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 it except the poor gas mileage - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By John - December 7 - 4:46 am

  Took delivery a couple of weeks ago. We chose the Acadia over the Mazda CX9 because of the additional interior room and ease of access to the third row. So far we are very happy with the overall purchase except for the terrible gas mileage when compared to what is stated on the sticker. The first tank of gas which was a combined city and highway was 15 mpg. The second and third tanks were 100% city driving in Houston, Texas and we are getting 12 mpg; a huge dissapointment because we get this same 12 mpg with our Yukon XL and Ford Expedition; both of which are V8s. Hopefully this will improve.

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  2000 1500 SLE - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By David Thompson - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Excellent ride, good power. Replaced alternator at 42,000. Bad alternator caused leakage from battery, causing the replacement of battery and positive battery cable had deteriorated. Dealership charged me an arm and leg to replace ($1000). Also had problems with accelerator sticking at 40,000. Replaced emergency brake at 29,000.

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  Sweet Ride - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Ron - November 26 - 3:20 pm

  I have driven my truck about 6000 miles now and I have had no problems at all. I do notice a hard upshift when I have to stop swiftly. I can only manage to get about 16 mpg. I traded in a 04 Nissan Titan 4x4 on this truck and I have not been too disappointed. Overall I think GM did good with this re-design.

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  Best Vehicle I have ever Owned - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Tony - November 25 - 5:16 am

  Bought truck new in 03,I have over 140K and have not had to spend $1 on repairs. Replace fluids and do proper maintenance and it runs as good as the day I bought it.Would like to buy a new truck but cannot justify replacing it as it is so reliable. I drive a lot of highway miles and get almost 19 MPG if I keep it around 70 MPH.

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  Junk so far - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Rodney - November 20 - 11:16 pm

  We purchased our Acadia new with 5 miles on it. The problems began 1week later by having to have a new engine put in it! then the battery went dead a few months later and the OnStar didnt work to call for help. The traction control quit working and had to be fixed, then the cruise control quit working, then the battery went dead again while driving at night so we had no dash lights and not much of anything was working, so after 5 times of being in the shop lets hope its all fixed, we should have a new car by now with all those new parts,oh wait, we did buy a new car. Comfortable ride when it runs, NAV doesnt work right, OnStar works sometimes, love it when everything works! Gimme a new one

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  Great Car After 3 Years - 2006 GMC Yukon
  By Steve - November 18 - 1:42 pm

  Ive had this car for over 3 years on a 4 year GMAC lease. Its been extremely reliable and trouble free (only problem was a defective rear window switch replaced under warranty), and very comfortable to drive on a 1 hour snail type freeway commute each way on L.A. freeways. My only complaint: local gas mileage is awful (highway is OK). My overall mileage average per the built in computer is 12.9 with about 90% local (not highway) driving.

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  Most reliable truck ever owned - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By Jay - November 14 - 9:36 am

  I am now approaching 300,000 miles on this truck and still have not spent money in repairs. I have changed the serpentine belt, headlamp and tires, but this truck has been very good to me.

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  ready to drive or tow - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By john price - November 9 - 2:28 am

  This SUV is setup for possible towing, with electrical connections at front and an air to hydraulic braking system used with motorhome with air brakes (all connections are mounted at front with towing plates mounted.)

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  Nice car but misleading on gas MPG - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Dave C. - November 3 - 8:20 pm

  Here is the review after 3 months of ownership and 3000 miles. The review is based on the maxed out SLT2 AWD (w/Nav & DVD). Overall the car is great. Nice ride, great seating, and seems sure footed on the road. Two complaints: Fuel economy - Dont believe the hype! We do City/Hwy driving. Avg mpg is 12 city, 16 hwy. To me, thats terrible for a V6 and compared to what GMC boasts of 20/22. The other complaint is the nav & backup camera has failed on a few separate occasions. Went back to the dealer and they will replace it. To sum it up, the Acadia is a nice car, good overall build and quality, layout. But misleading on the gas mileage.

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  yukon review - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By run4007 - November 3 - 10:00 am

  WITHIN THE FIRST 1000 MILES I ENCOUNTERED PROBLEM WITH THE GEARS WHICH WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER AT NO COST BUT SHOOK MY CONFIDENCE IN THE CAR. I HAD TO GO BACK 3 TIMES BEFORE THEY CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. NOW I AM HEARING ANOTHER CLICKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT. CONFIDENCE???????? IT IS VERY SMOOTH CAR TO RUN AND EASY TO HANDLE. I WISH THEY WOULD PAY MORE ATTENTION IN ENSURING THAT ALL SYSTEMS WORK PROPERLY AT THE FIRST TIME AND CONSUMERS DONT FEEL, MAY BE, THEY GOT A LEMON?? I STILL LOVE THIS CAR.