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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  Awesome Vehicle for the Money - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By DARREN - February 8 - 6:33 pm

  This vehicle has all the room and very reponsive on take off and on the interstate. Around town it looks good and very simple to drive.

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  Nice truck - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Love the style - February 8 - 10:36 am

  test driving the Canyon Denali this week. I like the truck very much, but couldnt find a comfortable driving position. The power seat is lack of adjustment and the front of the seat is too tall. I decided not to purchase it. Besides that, its a nice truck. This is a Denali, but the seat is suck.

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  Not Tippy or Numb - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By hooverj - February 8 - 2:00 am

  After having spent months looking at and driving all the other major players in this class, Envoy was overall and in most areas superior. Dont know what reviewer decided "numb steering" and "tippy in the twisty", the only one close in quality and handling but with better gas mileage was 4-Runner!

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  GMC power! - 2003 GMC Safari
  By Charlton Salandanan - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Nice to drive, Very roomy, good torque and Ideal for family use!

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  Great 4 cyl SUV from GM - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By PmcGee - February 5 - 10:10 pm

  Just picked up a Terrain a couple of days ago. Ive put about 200 miles on it already, and its a great vehicle. My last two cars were foreign, and I fully expected this purchase to be foreign as well, but GM has put together an SUV that rocks its class (Rav4, CRV, Rogue, Santa Fe, etc). I bought the FWD, 4cyl SLE. It comes standard with 3-way power seats, XM Satellite Radio, a backup camera with a 110 degree wide-angle view. The vehicle seats 5 and is fairly punchy for a 4cyl. I had a 4cyl Nissan Altima previously, and this vehicle is comparable off the line. Most important for me however is the 22mpg city/32mpg highway that the Terrain gets, with SUV size & comfort.

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  2005 hd review - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Roger - February 5 - 6:23 pm

  Great truck, has served well in snowy to over 100 temps. Have hauled trailers and 10000 pounds of hay with no problems, using t/h switch is very good as it lowers tranny temp. 53 k miles with 0 problems. avergage mileage is 13.2. Not bad for a 9600 GVW rating with 410 axle. Hauls 3000 pounds of block in bed with no problems.

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  GMC SAFARI - 1995 GMC Safari
  By CGOSSETT - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in January 1996. Have had no major problems. Front brakes have been replaced twice. Plastic door handle on passenger side broke inside the door...major hassle to get to and fix but not a major expense if you have a friend that is a mechanic and has the right tools. Power door lock doesnt always connect with the sliding passenger side door (2 clicks usually will do it when it "misfires"). Just had the fuel pump replaced at 123,000 miles. Van gave plenty of warning...started running rough at about 118,000 miles. Tuned up at 105,000 miles. With 3 kids in sports, this van is great.

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  So far, so good - 2000 GMC Sierra 2500
  By paris hilton - February 5 - 2:00 am

  This plain, Jane GMC has a 6.0 liter engine with a 4.10 rear end. Not good for fuel mileage, usually about 14, but has ranged from 9 with a trailer in the wind to 15 on a flat highway. Warranty work on a jerky transmission, radio failure, rattle in the steering shaft, center console latch, and noisy heater fan. Not much really. Basically satisfied & hoping for a long run.

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  Suburban Heartache - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By BOCOVSO - February 5 - 2:00 am

  For what we paaid I found to interior to be on the cheap side. The controls for the windows are not in the most ideal placement. We just have not been happy with the vehicle. For the 60,000 mile service, there was $1800 of work before they started the service. Thank God for Extended Warranties. Before 60,000, I had to replace shocks and rotors. Did not have these problems with my Expedition. The only thing the Suburban has going for it is the cargo area, you have cargo space and your third row seating.

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  2000 GMC 1500 - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jbdc1 - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Good solid dependable truck, over 60K miles with no major problems. Have had a few noises over the 3.5 yrs- belt noise or pulley chatter or steering noise but either it self- corrects or I get used to it. Emerg. brake was replaced at 35K. Stock tires lasted fine until 60K. Plenty of power with 5.3L engine. Up to 20 mpg hwy below 70 mph. 15 mpg or less in city traffic.