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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  Another fantastic American Automobile - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By ZL - March 30 - 10:04 pm

  The Acadia will put American car critics to shame. Exterior/interior styling is fantastic. It feels like an SUV but rides like a car which is perfect. Spacious and comfy. Great quality. Lots of technology.

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  NICEST PICK-UP OUT THERE - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By Eric :) - March 25 - 6:09 pm

  My Sonoma is forest green and i have had many compliments since i have owned it. It drives pretty smooth, even with the mudding tires, and overall never had any problems out of it. I like how it has the sleek sporty look to it also.

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  Love my Baby - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By LOVE MY BABY - March 25 - 1:10 pm

  My baby runs in 4 and 8cylinders. I fill so secure in it beeing a 5 4 pettite female. It runs smoth and I love my Yukon 2007. I also have space for all my family.

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By cougerbuff - March 23 - 7:56 pm

  Just got the loaded up model, just an awesome vehicle, the lazy transmission is the only drawback to this vehicle. Learning to live with it in light of getting better gas mileage than the old pig Yukon I drove. Really nice fit and finish, GM really got this one right. Bought the carbon black and cant stop opening the door to the garage to look at it. Also found myself taking rides for no reason. Love the dash at night, looks european (audi like). Cool ride and glad I got one as that was a chore in itself.

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  08 Sierra Denali - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jeff B. - March 21 - 5:50 pm

  This 1/2 ton is awsome. 403 HP All wheel drive makes this a blast to drive. very comfortable. pulls my 24ft enclosed trailer and 26ft camp trailer pretty decent. 15-17 mpg not too bad for 400 hp. stabillatrack and speed sensitive steering make this truck handle very well. I had a 400+hp 2005 Duramax crewcab that I loved and traded it for this. I realy love this truck!

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  2003 GMC SLE - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By john kupetz - March 19 - 11:10 am

  When I was looking for a truck that I really liked and one my wife could drive, the GMC fit the bill! I test drove every truck out there along with detailed research on all of them. The GMC won hands down. Its easily accessible to the bed and inside the vehicle. I have had a few minor problems, but were covered under warranty. While I have a V8, the fuel economy was a little disappointing. This truck is a regular cab short bed with the towing package. All in all I am very pleased with it, and I plan to purchase an extended cab in 2008.

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  A Crossover with good mileage - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By HoustonPearland - March 19 - 7:13 am

  This vehicle is great. More than I could ask for.Great gas mileage compared to my previous V8 SUV. Outstanding 19 mpg. I needed a mommy car that didnt look mommy-ish and something Daddy would drive without compromising his manhood. The Acadia was attractive to both of us and fit in our budget nicely. Way to go GMC. I hope it is as reliable as its overseas friends.

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  My Denali - 2000 GMC Yukon Denali
  By Noreen - March 16 - 11:40 pm

  I was apprehensive about the size of the truck when I purchased it. The feeling of being so high up was new to me. I looked at Cadillac Escalade the high price tag. Will the real truck maker please stand up.The Denali was the better buy unless your hung up on the wreath and crest. It is like traveling on your favorite couch. So the gas mileage isnt the greatest but its worth every mile of what it cost.

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  I MISS MY GREAT WHITE 4X4 BOAT!!!. - 1994 GMC Suburban
  By Phil. (aka Dr. Phil) - March 16 - 2:24 am

  The only thing I regret about my GMC Sub.is selling it. I admit I had some minor problems, but it was just std. ware-n-tire 4 the miles it had. I bought it used with 120k. I rebuilt the trany at 155k, only $800. My last truck was an S-10 Xtra-cab. Great truck, needed more room 4 my 3 children. And boy we where happy! My wife didnt like it at 1st, later she fell n love. Especially after a trip from So.Cal 2 all over Texas. My State.We took our kids and a family member, some portable TVs, munchies, and all our luggage in the back and averaged about 17-18 mpg. And other vacations. Any-1 looking 4 a used GMC with a 350 I highly recommend. I just need a truck now. I hope I fine a good used 1.

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  Fun truck to own - 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Linda - March 15 - 8:16 am

  Our truck has the V6 in it and seems to do really well on fuel. As we own a 01 Dodge which is just terrible on fuel. The GMC is a good looking truck, even if it is while in color. A joy to drive, fast pick up and yet it moves down the road on the order of a car. Sometimes I almost forget I am driving a truck. This is a work truck so nothing much on it, well ac, auto, fm/am radio and two wheel drive but the first truck we have brought new in a long time. So we are really enjoying this one. GM had some good deals which made this all possible and so we shall be enjoying this truck for years to come.