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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  Best Ive Ever Owned! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Norman - February 12 - 7:50 pm

  I am very pleased with the Acadia. I have owned two minivans, four japanese imports, and one German, and the Acadia is the best. I took it on a trip and put 2500 miles on it in one week and rode like a luxury vehicle. The options are comparable with luxury brands without the cost. The mileage is respectable, giving me 14.7 per gallon in mostly city driving. I love the XM and comfort of the seating, as I am 6 feet and over 300 pounds.

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  GMC, you can and must do better - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By dg - February 6 - 10:50 pm

  I have been driving this truck for almost 2 years, so I know all of its little nuances. Unfortunately, I am not impressed. I have had many GM vehicles and this has been one of the worst. Warranty issues include: new radiator, new brake rotors, power seat motor, tranny problems, etc. I can only attribute this stuff to the fact that GM is rabidly seeking the cheapest suppliers on the globe, which has to hurt quality. I must admit that I use my truck heavily, but what good is a pickup truck that cant handle a little beating? Considering the msrp on this thing was around $39000, GMC must do better with its 2007 model. If not, Tundra and Titan will have Sierra for lunch!

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  dependable ride - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By alphonse - February 5 - 2:13 pm

  purchased new in 01,in 8 yrs the truck has had very few problems. passenger side seat belt tightens up on its own, & the interior light switch had a short.Oe tires had to be replaced at 35k, & the on star system is no longer compatible with the new digital system. fuel mileage averages about 17 in mixed driving, 20mpg is achievable on long highway travel.I would buy another gmc if we wear this one out, brakes still have about 60% life left.

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  New Car But Costly Repairs - 2016 GMC Acadia
  By argentine - February 5 - 3:17 am

  For some reason, GMC autos have a problem with headlamps going out. These are not covered by warranty and are very expensive to replace. A few months ago I had to replace one headlamp at a cost of $357. Last week the passenger side headlamp assembly went out and the cost was $1,621! How GMC can build a car with headlamps that expensive to replace is a mystery and does not speak highly of the quality or design of their product. The car is comfortable on the inside; driver and passenger seating is comfortable. The car handles adequately for a front wheel drive car but is very underpowered.

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  First time GMC owner - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Tim Franzen - February 5 - 1:33 am

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  the best - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By dana williams - February 2 - 2:33 pm

  I always wanted a Denali. Now that I own one I am happy. I am very satisfied with this suv. It drives well, Looks good, is big enough for my whole family. The engine can get loud but that all that horse power.

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  Disappointed With Options - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Jim - February 1 - 3:36 pm

  I loved this vehicle when I first picked it up. Great ride, nimble handling, good in snow, great looks. Everything about it appealed to me. GM did a lousy job on design and testing the options. The remote start doesnt work from more than twenty feet away. The outdoor thermometer can be off by more than five degrees and you have to put the vehicle in "Park" to display more than five locations on the navigation system when looking for a gas station or resturant. They tell me engineering is working on the thermometer and remote start and the Nav sytem problem is a safety feature. How safe is it to pull over to the side of the Interstate to find a gas station?

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  Ticking noise - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By peter gould - January 26 - 12:43 am

  Has any one out there herd a noise like a ticking comeing from the front of the moter of a 4 banger Terrian SLT2 when you first start up in the morning and later on in the day when the engin is hot you may hear it if you walking bay the front end well it is still running.a ticking noise on the four banger.It sounds like a valve lifter noise when you my hear it. Thanks

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  Still the "Gold Standard" - 2012 GMC Yukon XL
  By npdan - January 25 - 3:12 am

  We ventured into the "midsize", or as the Edmunds reviewers say "Perfect size for most"....SUVs. We tested an Acadia, Enclave and ended up buying a new 2011 Lincoln MKT. That didnt last quite a year until we now have found ourselves back into a full sized GMC Yukon XL and we absolutely love all aspects of the vehicle. So comfortable, delightful seats and SPACE. Still hard to beat a full sized vehicle if, like us, you do lots of traveling on the open road. Never attempt to sit in the second row seats of GMs midsize offerings (Traverse, Acadia and Enclave) if you are (1) over 5 tall or (2) over the age of 12! Those have to be the most uncomfortable seats made in a modern vehicle!

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  Dream Car - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By Lynn Repp - January 23 - 6:30 am

  I Love this SUV & would never get rid of it if it werent for gas prices. One of the most comfortable & reliable cars ever. Love it! Love it! I always feel safe in it and it is the best on trips! Only had one problem with a fuel pump at the very beginning & had to replace it, but factory refunded my money. Also the emergency brake sticks & have had it in several times for that. Otherwise I really love this SUV!