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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  5 for 5 - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By bww - May 21 - 2:00 am

  Im on my 5th Suburban. I love them and I feel my family is safe in one. Safety is more important to me than a few miles per gallon. By the way all 5 of my Suburbans have averaged 18-20 mgp on the road. Not bad considering that I usually Im loaded up with gear.

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  Truck for the family - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By montage - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Large and nimble. Luxurious and tough. Big enough to do the job and small enough to feel in control of. Whether its cruising through the forests of the north woods with the sunroof open, or blasting down I-80 to and from Colorado in 10 degree weather or going out to a restaurant with 7 passengers in 95 degree heat this truck does it all for our family. When we travel we do a lot of living in there, kids sleep, pee and watch movies on long trips while we move. Going to the beach? Sand toys, inflatables and oh yeah, a 8,000 # boat, too - no problem.

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  SMMMOOOOOOTTTTHHHHHH - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By kingpin - May 20 - 2:00 am

  What could you expect after stepping out of a Isuzu Trooper? This "truck" is like sitting in a Lazy Boy recliner and coasting at 90 on the Interstate. Sure the gas mileage hurts but Bush is taking care of that for me. Solid as a rock, I never have to worry about my childrens safety in this beauty.

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  3x Repairs @ 7k - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By dtbroome - May 20 - 2:00 am

  My 03 Yukon has been in the shop 3x in 4 months of ownership- Failed Emission sensor, Leaking ALB speed sensors and faulty Climate Control. When my Yukon is NOT in the shop its a pleasure to drive. Im very disappointed with the BUILD QUALITY, as it appears to be very poor. The hassle factor has been high as the dealer must order parts to repair the SUV. I will likely go back to a Lexus or Toyota if this pattern continues. Im looking into the lemon laws in California. Think twice about buying a GMC. You get what you pay for (ie. go with Toyota or Lexus)

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  1500 Sierra - 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jerry Gonzalez - May 18 - 7:03 pm

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  yukon - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By eagletla - May 18 - 2:00 am

  We love the vehicle it is a sleeper in other peoples perception but this is our second and are looking for a third

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  Too many service visits. - 2016 GMC Acadia
  By Bill Branzell - May 17 - 2:54 pm

  I like my 2016 Acadia Denali, but I have spent way too much time at the dealers service dept. Yes it is all covered under warranty, but it is a hassle to make time to get to the dealer..... 3000 miles in 7 weeks and I have had it into the service dept. 5 times. 1) & 2) Parked my new $50,000 SUV in my garage and noticed window washer fluid leaking out onto the floor. Took it to the dealer they couldnt find it. Rose hell and took it to the dealer again. they found the leak and fixed it. 3) check engine light, new gas cap, problem solved. 4) one week later check engine light again. Replaced some pressure sensor (emissions related), problem solved. 5) Side mouldings on both drivers doors is falling off. To the dealer again.

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  Our pick of many - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Anne P. McLaughlin - May 17 - 12:16 am

  At first the vehicle seemed a little big after getting out of our Honda van. It was not long before it was a pleasure to get in and drive away. Mileage however is not the best brag. Even with gas as high as it is today the Acadia is staying right here at home, mileage or no mileage. We have found it to be an excellent buy.

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  Great truck - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Tyler - May 16 - 3:13 am

  I work in the oil patch in northern Alberta and this truck really works well here! I have the 8.1 liter gas pig but I dont care about fuel economy because it is so fun to drive! I have no problem keeping up to diesels and some times pass them on big hills. I love the design, the ride is great and it really rips when you want it too. I tow a 10,000 flare stack regularily and this truck doesnt back down at all.

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  I would buy another one tomorrow - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By mtjhiggs - May 16 - 2:00 am

  This truck is exactly what I expected. The people who are complaining about it, obviously bought the wrong vehicle. This vehicle is the perfect mid-size SUV. Performance, ride, gas mileage, and quality are exactly as expected with this vehicle. The selling/ servicing dealer can make all of the difference.If buying one, definately go for the DiamondEdition interior. The comfort is well worth the extra money. Only problems have been, 4x4 switch went bad and fog light had water leaking into it.