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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  Fuel mileage not as advertised - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Donna - November 14 - 5:06 am

  The comfort of the car is outstanding, but it does not get close to the 26 mpg on the highway as advertised and it is extremely slugglish going up any type of hill or passing a vehicle. We did take it to the dealership, but they couldnt find anything wrong. Also the radio system, a Bose, is good but you cant distinguish the back speakers from the front. The folding down of the 3rd seat is really easy.

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  Not happy for a few years - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Mike - November 12 - 9:06 pm

  When I purchased my truck almost 5 years ago, it has had a popping sound coming from the front end. It has been to the dealership 3 times, parts replaced each time. Worked well for the last couple of years, than it has started the popping again. Driver side door sounds like it is falling apart for the last 4 years. Had that repaired before and after a couple of years it is again sounding like its falling apart. For the last 12 years Ive owned 2 GMC Trucks and have enjoyed them. Since this is my second truck and I do enjoy it besides the repeating problems I wouldnt mind owning a 3rd, however the window stickers are a little out of my range now.

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  Acadia - MN Driver - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Geddyr - November 10 - 11:53 pm

  Outside of the couple off issues with the transmission this vehicle has ran great as it nears its first year and 12,000 mles. What impressed me most were the calls from GM and their engineers when they found issues with the transmission as one of the first customer to purchase. Best of all, this car has handles great and been 100% reliable in this very cold and snowy winter

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  Sad but true - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By gm again - November 9 - 11:50 am

  This truck was without question the nicest riding, looking and driving truck I have ever owned. Good power for towing or snow plowing with the standard 6.0 gas engine. This truck, despite its terrible fuel economy [avg 10 mpg with 4.10 axles] was always a pleasure to drive. Two days ago I started up the truck to hook up the job trailer it was hard to pull out of park. I noticed the check engine light on and noticed rough running along with a burning smell. I had it towed to the dealer and got a phone call that mice had eaten wiring in the power center under the hood and that all the wiring and the power center would need to be replaced. After seeing in person what a catastrophe it must go.

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  The Sierra, #1 Pick - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By CRSTPR - November 9 - 2:00 am

  If youre looking for something larger than a S-10 that will pin you in your seat when you want it too then the 5.3 Sierra should be a top choice for the consumer. With the proper trim, you think youre riding in a Escalade

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  Nice job GMC - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Timotheus - November 5 - 1:53 am

  After narrowing the choice down to either the Acadia, or the Mazda CX-9, we went with the Acadia - and we couldnt be happier! My two boys love the dual sunroofs and the DVD Entertainment system. Handling is outstanding and the ride comfort is better than expected. Minimal road noise allows for easy adult conversation while the kids are entertained. My wife loves the power liftgate and remote start features. We Havent had it long enough to judge fuel economy - still on my first tank ! This one can stand up to an import any day!

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  Love my truck... so far - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jim Talley - November 4 - 2:00 am

  In January I bought a 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE with the trailering package and the Z71 off-road package. The truck is quite as a church mouse on the inside and runs beautifully. The ride is firm, like a truck, but not so stiff that you have to visit your dentist and have your fillings put back in weekly. Visability is very good and the inside is extremely comfortable (including the back seat). Transmission shift isnt always smooth as GM silk and there is some growl from the front end in 4WD... time will tell if these are normal or not.

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  So far So Good - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Joe - November 2 - 10:26 pm

  Bought used for 10,500. Low miles 56k. My first real truck. I didnt want to afford a Tundra so this fell in my exact range of price. Drives like a truck and runs like a truck. Its been strong for the couple months of ownership. The seatbelt squeked but some wd-40 after taking off the plastic clip cleaned it right up. BEWARE of installing aftermarket cd players in here. I had to pay 120 dollars for a wire harness do my air bags and door chime worked! The truck is roomy and fits side and rear passengers very well. The spare tire holder under the truck wont work but hey, for the price could not beat it. Looking forward to 4wd this winter and owning a nice big truck.

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  Work Truck - 2016 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Michael Little - November 2 - 10:28 am

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  Really Great Truck - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By BEDFORDFORREST - November 1 - 5:16 pm

  I am very happy with my new Sierra. Fuel economy has been better than expected, but I drive 70-75 max and dont floor it. Getting a solid 20-21 on highway and 16-17 city. The SLT interior is plush and the seats and ride are wonderful. I would recommend this truck to anyone. There isnt anything I dont like except I wish they offered a bluetooth option and 6 speed tranny!