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 My ACADIA - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By LOVE My ACADIA - May 26 - 3:23 pm

  I am a Mom with two young children. We love our new car. GMC did a great job with this vehicle. I love to just get out and drive. We have 3 other vehicles but I find myself wanting to drive my "Black Beauty" all of the time.

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  Great little truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Bill R - May 25 - 7:35 pm

  I bought this truck used with only 20,00 on it. It was taken care of and the truck is a great little truck. With the 3.5 and auto trans I get a consistent 26 mpg. I have no complaints as it is a tight, well built truck. For a compact/mid size truck, its great! It is also American built! I looked at other brands, and the GMC is as good as any other truck.

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  Worth it! - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By JGaspard - May 23 - 11:26 pm

  We traded in a 2006 BMW 530i for our 2007 Yukon XL Denali (we have infant twins). My only complaints are some of the "luxury" aspects of the vehicle. Some of the interior design is 2nd rate for the price (dash board, area between seats, display, etc.). It rides great at all speeds. My wife was extremely nervous because of the size, but now has no fears. If you have a big family, this is your car. Plenty of space, plenty of power, plenty of quality. For all that complain about gas mileage-what do you expect? The vehicle weighs 7,000 lbs. It is the safest for my family. It carries my family with gear--sorry mini-vans, but I can pass cars with no problem at any highway with a loaded car.

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  So far so good - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Taurces - May 21 - 1:23 pm

  We were actually looking to buy the Yukon XL 1500 with leather seats and rear dvd because we needed the extra room for our growing family. The dealer gave us a great deal on the Yukon XL Denali with most options except navigation and rear camera. We ended up paying $44K after taxes, title, & trade-in (00 montero sport w/ ~100K miles). We didnt think it was a bad deal. So far the truck has been exceptional.

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  Best Ride EVER - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By 2008 Denali - May 21 - 7:19 am

  I traded in my 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab b/c my family needed a more comfortable ride for long trips. We looked at the Avalanche but really no difference from the Sierra with cabin space and comfort. The Denali rides like a dream. My truck had the old 5.3L V8 and felt just a little under- powered. The Denali with the new 6.2L V8 has plenty of power from towing my boat to accelerating for passing on the interstate (or even accelerating on the interstate while pulling the boat!!) Average gas mileage for my driving style is the same as the Sierra but definitely sucks more gas in town. Very comfortable, quiet ride. I do miss having a "truck" but thats what utility trailers are for.

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  Great little truck - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By dustin - May 20 - 3:08 pm

  I havent had this truck very long so i cant say about the reliability. But it seems really solid. I have the zr2 package. It rides really good for a 4x4. The gas mileage isnt horrible, it is a truck after all. It will get up and go, but my moms minivan will go faster. But her van cant go thru mud!!!

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  Love the Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By love it - May 17 - 4:48 pm

  We absolutely love our 2 year Acadia. It is fun to drive and drives like a car-very smooth! The only complaint we have is the interior light of the digital clock/radio and odometer/exterior temp read-outs. (Hope fully, this has been changed with the future models) but, the lighting on these read-outs is so dim, that during the daytime hours it is very difficult, if not impossible, to see the readouts! Quite an oversight on GMC. The Enclave utilizes a green back light for these read outs, which is much easier to read/effective!

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  THE GREATEST IN ITS CLASS - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Evan5555555 - May 15 - 2:00 am

  We just picked up the Envoy, and it is wonderful. It handles like a dream, and has a preformance some V-8s can not match. Its is a great vehicle, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in a mid-size sport utility vehicle

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  Great car! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By jday - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought an envoy to replace 2001 Pathfinder....Great vehicle. I loved my Pathfinder and thought I could not get better, but this one has a better ride and better features. I am also getting good gas mileage although I had read how poor it was. I got the loaded W/everything...I would suggest this as this is one thing that makes the automobile GREAT.

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  Excellent SUV, Highly recommend! - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By gudamgirl86 - May 11 - 6:37 pm

  I have a white 2002 Yukon SLT 4WD. I use it to pull my 4 horse trailer. It does great up hills, around curves and has a great towing capacity. I love it for family outtings since I have 2 kids and 3 dogs, and my husband likes it for the handling and drives it to work everyday without a problem. I feel very safe in it. Highly recommend this SUV, I wont ever depend on a Ford after driving my Yukon for so long!