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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  Lemon law should have been used - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By gravy - June 22 - 5:40 am

  This SUV has been towed three times for a faulty fuel pump. The dealership knew of an ongoing problem but would not replace the fuel pump until an in- flight recorder was used to determine that it was the fuel pump. I have had two replacements of a shaft in the front end that wasnt lubed from the factory. The right side electronics went out costing $450.00. The motor for the left driver window went out, the heater in the right side mirror went out, I have the same squeaking dashboard as others have complained about, and more. This is the second Yukon (1998 GMC Suburban) I have owned but will be the last. The first one had to have a rebuilt transmission. Major diappointment!!

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  Great car - 2016 GMC Acadia
  By Liv W - June 21 - 5:06 pm

  After debating on a Yukon or Acadia I went with the 2016 Acadia Denali AWD. After owning the car for almost a year I wish I would have gone for the Yukon instead. The car is clearly made for young kids especially in the back seats! The captains chairs in the 2nd row need to be able to lean all the way back and they are quite tricky to try and fold to get people out of the 3rd row. They also need to be a tad bit wider for the average adult. The thing I hate most about the car is the cup holders! They were clearly built for little kids drinks so nothing large will go in them and if you do get them in and shut the car door it falls right out and then makes a mess!! The trunk space is also nice but if you have a car load dont plan on hauling much luggage! Another thing I hate about the car is when you are driving you can not type in an address in the navagation system. I do realize this is a safety feature but it can sometimes be annoying! The car sometimes seems like it has trouble figuring out when to shift and when you sit in the 2nd row you can hear it. The car is also quite heavy feeling so its hard to slow it down! The car also drinks gas pretty fast at 17 mpg. The overall look of the car is very nice and the chrome details really make the car. If GMC could fix the issues Ive explained the car would be absolutely perfect!

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  GMC Yukon XL Summit White 2002 - 2000 GMC Yukon
  By Magic Woman - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Best vehicle investment I have ever made. I use it for business and we are considering purchasing a second Yukon because it just meets all our needs for hauling equipment, furniture, weekend getaways, etc.

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  What is it this time - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By Casinodario - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Major problem with this SUV is WHEEL BEARINGS and they are not cheap. It is not normal that I had to replace BEARINGS after such a short time. Another thing that did not impress me was the front seats, both reclyner mechanism broke off at the handel and they are made with real cheap metal and the cost to replace it $90.00 each. Called GMC and they said it happens alot but will not replace the part. Can not recline the seat anymore

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  Good by GM - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By port1988 - June 19 - 2:00 am

  I have bought 8 new vehicles in the last 5 years, 3 of them from GM , all of them have been nothing but trips back to the Dealer. My new Envoy $37,325 peice of junk, wipers stopped working twice in the middle of a snow storm (replaced censor) the front bumper had to be reattached the AC stopped working. The rattles underneath sound like the truck is old. (4800)The front drivers seat Squeeks and now a recall that the engine block could crack and the electrical system (dash board) could fail, Two recalls in the same month. I have only 4800 miles on this truck and I just sold it for a TOYOTA, never again GM.

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  A Winner - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Nichole - June 18 - 7:03 am

  Overall, the 2008 GMC Acadia is a great vehicle. One thing I dont like is there is not a dome light when you exit the vehicle. Another downfall is the gas mileage, its not horrible but definitely not what they said it would be.They said it would get 18+, really I get 15- 16mpg, but the luxury is worth it. Everything else has been great for me, no problems with the shifting as I have heard others complain about. Also, the AC vents dont seem to hit me when I am driving. The vents are made for taller people. I am 56" so not too short.

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  rollins review - 2000 GMC Sonoma
  By rollin1176 - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Everything about this vehicle other than personal prefrences opted not to purchase at time of purchase was overall very satisfying. I have been very pleased with this vehicle and would recommend it to all small truck buyers.

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  sonoma pu 4 cyl. - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By fred lippi - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Havent had it long enough to give good evaluation, However I will say it lacks power and is so small in cab a tall person(5 10 and up could not fit behind steering wheel.

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  Good Van - 2000 GMC Safari
  By L Mummau - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought New as leftover, had minor electrical problems, rides nice and has lots of torque. Towing is a breeze. Air conditioner not as cold as I like. A sled on Ice, Snow or heavy rain. Hauls a lot easily. Happy with vehicle so far. Like all GMs Ive owned are put together a little sloppy. Engine & Tranny Strong.

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  Great Truck when its not Broken - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By disapointing envoy - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Love everything about this truck. Comfort, features, ride, power all good. Problem is its broken more than it runs. Dash died. Key wont come out of ignition. Heat died. 4x4 transfer case died. Ignition system failed. Now having tranny problems and dealer says sorry you can take a loss and trade it in or deal with the loss of time every month when it breaks. 35K and this is not acceptable! Would buy another if someone could convince me all the bugs were fixed but havent found that person yet - looks like time to find a new brand and dealer.