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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  Total Comfort - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By wxb - March 7 - 2:00 am

  We have driven a Ford Explorer for the last 8 years. We recently purchased the GMC Envoy after test driving 10 other models and we have found a winner. The ride is smooth, interior is quite, acceleration is excellent.

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  Greatest car I have owned! - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By Nik - March 6 - 11:56 pm

  This our 3rd Yukon and I have had a great experience with each one! Between carpooling and out of town trips we are in this truck all of the time and it is always comfortable and reliable!!

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  I like it - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Acadia Owner - March 6 - 8:13 am

  I turned in my Infiniti G35 coupe after a 4 year lease and leased the Acadia. I am very pleased with it. I have only owned one other SUV and it was an Infiniti which I also liked a lot. I am enjoying the configuration of my Acadia (I have 2 rows of bucket seats and a bench seat), the ease of handling, the amenities, and the great interior. I am very pleased with my car/truck and I think it will pass the test of time.

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  GMC Dealerships are the worst - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Devine1 - March 6 - 2:00 am

  My only comment is that you better hope you get one with 0 problems because the dealerships are the worst. I have a Yukon XL and a GMC Sierra and I like the design and power of both vehicles for towing/etc. But, every time something has gone wrong, the dealer cant or wont fix it without a fight. I have honestly bought my last GM car after a lifetime of owning them.

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  Yukon - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By str8outdaboot - March 6 - 2:00 am

  I have had a great experience with my vehicle. I enjoy driving it and would recommend it to anyone. I think that you can buy the upscale SLT instead on the Denali and save yourself alot of money. The rear A/C is a bit loud, but overall this is a great buy.

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  Hunk O Junk - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By RobertLNM - March 6 - 2:00 am

  Name it it has gone wrong - car has 3,000 miles on it and in the shop about 3,000 hours. Great looking SUV - great power - typical substandard GM quality. Transmission gone, computer went out twice, mount brackets fell off

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  Stands the test of time - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By JJMSpartan - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this vehicle for a little over 2 years, and its still a great family vehicle. It has all the features youd ever want, and the build quality is excellent. It rides well and handles well in all weather conditions. In all, an excellent vehicle.

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  Good so far! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Hartfordguy - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Priced well among same size competitors. Engine is very reactive which is always nice. Fuel capacity is poor as usual. Never understood why they make a car that gets poor gas milage with a 16 gallon gas tank! Interior: Good, only one mistake. For such a roomy interior, they cheaped out on the technology for cup holders. There are 2 cup holders, one undersized jammed in between the console and the shifter, the other behind the shirfter....in the way of the arm rest. other than that, good!

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  2017 Acadia Denali - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By 2017 Acadia Danali - March 4 - 5:10 pm

  had the car for a week and fell in love with it but cant stand the stop start feature. You cant turn it off either, what a shame! Wondering when the car gets older and exhibits extended cranking, what it likes to be sitting at the traffic lights waiting for your car to get started? Itll be embarrassing.

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  Great SUV for the whole family - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By RS1 - March 4 - 2:00 am

  Excellent ride coupled with large interior space makes this a pleasure to drive on long trips. In town the acceleration provided by the 6.0L Vortec engine come in very handy when merging into Atlanta traffic. This vehicle provides great value for the money as compared with all other large SUVs on the market.