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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  Fantastic! - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By rbm5291 - July 7 - 1:36 am

  Purchased about 2 months ago and has been nothing but fantastic! The Yukon XL handles well and GMC offers features to appease anyone. I highly recommend for anyone that is looking for a large SUV. Gets better than expected gas miles on the highway but does drink it down in the city.

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  I love my Acadia but - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Stacy - July 6 - 3:20 pm

  I love my Acadia. I love the remote start on cold day and how the lights stay on for a minute or so in order to make it to the house. I am disappointed in the gas mileage. I have a noise coming from around the left front tire, it makes a popping sound similiar to perhaps it is misfiring. The dealership says nope it is the ABS setting. Other than the popping at take off no problems and I hope once it breaks in the fuel economy will get better. I would recommend one to anybody wanting a SUV and room to boot it has it and it does not look like a mini van in the process. I plan on keeping it for many years.

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  2007 Sierra 2500HD - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Jim - July 2 - 9:43 pm

  This truck is by far the best combination of utility, comfort, and performance I have experienced. I love the truck and highly recommend it to anyone in the market for a new pickup.

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  Dependable - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By James Hobday - July 2 - 9:02 am

  Look, weve had this thing forever. 11 Years later this thing is still on the same break pads. The four-wheel drive broke in Arizona but thats because we used and abused it. This cars interior isnt much to wave a stick at NOW but it was a $44,000 car for the SLT 4WD. This thing will run forever if you take care of it just a little. This is my dads and he cleaned the carpets, washed it, change the tires/filters/oil when they were supposed to be changed and its still going. It even survived my sister ^_^. Thats saying something. I love this truck and plan on buying a 2001 Jimmy for college. You just have to take care of the car and itll run forever.

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  Acadia AWD is a friendly car - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Bob Kirschner - July 1 - 7:30 pm

  Before you take a trip, read all details in the manual. Lots of buttons to learn about before you push them. Do not rely on the Park Assist horn to warn you. Watch the amber lite and stop dead when three lights are lit!

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  Great Van - 1996 GMC Safari
  By GreatVan - July 1 - 11:21 am

  This van has been great I have 0ver 250000 miles and other than upkeep maintenance IÂ’ve had no issues. Yes IÂ’ve had to replace tires, breaks, hoses, belts, and so on but never any thing major. The electric windows work fine. I would highly recommend this van to anyone with kids it is a great traveling van.

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  very upset - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By conniea30@sbcglobal. - June 24 - 9:00 pm

  i had an acadia since 2/2009 it has been in the dealer shop for one month total on and off the battery keeps draining my truck such beutiful not to be countent to be used...

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  I love this car!!! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Ford Girl - June 24 - 8:24 am

  I have always been a Ford Girl and have driven an Expedition for the last 10 years. When gas started going up, I needed something more fuel efficient. Test drove the Acadia, and fell instantly in love. Love the features, the interior is so roomy, and the exterior is beautiful. Wish that it was slightly more powerful, but overall, perfect. I would reccomend the Acadia to any and all who asks about it.

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  One of GMs Best - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By Mike H - June 24 - 1:29 am

  This trucks been in my family for 10 years now, and I just received it from my dad last year around this time. And, at 210,000 miles, it still runs like a dream. This trucks been through hell and back. My older sister destroyed two cars with it, every winter in Michigan, this trucks a toughie. Repairs have been minimal: replaced alternator at 125,000, replaced rear-end at 160,000, one battery, 3 sets of front brakes, distributor cap. The back brakes are the originals that came on the truck 12 years ago, and they still arent worn through. Essentially, from my experience, it doesnt wanna give up. And, atop all that, Im still beating the mileage ratings. That old 5.7 is a strong one.

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  Its worth the look - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By slt 1 - June 23 - 9:10 pm

  I have had my terrain for a week 4 cylinder has great power trans shifts great.1st tank 22.5 city and highway. 2nd tank averaged 26. Pleasantly surprised with the quality after being in a bmw for years gm has really stepped up their game!