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 Love It - May 3 - 1:40 am

  6000 Miles down and we love this vehicle. We moved from a minivan to this and what a difference. We have the White Diamond color with the Brick interior. It is really an eye catcher. We have had repeated compliments on the car. It is very nice looking. Ride quality is good, fuel economy fine, and we have found this car to be the most comfortable weve ever had. We took it on a 2000 mile road trip and I have never felt as relaxed driving long distance nor did I feel over tired after 8-10 hours of driving. The car has great handling and feels smaller than it is. Highly recommended. The only thing we havent tested is snow performance. Im curious how it will handle.

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  Beautiful, a real looker - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Brenda Barr - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving my new Envoy for about 4 weeks, shes a white beauty, comfortable,speedy,and has excellent manuevering abilty. Im 50, look 35, plays sports of all kinds and shop like hell. This is my kind of beefy ride..

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  ???? - 1995 GMC Suburban
  By Buttmunch - May 1 - 2:00 am

  This Is A Good All A round SUV

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  great drive train, rough to ride - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500
  By payne600 - May 1 - 2:00 am

  The drive train is very good at this point. The ride is a major disappointment. I dont know why they come with such small tires for this size truck.

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  Luxury and Comfort - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By sandpit - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Just traded 2002 for 2003. More goodies - XM satellite, nav system, dual climate controls, 2nd row buckets (as comfy as front row), aux rear climate controls (now available WITH sunroof). Great ride, excellent performance - not quite as much immediate acceleration from 40 - 50 mph as a 2 wheel drive (due to the AWD). GM should improve the interior in terms of making it look more luxurious. Also should do something to separate it more from the Tahoe. Biggest complaint (and about the only one) is gas mileage - 12/16 is BAD. GM should figure out a way to get the DVD/TV included WITH the sunroof instead of either/or.

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  GMC fan - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By poppy - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Best in cless, best motor I have ever hade in a truck.It is my 2nd truck and the 1st thuck I got 300,000 mi out of it.

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  A wonderful TRUCK not a CAR - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By mgoblue2 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Overall a great truck. No real complaints just that the interior is in very bad need of an update. Needs more lux!!!

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  Denali - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By StarmanT - April 29 - 10:00 am

  This is an expensive truck, but everyday I drive it, I think this is worth it. The four wheel steering is awesome - parking lots are a snap! I pulled a UHaul trailor a few days ago - first with a Toyota Sequoia, then the Denali. Everything youve read is true. I did some quick lane changes and the trailor stays right behind the truck. My hats off to GMC on this truck. Outstanding job!

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  Very Comfortable SUV, car like ride - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Jenvoy03 - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Its a big vehicle but drives like a car. I have had Ford Explorers a 94. and 97 and they were very truck like. GM always have seats that I feel are very comfortable and this SUV is no exception. I have the SLT 2 wheel drive, with running boards, sun roof, side air bags, Bose system. Big roomy vehicle. I came out of a 2003 Acura TL type S, I figured out I wasnt the sports car type plus I found the TL lacking in quality contrary to their reputation. The GMC seems to have built very well. My only problems so far was chattering wiper blades, dealer replaced under warranty, and a defective switch in A/C that caused it to work intermittenly. Dealer fixed.

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  wuz up with the low resale value - 2001 GMC Safari
  By jess barger - April 28 - 2:00 am

  a nice van for people to ride a short distance but on a long trip it is very small in the front seats and the gas mileage is very low 12 in the city and 15 on the highway when the sticker show 16 to 20 it is a little bit deceiving.