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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  Not what I wanted, or expected - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By T - April 16 - 9:37 pm

  I was previously leasing a 2014 Acadia SLT-2 and when my lease came to an end, I was backed into a corner with limitations on car choices. I tested the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Explorer, Chevy Traverse and Buick Enclave, and, of course, the 2017 Acadia. With my previous Acadia, I had it all! Perfect size, captain chairs in the second row, and I could fit 7 pieces of decent sized luggage behind the upright third row! Gas mileage was poor, but I didnt let that bother me at all. The only reason why I chose the new Acadia over all the others is solely based on the perks I obtained from sticking with GMC. I felt pressured. My lease was beyond its expiration and I was running out of time. I made a blind decision and now I will be paying for it for the next three years. Upon the initial test drive, I thought it was a smooth ride and easy to maneuver over my previous Acadia. I almost wish that dealerships would let you test a car for a few days or even a week before deciding! My biggest complaints are: How low this vehicle sits! I also have a 2017 Nissan Rogue, and that sits higher than the Acadia. Also, the whining noise when accelerating. The storage is awful! I have to fit my sons stroller in at an angle with the third row up. With the stroller in behind the third row, I have to leave the third row up because thats where I place all other belongings because they simply wont fit! I have had this car for almost 6 months and I am in the heart of winter here in Upstate New York and this vehicle is worthless in snow, even in 4 wheel drive. The weight loss of this vehicle really shows even in the lightest of snow. Just spins and spins at stop lights, and I find it annoying that I have to put the vehicle into 4 wheel drive JUST to make it through a snowy intersection. UNACCEPTABLE! I honestly wish I spent the 50k and BOUGHT the Acadia Limited, or went with the Ford Explorer. Cannot wait to dump this vehicle.

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  Great Truck - 1994 GMC Sonoma
  By blondeinanissan - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my Sonoma! I would say that the ONLY thing wrong with it is that it isnt the most comfortable truck to be in on long trips. But the power in the 4.3 is amazing! Ive only got 95,000 miles on mine and Ive never had any problems with it whatsoever. I highly recommend the Sonoma if youre thinking about buying a little truck, it looks little, but its got the power of a full-size.

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  Dont Buy IT - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By John co8O - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Replaced 3 starters, cooling fan, radiator, 3 fly wheels, Air condition compressor, transmission at 122,000 miles, catalitic converter just to name some of the problems. The drivers seat stop working at 70,000 miles. The vehicle is not built for a large amount of

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  ONE AWESOME SUV - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By kris - April 12 - 2:00 am

  DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR I DONT THINK YOU CAN GET A BETTER SUV. YOU CAN TELL THERE HORSES UNDER THE HOOD. AND NO NEED TO WORRY ABOUT SPINNING YOUR TIRES IN A PINCH THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE TAKES THAT SCARE AWAY. IT WAS NICE GETTING A VEHICLE THAT HAD EVERYTHING ALREADY. YOU DONT HAVE UPGRADE ANYTHING,NOT EVEN THE STEREO. THE BOSE WITH SUBWOOFER DOSE THE TRICK. THIS VECHILE HAS WAY TOO MANY FEATURES TO LIST. MY FAMILY LOVES THE HEATED SEATS AND TV SCREENS. GOOD JOB GMC.

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  03 GMC Z71 REVIEW - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 03 Z71 - April 12 - 2:00 am

  It has had too many problems for a truck that costs as much as it does, with only 6000miles. First the tailgate had to be replaced b/c it had holes in it, not sure from what. Next the mirror display(comp.& temp.)went out, had to be replaced, then I found that the passenger side a/c gets stuck on hot when you turn it all the way up, still working on it, now the front axle housing is leaking oil. This truck has never been in the mud, or ragged. What a waste of my time and money, I will never buy again or recomend a GMC product to anyone.

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  Best PU on the road - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By denali owner - April 11 - 11:00 pm

  This truck has the comforts of a car, and the abilities of a truck. Interior is comfortable, and it will haul and tow like nobodys business. 4 wheel steering is amazing! You can u- turn on the average city street and the manueverability in parking lots is unbelievable. Drive one. Try to drive something else. Enough said.

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  Takes you back in time! - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Maloof - April 11 - 2:00 am

  It makes you feel like you are driving a GM product from the 70s or 80s - JUNK! Big regret buying it - its the right size, pep, looks, ride, etc - but GM cant build a car that last more that a week. Its been in the shop more than I have driven it. Bad choice on my part - shame on GM. Customer Service makes you feel good on the phone - but they dont do anything about the issue. Take it in for service? HA! what a joke - I spent $50,000 on a vehicle and am treated like I purchased it out of the bargain corral! GM needs to learn how to service and stand behind thier products.

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  2003 Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By gdanekas - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Fuel economy is nothing like the 3800 V- 6 in other GM automobiles. Not sure why mileage is so poor when it is stated V- 8 power with V-6 economy.

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  My first SUV! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By ranchan80 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  After looking at other SUVs, including the QX4, the highlander, and the RX- 300, I found that the Envoy fit my needs the best! The looks, the performance, and the price won me over. I have had it for about 6000 miles right now, and not a thing wrong with it! Just experienced a horrible Nebraska winter, and the Envoy handled it with ease! Glad i bought it!

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  1999 3/4 ton diesel suburban - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By camwatt1 - April 9 - 2:00 am

  This has got to be one og the most versatile vehicles for the dollar. Excellent gas milage, huge towing capacity and comfortable seating for 8 as well as a truly safe feeling no matter what the driving condition.