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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  Great sooo Far! - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By larry brixey - June 28 - 2:00 am

  WE just purchased this SUV and soo far soo good! It runs great and has plenty of room for 8! My wife and daughter love the size and the reliability. WE plan on lifting it 3" and upsizing the tires to probably 36" Inches. It is a stylish, comfortable and affordable!

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  1999 Sonoma - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By Zedd - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Good acceleration, rear end has tendency to fish tail on full speed turns (like Freeway exits). I recently had a problem with the heater, it stopped working. Dealer said it wasn’t covered under the warranty because the heater core was clogged. Surfing Edmunds I found there was a TSB about my exact problem. Still the dealer refused to cover it. I called the 800 Customer Care number and after much insistence and a $300 deductible it was fixed. Other than that I have no problems. Its not the greatest on gas mileage.

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  Has potential. Needs work. - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By bad tranny - June 27 - 6:56 am

  Great vehicle, howevver transmission is a disaster. MPG is bad. FM reception is bad. HUD (heads up display) works intermittently. Seats get uncomfortable on long trips. Hands free calling is poorly thought out. Bluetooth would be a better option. Turn by Turn Navigation downloads fail often.

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  99 GMC Yukon SLE - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Darcy1 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy the pick up that this vehicle has. The smooth ride and comfortable interior.

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  So long GMC! - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By jimb - June 25 - 10:00 am

  We switched from a pathfinder to a yukon for the extra torque and room, but this yukon has been a lemon! I cried the day it came off warranty. Heres whats been worked on: - pasenger window motor failed - brake lines rerouted per recall - steering linkage rebuilt - those darn running lamps - 3 replaced - abs module ($1k) Plus the doors squeek and the car groans on full-rotate-turn. To top it all off, GM service departments are the worst I know in terms of scheduling, turn-around, accomodation (e.g loaner or shuttle)

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  Best Vehicle - Best Experience - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By marcia - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I really like my new Envoy XL. I was questioning about getting the XL but I am very glad that I did. The extra room is nice. It is very comfortable to drive and ride in, even on long trips. The SLT package has everything and are very nice vehicles. I did my homework on all brands of SUVs and test drove everything. The Envoy won against the competition hands down! I purchased my Envoy at Sangster Motors in Wenatchee, WA and they were wonderful to deal with. Would suggest that anyone shop there.

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  Trouble Free (so far)! - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By reb - June 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought truck 11/2000 with 55k miles, put 20k miles on it so far, and havent had to put a dime into it. Overall, a great little truck, and with the 2.2 4- cylinder and a 5-speed, it gets 27MPG highway on regular gas - which is hard to beat in a truck! Fun to drive and a great 2nd vehicle.

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  2006 2500HD Duramax - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Jlaw - June 23 - 10:00 am

  2nd Duramax, had a 2002. Good truck still original brakes at 56k miles. Interior has held up well, get the leather if possible. Engine and trans bullet proof. I tow 10,000 lb camper and boats at 70 MPH all the way to Florida from Texas. Debating going back to gas engine do not tow as much these days. Great truck overall.

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  Nice Product! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Doug Adams - June 23 - 2:00 am

  After a year of owning this SUV, we are pleased overall. Very comfortable to drive, average mileage. I have owned Expedition, Explorers, etc. and am pleased to move back to GM. Im having a little difficulty adjusting to size after Expedition. Only one small problem in a year (leaking water). Good performance in the 6 cyl engine! Very quiet to drive. Would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Satisfaction! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Francesco - June 22 - 9:50 am

  I am glade that I choose the Acadia as my family car over a mini van the Honda Odessey that we drove over four years,and it is a super change for us have a secure, safe, functional SUV and is easy for the kids use the space and the confort the Acadia provide. Thanks to GMC for the bold and beautiful Acadia!