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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  Great Vehicle minus the gas mileage. - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By fastrevmd - June 10 - 6:22 pm

  We have had this vehicle for 3 years and love it for soccer mom duty and ever family trip. The gas mileage posted on our window was 28mpg highway. Which is not even close. I was say 22 at best and we have the front wheel drive only version. We average 16mpg. The stated towing is 6000lbs. We tried towing a 5000lbs trailer once, this vehicle could not do it. I will never tow with it again. The transmission is a little shifty also but this was improved with an updated last year. We do love it, and it is one of the best vehicles we have ever owned though.

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  Love my Acadia - still after 2 years! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Love My Acadia! - June 9 - 10:43 am

  I have been driving my 2007 Acadia for 2 full years, and I still love it. I commute 30 miles one way, and spend a lot of time in the vehicle on trips. The comfort and features make it a joy to drive! I had it in the shop only one time before warranty expired for very minor issues and one recall, and it has not needed any other repairs. I get 18+MPG in town, 24+MPG on the highway - very close to what is promised. I prviously drove a 98 Oldsmobile minivan, and a 2003 Chevy Tahoe. This Acadia has as much room as the minivan, but is much more stylish and comfortable, and it is much more roomy and functional than the Tahoe. Highly recommend to families with small children or teenagers!

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  Acadia Borders on Excellent - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By sidewinder - June 8 - 9:00 am

  The 08 Acadia is one solid XUV that met all my expectations and justifies the title, Made in USA (got rid of my German cars that had lots of reliability issues). The pitbull-like stance/exterior, interior design/ergonomics and handling are first-rate and deserve consideration by those looking for pax space and who dont want to drive a van. It feels like one solid block of wood no matter what the road surface is (I opted against the 19-inchers, w/c felt more jiggly and AWD, as my FWD felt quicker during the road test). The engine does have its work cut out for it when prodded lightly but moves the Acadia with authority when you step on it. Cornering ability is impressive.

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  Can you say Jackpot ? - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Big Wes - June 7 - 1:55 am

  G hit the jackpot with this puppy. This vehicle is a joy to drive and sports very stylish looks. At 6 feet 3 inches I am astonished at the interior roominess. I can even ride comfortably in the third row seats. My last vehicle was a 2007 Yukon and the third row seats were a joke. Car has lots of bells and whistle and the nav and sound systems are fantastic. I only wish GM would have used better quality plastic on the interior appointments given the price of the car. The engine is very responsive and the ride is very smooth. I test drove the 2009 Acura MDX and the Lexus RX 350 before buying. Both were nice but did not come close to the Arcdia in space, technogoly and smooth ride.

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  Rating of GMC Yukon XL - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Brownlee - May 30 - 7:50 pm

  We love our SUV. It has a smooth ride,comfortable, excellent color (sandlewood),easy to keep clean ,comfortable seats ,leather so soft & easy to clean , very happy with the ride .

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  Great little workhorse! - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By BigD - May 29 - 7:05 pm

  This is a little truck with an attitude...I have the 4.3 V6 and it will take on those big boys like the full size fords and dodges and stay with them. now this is a stock V6 and it has the sound of a big boy! it tows real good and can carry a big load and still do 70mph...so if you are looking at this model of a truck you will not be disapointed if you buy it!

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  04 Denali - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By spike1n1 - May 29 - 2:00 am

  The Yukon Denali has extreme power waiting to be unleashed. Had Hypertech/Headers/Exhaust/Volant Intake and gained some good horsepower to it. Our denali will go through anything. It takes off like a beast. The All wheel drive handles marvelously in the rain. Backing up is not hard at all, and the mirrors fold down so you can see the curb when parking close. The seats fold down in less than 3 minutes and are nice and heavy duty. The electric heated seats are a NICE luxuary in the wintertime. All and all this SUV is one of the best. It IS worth 50 grand.

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  2004 Envoy SLT 8 cyl 4wd - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By sgtmom167@aol.com - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a mid size SUV with adequate head and leg space for my husband and boys who are all tall. The Envoy has substantial space suprisingly in all 3 rows. I found the vehicle to handle exceptionally well, and the V8 has a lot of power in comparison to to the V6. We had 7 family members including adults for a short trip and there was plenty of room for everyone. I did a lot of comparisons with other mid size SUVs and I am very happy with my choice.

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  Great Truck - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By gabbro - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck. No problems or issues during the first month. Gas mileage on highway averages 18-19 mpg at 60-65. Interior and XM radio are awesome. Ford looks interior looks weak in comparison.

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  356,000 kms and still going - 1994 GMC Yukon
  By canucksfan86 - May 28 - 3:00 pm

  I just took my truck down to California and back from Vancouver, BC. No worries on the trip, as this is by far the most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. Still on the original engine and original transmission, body is in excellent shape (with the exception of a little bit of rust on the tail gate). I would never get rid of it! It even pulls my 29 Sea Ray (10,000 lbs) from my house to the marina and back (a total of 10 kms) with no problem. Its done the trek for 9 years now, and has never had a problem.