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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  Sport Car In Disguise - 1992 GMC Typhoon
  By W1ck3d - September 10 - 10:24 pm

  The Typhoon is fun to drive and deceptively fast. It can run head to head with a same-year Vette and this thing is definitely not a fiberglass sports car. It launches like a rocket and sticks to the road like glue. It may not be the fastest production SUV anymore, but thats OK when you take into account that it took 15-16 years for the rest of the automotive world to catch up. If you have the opportunity to buy or even drive one, dont pass it up. They are becoming increasingly rare and a definite collectible. I will leave you with this: I was looking for a turbo import, LS1 Trans-Am/Camaro, C4/C5 Vette, and I adamantly refused to buy a truck/SUV and now I couldnt be happier.

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  Not very happy! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By JLM - September 9 - 4:41 pm

  We bought in March, paying much more for this vehicle than another we considered. We mainly got it for the promised MPG. It has not lived up to my expectations at all. The gas mileage is horrible (12-14 in town, 19-10 hwy), and I am a very conservative driver. Its been in the shop about 5 times in 6 months (minor issues, but still!) The gold paint job is evidently not very good. There was a small scratch when we got it, which we touched up. Since then, it has gotten many more scratches from items that dont normally scratch off car paint. The AC doesnt work well when outside temp is 80 or below, although it is great in the hottest part of the summer (and we have black interior.)

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  Good Truck - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Geoff2 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a 2002 Z71 silverado for this 2003 Z71 Sierra(new). I was suprised to find the same annoying rattles that I had fixed on my 2002. The windshield rattles, which is because of the exterior window trim. The doors sqeaked, which is because GM is to cheap to oil their doors at the fatory. Other than the annoying issues that took one trip to the dealership I couldnt ask for a better looking,riding and performing truck. Hopefully GM doesnt decide to cheapen it up down the road!

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  2002 Yukon XL is awesome. - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By JMW5 - September 7 - 10:00 am

  This SUV drives like a car and has a very comfortable interior. Everything on the dash is in easy reaching distance. Ive only had the car for a few days so I cant really rate its reliability or fuel economy, but so far Ive been really happy with it.

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  Nice Car - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Tom Foley - September 6 - 4:24 pm

  A few weeks into the purchase and I find it a pleasure to drive. Though, I cant be sure if it still suffers a little tranny shifting issues like the 08 did. Im not really a car person, but doesnt seem as smooth in some instances. I wish I paid a little more careful attention to the plastic dashboard and other pieces. While at first glance the interior looks great, a closer look reveals all the plastic which will probably get scratched in the long haul. Its textured, so good luck getting scratches out. So far, its just a fine car.

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  Battle Wagon Delights - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By G - September 6 - 9:40 am

  This is our second Denali version with the first having been the "shortie". Went with the XL this time for more room while not sacrificing fuel economy. The difference is negligible, but the ride difference is very noticeable. The XL is smoother but a tad less responsive under hard acceleration(ie pulling out into traffic). Could have purchased the Escalade, but drove both back to back and couldnt see $10K more for the Caddy! This thing will pull the house! Very strong motor! Cruises are quiet and very comfortable even for the big guys!

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  Great Bailout Plan! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Tomcat - September 5 - 1:10 am

  Enjoy this truck, despite having used a p/u for most of my driving life. With this truck, I get out, not climb up&out. Has a decent traffic presence and forward view. Ive had this Jimmy for 2 weeks and have 2600 miles, driving 4 hrs/200 m round trip while getting 28mpg. Adequate power for hills and stop lights and great brakes. Overall happy with this truck. Hard to keep my wife out of drivers seat! Complaints? The climate control wont settle on heat or cooling; it overcompensates (due to cabin t-stat location?). At 6, 238, I find the seat way too narrow for extended comfort; the lower seatback seems non- existent, causing a slumped posture. Very intrusive blind-spots!

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  Quad-Steer Review - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Charlotte NC Driver - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Very comfortable and well appointed. I love the quadrasteer, when it works! The quadrasteer has malfunctioned and been repaired now 3 times in 30K miles. Replaced 2 AC compressors and a broken muffler (internal components of muffler were broken). Repairs can be costly unless under warranty. I commute 120 miles per day and the Yukon is very comfortable and powerful. I would highly recommend this vehicle again ONLY if an extended warranty was included. I average 14mpg.

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  Leary - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By EastWALady - September 4 - 3:06 am

  We bought our 07 new with just 57 miles on it, in feb 2008. At 26,000 miles we now have the oil issue. Not sure if its burning oil, dripping oil or what. The dealership is doing the consumption testing and I have told them if I loose my engine and Im under my 100,000 warranty, their not going to like me. Family really likes the rig and enjoys rides in it. Great for shopping or vacation trips. Looking at upgrading to a 2010 or 2011 Yukon xl. I had the dealer remove his decals, why should they get free advertising from me? Of course the salesman hesitated, but when I told him I would charge them a month to advertise, decals came off.

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  If you need one, buy one - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By rohada - September 1 - 12:52 pm

  Overall these are solid dependable vehicles, this is our 3rd one. We had a 1978 and a 1982. If you buy one with around 90k, expect to do about $3500 in maintenance, as a handful of expensive repairs will be needed between 90k and 120k. I bought mine with about 135k and all those things had been done at the dealership.