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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  Love it - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By cec - June 15 - 3:50 pm

  I drive approx 100 mi per day as a delivery vehicle, lots of idleing time, and average 15 mpg. Thats OK for a 4500 lb comfortable vehicle. Can hardly wait to go on a trip. The chrome dash ac vents reflect in the rear view mirror and is somewhat distracting.

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  Go GMC - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Jon McLain - June 15 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle to drive. I feel safe when driving and worry less about the safety of my family.

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  Great Truck - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Steve1 - June 14 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned, and Ill probably put 200,000 miles on it before Im done. My only complaint is a common one, the brakes are not suitable for a vehicle of this weight (A problem corrected in the 2000 model). If you dont drive like a maniac youll have no problems stopping, but the front brakes will wear out quickly no matter what you driving habits are. Also, if you set your cruise control to 65, you can get 18-19 MPG on the highway. Thats pretty good for a 5000 pound truck.

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  very happy owner - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By loco - June 14 - 1:16 am

  love driving this truck my last one a 1990 l owned 20 years 400 thousand miles no problems. this one is like driving a caddy. smoth quiet peppy. i work for a large factory which buys ford trucks of witch i drive every day. they are like driving a modle t. the gmc has sooomuch more class ! they are alwas working on the fords. not one problem on the gmc. i was a auto mech for 20 years before i went to factory work and know that if you take care of your auto they last, by the refinement they have installed this truck it should last a life time! i have never been happier with a truck. the only drawback is gas mileage in town, its no better than my old truck; open road mileage is verry good.

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  love my suv!! - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By zeldac1 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  love my suv!!! Great on long trips, traveling with kids and in the mountains

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  My Denali - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Chinette - June 12 - 2:00 am

  My Denali handles with ease on the road and we have drove this SUV on many long distance trips with out any problems what so ever. I cannot say enough about my SUV, but I do wish we could get better gas milage with gas prices going so high

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  Best Vehicle I have ever owned - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Joyschreiber - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Great milage, great ride and design I got the XUV and love it as I can wash it out with a hose but still have luxury Really a reliable wonderful vehicle

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  Good Choice - 2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid
  By Tom Young - June 12 - 12:20 am

  We did our research on a large SUV which could accomplish the flexibility in travel and towing. Along with the gas mileage for our family. After extensive research we felt the premium paid for the Yukon Hybrid was the choice for us. It is a superior family vehicle for city pick up and delivery of children and a great vacation transport.

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  2010 Terrain/AWD/V-6 - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Bob - June 11 - 11:33 am

  We have owned this vehicle for over 6 weeks and we are very disappointed in the gas mileage. With only 1100 miles so far the best hwy mileage is 17.8. We like the exterior style very much with lots of positive comments coming from strangers. The drivers seat is of the most comfortable seat I have had in a long time. The negatives are: no power passenger seat, no garage door link opener, back-up camera in the rear view mirror is a distraction, no dual heat controls and I cant get used the door lock on the dash. We like the looks and driving the vehicle very much.

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  My Truck - 2005 GMC Sierra 3500
  By Liz Cox - June 11 - 4:30 am

  I have to say my experience with my GMC has been awesome. I have travelled over 17,000 miles since I first got it. It hauls my 42 5th wheel with no difficulty and my daughter enjoys the DVD system w/the wireless headphones only a little more than I do. Great sound system and entertainment system. Shocks are a little stiff but only when Im not hauling. I did a lot of comparision shopping and my GMC had the most options for the best price.