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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  GMC Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By CT Golf - May 10 - 9:23 pm

  The Acadia handles well and is doesnt handle or float around like a large SUV. It has received multiple unsollicited compliments in parking lots and several impromptu tours.

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  Better then the rest - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By blksiryder - May 10 - 3:30 am

  I just got my new GMC with the 5.3. I love the fact of the fuel managment system. The mpgs could be better but not bad. The engine is a power house. I traded my 2000 turbo diesel for this truck and with the 100k powertrain warranty. I know it will last the the term of the loan. I would buy 2 if I needed them.

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  Best of the best! - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Torod - May 8 - 5:46 pm

  I cant rave enough about this vehicle to do it justice! It overshot everything I expected of it. I thought my 2003 Suburban was the ultimate but this 2007 version surpasses it. It is quiet, superior ride and handling, power up the whazzoo, smooth as silk and outstanding fuel economy! Thank you General Motors! Once again you have whizzed passed all the rest with a mile or more to spare!

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  Great little truck! - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By bill - May 5 - 11:26 am

  I bought my GMC Canyon used with 20k on it in early 2009. It is a well built and quality truck in my opinion. It has the 3.5 and automatic trans. and gets an average of 25-26 mpg. Very pleased with the truck and features and would recommend it to anyone who wants a smaller economical truck. I looked at Ford and the imports, and this GM truck is as good and maybe better and glad I bought it.

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  Best One Yet - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Best One Yet - May 2 - 12:46 pm

  After driving GMC trucks since 1974 this new 2008 Sierra is the best one yet. The interior is outstanding with great back support in the bucket seats; easy accesss to everything on the dash; to great controls on the steering whell. This is the first time for GMC to have cruise control on the steering wheel and it is much easier to operate. Performance is outstanding with the 5.3 engine and my gas mileage is good as well. With the 4-6-8 engine I get 24 to 25 mile to the gallon at 55 mph. Amazing! My friends drive Fords and Dodges and their milage is so bad 10-12 mile per gallon. Too bad they didnt buy a GMC. My company truck is a Ford 4x4 and on a good day it gets 12-13. Really sad.

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  Great Vehicle - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Kyle - May 1 - 12:10 pm

  A couple of years ago I bought an Infiniti FX 35, it was very sporty and reliable, but it was too small and it bounced all over rougher payment. The Acadia (Outlook, Traverse etc.) has much more, is much more comfortable and has an incredibly smooth ride. GMC has a winner with this. I bought my Acadia about 6 weeks ago, I love it and so does my wife.

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  Absolutely Incredible - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By KiK - April 30 - 12:23 am

  This vehicle is amazing. Purchased it the week it came out fully loaded. This vehicle catches everyones attention, I have people constantly complimenting the vehicle and/or asking what it is. The 19" chrome wheels do take some of the smooth ride out, but nothing too serious. Especially if youre mainly driving on pavement, which most people will I am sure.

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  A great vehicle! - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By RobandSue - April 28 - 6:29 am

  We have had our new Acadia for about a month and although that is not a very long time we are really, really pleased with our purchase! It is fun to drive, has good pick-up, sits solidly on the road, very comfortable inside, has a great sound system, and the robust features of the navigation system are all we could want. Add in the Onstar capability and we feel covered in all respects. We bought the heavy black floor mats for rainy weather and find that very useful in the rear when we need to transport "messy" things. We feel good driving it -- it has a classy appearance, too. Couldnt be happier!

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  Great truck - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Bob from Connecticut - April 26 - 2:50 am

  Although I just bought this truck a few weeks ago, I had researched it for quite a while. So far it has lived up to my expectations and more. I was considering a 2006 leftover until I test drove the new style. The ride is quiet and smooth, soaking up bumps like they werent there. The cab is beautifully laid out and features all kinds of comfort features. The sound system is great with the Bose Speakers and XM radio. Im a construction manager ,so the truck is also my office. I keep my files in the rear seating area which is easily accessable. I love how this trucks looks too . It has just the right combination of ruggedness and good looks.

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  AWESOME TRUCK!!! - 2000 GMC Sonoma
  By Turtle82783 - April 24 - 9:03 pm

  This was my 1st truck. I bought it in 2003, and now in 2009 and trading it in. I absolutely love this truck and it is breaking my heart to get rid of it, but it is time. I have put a lot of work into keeping it in top condition with normal maintenance. This truck was always there for me and I highly reccomend it to anyone who loves trucks and is looking for a smaller one.