket wheels and tint the Windows and now it looks like the most expensive truck on the lot! A real head Turner!

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  Superior Vehicle - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By n1020m - August 3 - 10:26 am

  Our 2009 Acadia is the best vehicle we have ever owned. It is smooth, quite and very comfortable. As for mileage, it does better than the sticker numbers of 17/24. On a trip to the Indiana. I held the speed at 65-67 and averaged 26.3 mpg with the air. OT was 99 degrees in Macon, GA that afternoon. Returning, 70 MPH and averaged 25.4 mpg. OT low 90s returning. I have yet to find even the most minor thing wrong with our Acadia. And for me, that is saying a lot, as I am a retired engineer and can usually find something wrong with everything. But not this vehicle! We are totally satisfied. I congratulate GM for a quality build and for designing and producing this great SUV.

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  rear tire wear stinks - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By bwieland - August 3 - 2:00 am

  BEWARE - my truck has excessive rear tire wear - rear tires were shot at 12,000 miles - front tires were 20% used -

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  Love My Envoy - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Jane - August 1 - 8:56 pm

  This was my first SUV and after test driving it, I was hooked. The ride is so smooth and it handles so well. Parking in tight places was very hard to get used to, and I usually park way out from where I am going to keep other people from banging it with their doors. I am very protective of it because I love it.

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  I love this truck - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By R Taylor - July 31 - 5:06 pm

  I decided to buy a new truck and chose the new body GMC for several reasons. The overall design is great! The interior is nicer than ever and everything is within easy reach. The big bold grille stands out in a crowd.

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  Great American made truck - 1998 GMC Suburban
  By Imateetoo - July 28 - 9:22 am

  We bought this truck used at 60,000 miles and have had very little trouble with it. I wanted something that could pull my horse trailer over mountains with no problem and it more than delivers. The 2500 model / 454hp engine is outstanding! Having the rear A/C is essential with people in the third seat in the summer. We are and will remain a Suburban family! My last Suburban (a 1979) went to almost 300,000 miles on the original engine. GMC certainly does make a GREAT truck!

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  Best ever - 1990 GMC Suburban
  By Sandra - July 27 - 8:06 am

  I purchased this car new from the factory 19 years ago, have over 200,000 miles on it with only expected repairs, one new transmission. Minimum rust, however paint peeled on this model. Seats nine with bench seats. If the new ones were this good, Id buy one. Gets 14 MPG according to gov. website but I always felt I got more. New ones are only small increase. Love to drive it. Kids loved it... held seven of them! They dont make them like this anymore. Hang on to them as long as possible. Worked well for towing. Size makes curb parking harder but I got used to it. If you can find a good one, buy it!

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  Very Pleased - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Belpre Ohio - Dave - July 26 - 6:46 pm

  Ive had my truck for 2 months and 2000 miles. Early indications are this truck is truly outstanding. I had a 2003 Silverado and this truck is much improved. It is fun to drive -- steering is great and power is super. The interior is extremely convenient and has a pleasing appearance. The truck is very quiet. My biggest complaints with the 2003 have been addressed. The fuel mileage is very good considering the size and power, 18 mpg overall. I didnt think Id go GM again, but after test driving I decided to try again. I am glad I did. I really expect Ill be able to say that many miles later.

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  Best Thing We Ever Did - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By NamrehCA - July 22 - 3:59 pm

  My wife and I have had this car for almost a year and we absolutely love it. We had a baby last fall and travel back and forth from Lansing, MI to Western New York (425 miles one way) several times a year and this vehicle has enough room for all three of us our Yellow Lab and all our luggage. Its a dream to drive and with the cruise set at 74 mph I still average 23.2 mpg. When the rear seats are folded down you have more cargo room that you can imagine. Ive hauled lots of office furniture with it. I even towed one of my other cars (that broke down) from London Ontario back to Lansing. It towed like a dream too!