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 suv - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By korey - February 4 - 2:00 am

  I have owned two jimmys and have no serious problems with either. my previous jimmy had 150,000 miles on it before being stolen. The jimmy i own now is great and has had no serious problems so far. Considering the amount of jimmys and blazers on the road there is probably going to be what seems like a lot of defects. In reality the number with defects in comparison to the amount sold is minimal.

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  What a TRUCK! - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Huck BB62 - February 3 - 10:00 am

  If you havent driven a new GM heavy duty, youre in for a shock. The thing is super quiet inside. Ive got the upgraded interior and its very very plush. The 6.0 is a forceful engine and delivers in spades. It is a very capable truck off road and on long trips, its real pleasure. A long inspection of the underside and underhood of this truck reveals a ton of thoughtful engineering and plain old brawn. Not ONE factory assembly error has been found on my truck. If it got stolen tomorrow, Ill be back down to the same dealer to get one just like it.

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  Comfortable, Reliable & Looks Great - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Kalbo - February 2 - 10:03 pm

  Excellent ride. Remote start, power rear door great to have. XM, Four captain chairs make easy access to third row for adults a cinch. navigation and climate system contribute to the pleasure of driving the Acadia.

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  Love my truck! - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By shelli - February 2 - 2:30 am

  Ive had my Yukon since April 04 and have not had any problems with it. Its got over 45,000 miles on it and everything is still like new. We have 4 children and often take trips that last over 5 hours each way -- the DVD player is a treasure. I love the heated seats and Stereo too!

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  Pull tree stumps - 1990 GMC Jimmy
  By 442Man - February 1 - 2:00 am

  This truck when equiped with posi rear end and 4x4 will pull just about anything. The 5.7 is one tough and torque heave engine. The dark tint rear side windows.

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  Thirsty SUV - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Spaceinvader - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Why cant GMC build a more fuel efficient engine? I only get 12 to 13 MPG in the city. Also, the truck has numorous rattles in the first three months. The dealer cant seem to fix the problem. Poor build quality for a vehicle in this price range. I will not by another GM product, unless things improve dramatically!

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  2nd GM truck - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jonathan - January 29 - 4:06 am

  I started with a 99 Chevy Z71 that I drove 200k miles and beyond its last leg so I traded it in for this GMC Crew 2WD with the 5.3 L. I was disappointed with the extended travel in the front suspension and huge turn radius. Its great on long trips for comfort, but gas mileage averages around 14 in the city and 16 on the highway. It feels real solid until you tow ANYTHING more than 500 #s, it struggles over 55 mph with shifting a lot, due to lack of torque. The steering pops and clunks like my 99 did, the same for the rear-end chirp on start/stops. Bad design still being used from 99, thats just annoying. I like the comfort and prefer cloth over leather on long trips and in hot Texas.

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  Nice Drive but.......... - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Seadog - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Since purchasing our 2002 Envoy over 14 months ago, I would say it has been a pleasure to drive.The only thing I dont really care for is the computer controls on the steering wheel. BUT, the quality and break downs have been more than one would expect. I have had my Envoy in the dealership to replace the following failed items. 1. Rear air suspension 2. Front bumper brackets 3. Memory module for seats and mirrors 4. 4 wheel drive module 5. Horn I am still waiting for some more parts to come in for some of these repairs. I plan to sell or trade in my Envoy as soon as these are fixed.

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  Snow Surfin Safari - 1991 GMC Safari
  By miluch - January 28 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has 210,000 miles and never misses a lick. All major componants are original, no oil consumption, use it to tow regularly, and... it is just awesome in the snow and on ice slick roads.

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  Nice car - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Kevin & Laura - January 26 - 10:06 pm

  We really like our Acadia because of how it looks and it drives really nice, great turning ratio, very comfortable! We have 5 kids including 3 teenagers and we all fit in here with plenty of room. More leg and body room than our Suburban but we miss the storage room in the back. We have the FWD and are only getting 20 MPG and we drive mostly highway so thats a little disappointing. The vehicle is very doggy on hills unless you lay into the gas and then it wants to fly. Agree about the chrome on the dash, would be better to just make it the color of the dash as the sun does reflect off of it. We love the syling and people are always looking at it and even ask us how we like it, etc.