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 the size, but... - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Lynn Taylor - April 4 - 5:53 am

  I like my Acadia AWD, but it does have some drawbacks. The gas mileage is no where near what it should be. I bought the vehicle thinking that the gas mileage was a bit better than my previous SUV 4wd, but it isnt. The continuous shifting on the CVT transmission eats gas. Another problem is the vehicle is extremely difficult to backup. There are many blind spots in this vehicle that should be looked at. If a small car comes up behind you and you can only see the roof, there is a definite problem. There are also blind spots where the front seats and door jams meet causing a big blind spot when looking out the passenger side window. I do like the size and comfort of the vehicle.

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  I love my Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By MIkeOrangeman - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Unquestionably the best new vehicle Ive owned. The Envoy has ample power and great maneuverability. Id put this vehicle up against anything a competitor has to offer. Its very solidly built and Im very pleased with it. Bravo GMC!

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  Good SUV - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By GAD - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is Comfortable with the leather option. Ride is good and interior quiet for an SUV on a truck frame. The Handling is good and doesnt feel like it will roolover in turns like its sister the Trailerbazer.

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  Dependable - 1993 GMC Sonoma
  By Qzardesigner - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought the truck new in 1993 and it has proved reliable ever since. I now have 167,000 miles on it. This truck has the 4.3 engine. I wish GM could learn how to make a good set of front brakes because every GM car I have owned this one included is hard on the front brakes. The heater core had to be replaced in 2002. Serpentine belt pulley replaced in 2000. The major annoyance is the paint, as it continues to flake off. According to GM the primer is bad and wont allow the paint to adhere. Overall, though, this truck has been a good runner and very dependable.

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  If you like playing CDs dont buy an a new Acadia - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Will - April 1 - 6:46 am

  $1,000 dollar option on the radio, 8 inch screen and Bose Sound System, but does not have a "CD Player, what a disappointment

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  Only thing I use - 1992 GMC Vandura
  By Lotaso - April 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is the workhorse of the family, weve been up and down the east coast several times in this car, it is especially great at keeping fighting children away from each other, never had the bane of having to deal with accidents in this car so I wouldnt be able to tell how well it would do their but those in the car tend to joke about how we dwarf the other cars, very comfortable despite problems with seats getting stuck in awkward positions, also the power windows motors burned out, not sure if those come standard or not.

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  1993 GMC Yukon SLE - 1993 GMC Yukon
  By batt - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Constant radiator problems. Front suspension problems at 80,000 miles. Spare tire mounted inside vehicle takes too much space. Outside r view mirrors are lousy. WS wiper motor failure @ 75000. Poor visibility when turning because of width of roof support. Difficult for many to climb into vehicle because of vehicle height. Very poor mileage.

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  Good Truck!!! - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By Jennylm313 - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, nice on gas!! affordable and a very nice looking truck.

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  Excellent truck - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By aa2003 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Its the best! The gas mileage leaves something to be desired, but overall the Yukon is tops. A must have.

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  02 Envoy SLT - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By dane - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Great truck, most riders compare it to the MB and BMW X5.