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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  Best in Class - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Mike - March 12 - 9:15 am

  I purchased this vehicle with 30,000 miles for 30k. I was a bit skeptical to purchase as I have been loyal to the Japanese as of late (150k on my Nissan and 100k on my Toyota with no problems). I looked at every vehicle possible including the mid size MDX and X5. For me it came down to two different issues. #1, We have two children and I wanted a vehicle that would allow easy access to the 3rd row. #2, after great debate with my wife, I didnt want to drive anything that looked like a "little girls car". Im still under the factory warranty and have had a couple items fixed. If this vehicle holds up I will support GM in the future! Poor gas milage is expected in a vehicle this size, 14mpg!

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  Misfire Misfire Misfire - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By Rob - March 11 - 10:36 am

  Vehicle broke down on us 5 times in less than 6 months, and the dealership could not figure out the problem, or lack of trying to figure out the problem. One day someone got a bright idea to see if any another dealerships are experiencing the same problem, the vehicle will start until it gets hot, but dont turn it off because it wont start up again. Anyhoo, some other dealer was having that same problem and at last it was fixed.

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  Awful gas mileage, beware - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Hillsmom - March 9 - 3:16 am

  I bought this car expecting much better gas mileage than my 2004 Ford Expedition with a 540 horse V-8 engine. Sad to say, my Ford had better gas mileage in town than this Acadia. I only get around 10 miles per gallon in town. I do quite a bit of stop / start traffic, but it shouldnt be this bad. When I drive, I try to excercize all the gas efficient ways to drive, ie. dont drive with a heavy foot, dont stop quickly say at a light, slow exceleration from a stop, no gunning it up a hill, etc. The transmission is a bit sluggish. It tends to be delayed when trying to go up a hill. I really like the car and its quite stylish, too!

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  Nice Ride! - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Lynne Ann - March 5 - 2:00 am

  The car is nice but is in for service mor than I would like it to be.

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  Do Everything SUV - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By bacchus_mn - March 4 - 9:07 pm

  If you need a rugged, go anywhere, tote your friends and family vehicle, then this is it. Very spacious, good performance for the size, and has a very sturdy feel to it. Although gas mileage is not good, I would hope anyone looking for a vehicle like this would consider gas mileage a priority. This vehicle has done great in MNs winter weather, and Ive gone offroad in some tough spots and had no problems.

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  Nice Truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Cris - March 4 - 10:51 am

  I bought this truck, my first "new" vehicle, for my 50th birthday and BA degree graduation present. Its been great. I did have a squeak in the radio but there was a kit that the dealer put on for me (rubber molding around the unit) that got rid of it. Great running, only in the shop for a recall once. I do get the oil changed as recommended, which helps on vehicle longevity. I did notice molding around rear tires now coming loose so thats a problem. Otherwise impressed and a nice ride (my carpooler said the heated leather seats help his back more than his chiropractor!)

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  2009 gmc - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By jason - March 4 - 9:39 am

  I bought this in early november to replace my tdi jetta i lost during a recent hurricane. Its very comfy, many bells and whistles, and a hell of a lot more rommier than the toyota highlander I test drove.

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  Nice Truck - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By High Mileage - February 17 - 7:02 pm

  Bought this truck in January 2009 with just under 150,000 kms. I assume it was dependable for the previous owner. So far I really like the ride, the design and the interior does not look or feel cheap at all. The controls are old school which i dont mind. Some better newer technology would be nice though. Like a heated steering wheel (to go with the heated seats), auto-up and down capabilities for the front windows from the drivers seat would be nice as well.

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  Typhoon - 1992 GMC Typhoon
  By Asmo Smith - February 15 - 11:02 am

  Fast, Somewhat reliable, needs spark plugs at least every 12k. Most parts are obsolete or cost a fortune, or both. Fast fun, if you have lots of time to maintain it.

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  simply the best - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By the truth ! - February 13 - 2:20 am

  gmc has a winner, hands down best all around truck made ! dodge has many issues, nissans are cheap,toyota overpriced and fords are big and bulky ! know people that own these trucks and they all say i never complain about any problems ! i am a gmc guy for life know ! test drive one and it will sale itself !