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 this SUV - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By love this suv - August 22 - 1:42 am

  Only problem was a fuel pump. 250 dollars and that was at 140,000 miles. I replaced the tires only once in all the years i owned it. Still a smooth ride and a reliable one.

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  Great vehicle, deep bucket seats - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Dallasterrain - August 22 - 12:00 am

  Weve had it for one week. Overall, great vehicle. Live in Dallas, rolling hills, mostly one driver. Got 23.5 mpg on first tank in combined driving. Seats contoured like bucket seats make it a little difficult getting out, but seats are wide and comfortable even for an older widebody. Also a tad on the firm side. Pick-up is amazing for a 4 cylinder. Plenty of power for our purposes. Cant tell its a 4 unless heavy acceleration onto frwy. Got just the basic vehicle, very impressed with interior layout. Seems like a couple steps above your basic vehicle. Above average sound from standard radio. Its a quiet and comfortable cruiser on the interstate. Recommend it to anyone.

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  4 years and still loving it - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By A Fan - August 20 - 1:28 pm

  Purchased this at employee discount price and worth every penny. In 4 years, have done nothing but routine oil changes, tire rotations, etc. Great ride, decent fuel economy for a car this big and with this much power. Looking for another one to replace my Nissan. Family requires the space and my wife and I both prefer the Yukon.

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  So far so good - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Ed - August 14 - 9:00 am

  I bought a 2002 Envoy SLT at 93K miles. So far Ive put 3K miles on it and have been very pleased. I use it mainly for towing a travel trailer and with the powerful V6 it does a good job. Interior is great, very comfy leather seats and I love the stereo. The ride is smooth and great acceleration. Gas mileage (without towing) is surprisngly good too. Highway only driving is about 22MPG, city about 15. Not great but not bad for a powerful SUV. I was hesitant to buy a used GM vehicle. But so far after 3 months and 3K miles driven, Im happy with the purchase.

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  Awesome - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By taylor - August 13 - 2:04 am

  Got this vehicle in May of 08, cant be happier. Has the power I need, the 4wd option is great, and when I drive it nice I have gotten 23mpg with it. If you complain about the mileage, be easy on it. When I drive hard I still can get over 15mpg with it. Overall, the best decision I have ever made was to purchase this vehicle. Good Bose sound system, perfect amout of room, and overall an awesome vehicle!

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  Sonoma - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By hannahbug21 - August 6 - 12:08 am

  Generally reliable but when it breaks down it is down for days. I have replaced the wiper motor twice, the computer system twice, alternator, ball joints tie rod ends, and others odds and ends through the years. But I abuse it. Its a great daily commuter. Put wieght it in the back and it handles allright in all weather conditions. It gets excellent gas mileage, 30+ in the city on a good tuned engine. It only has a 4 cylinder so it cant haul much weight but does well for its size. My truck has the long box so it handles like a school bus. It has that big truck feel even though it is so small. My full sized Sierra has a smaller turning radius. It is a bit gutlus I would go for the V6

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  Good choice for 3 row family car - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Minhong Yu - August 1 - 12:27 am

  Nice interior space. Performance, acceleration and technology are good for this new generation of Acadia.

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  2010 GMC Terrain SLE-1 4cyl FWD - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Mooseclan - July 29 - 8:43 am

  Ive had it for three weeks, and have no complaints; its exactly what I expected based on reviews and research. During this 3 week time, weve had two major (20"+) snowstorms, and the handling was fine on snow covered roads. It doesnt go through and over snow like a sno-cat, but it handles well enough; starting and stopping well while driving sensibly. With the smaller engine, its no powerhouse, but its more than adequate; getting all of its rated mileages both highway and city. Dry road handling is much more like a larger car, but with the advantages of a smaller one. Its quiet and smooth, feeling like a high-end Yukon, but much more nimble and agile.

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  Good All-Around Truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Dan - July 22 - 3:16 pm

  I traded a 2002 Blazer for my 05 Canyon. The Canyon has great mileage for a 4x4 truck interstate travel is about 24mpg, 19mpg around town. My 3.5L I-5 does great for fuel but compromises in towing. Pennsylvania winters are no problem, it does great in a lake effect snow storm! At 76,000 I havent had any major work outside of normal wear and tear. I drive the truck everyday and it fits my lifestyle great, including many outdoor activities. I try to not use it like a work truck. I still get compliments at the gas pump! Speaking for the crew cab, I would highly recommend this truck

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  Update review - cold feet - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By schodack bassman - July 19 - 9:36 am

  Overall I have been very happy with the truck. My feet get cold though from a draft. Couldnt figure out why until I noticed recently that the material over the fire while kind of melted away so the yellow insulation is now showing. May be why there is a draft in the cabin. Have almost 44K on truck and no major problems. Drive train noisy/clunky but very reliable. Only work is oil changes, just changed air filter, tighten emergency brake once a year and thats it. Next year might get a new one. MPG is not bad. For history of truck about 16.5. Around 18-19 on highway when keep 70 or under. Not bad. Truck still turns heads.