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 It - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By WLM - March 4 - 2:50 am

  Love the SUV. I am surprised how many heads have turned and asked what is that. Owned a Lexus previosly and did not get those kind of head turns. Ride is very smooth. Great Interior and craftmanship. great turn radius, plenty of room even in the 3rd row. love the dual sunroofs. 19 inch wheels make a big difference. great paint job on the outside. Great handling and fun to drive. beats van we traded in. almost same size as van as far as room. Only downside is fuel economy so far as been subpar. Only 12-14 mpg but just got SUV a week ago so still under 400 miles, heard it takes a while to break in vehicle.

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  Best of the best - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By ibra - March 2 - 9:53 pm

  Look good in and out fully loaded. We had 21.9 mpg from Denver to Colorado Springs, 2 adults 2 children one two years old one 4 months and about 150 pounds of luggage that was 5 months ago. We have now 17 mpg for 90% city and 10% high, no shifting problem is not a sport car it is a big (suv cuv van) but not a sport car. We just love it.

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  Duramax is the way to go - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Bryan - March 2 - 4:58 am

  I have had the Canyon for just a few weeks now. I purchased the 2016 model year since there was minimal changes to the 2017 model. I wasnt really looking for a diesel, but the more research I did made me realize it was the right choice. Major factor for me was the reduced pricing (was able to buy for 37K + fees) -would not have bought the diesel if it was over 40k. At that price would have gone with the Sierra. Here are the things I really like so far: Parking is so much easier than full size truck, fits in the garage, crew cab has plenty of room for family of 4, fuel mileage, cosmetically pleasing exterior - it actually looks like a smaller version of the Sierra. The leather interior, infotainment system and back up camera are all nice features. I love the purr of the duramax and cant wait to tow something or go up in the mountains. Here are my complaints: drivers seat does not have enough adjustments and not comfortable on longer drives (I bought a cushion at Costco for extra padding) I am average build, so was surprised abought the comfort level of the seating. The cubbies in the doors are completely useless and hard plastic feels cheap.

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  very pleased - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By cabo - March 1 - 2:18 pm

  We replaced our 2002 Honda Odyssey with a 2009 Acadia in December. We have put 1,500 miles on it and have had no problems. 24.4 mpg on a recent highway trip. Pulls our small camper very well. The only negative is rear visbility when backing up.

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  GMC Acadia is a winner - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Pete - February 28 - 10:26 pm

  Took delivery on Feb 9, 2007 and 2 weeks later left for 5 week vaction in Florida. Drove 4617 miles and got 19.83 mpg. Not too bad for vehicle this size in very heavy Florida traffic. About 22 mpg on the highway according to computer. Was considering a van but am extremely happy I choose an Arcadia. GM has definitly got a hit with this vehicle. Highly recommend at least a look.

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  GM Engineers were touched by God - 1998 GMC Suburban
  By BigRon65 - February 27 - 11:51 am

  I wouldnt trade this vehicle for anything in the world. Ive raised three kids in this beast and it still runs like a top after 140,00 miles. A steering issue and a water pump are all the problems Ive had with this baby and thats it. A few weeks ago I got T-boned by three full grown deer running across a dimly lit two lane road in the middle of a cold night. They hit me in full stride. My GMC didnt budge! I checked the rear view and the deer were sprawled across the road. Got some damage to my doors and quarter panels but Ive had them fixed and my baby still runs great. Get one and keep it forever.

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  2005 GMC Sierra - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By ALLEN AIKENS JR. - February 26 - 5:36 am

  I love this truck. The quality, reliability. A very comfortable truck to drive. Also my 9yr old daughter loves the back seat. This truck has great power. The Chevy and the GMC are very close but the front end of the GMC just blows me away, I love the front end. One negative, the gas mileage is around 13 mpg, but I still have my 92 Chevy S-10 2 to offset the low gas mileage

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  Sierra HD with the 8.1! - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By dkmalone - February 25 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 HD Sierra with the 8.1 V-8 and the Allison transmission is tremendous! I think there is so much hype over the Duramax, the 8.1 gets overlooked. Unless you drive 30,000 miles a year or expect to keep the truck forever the $4,000 premium for the diesel doesnt make sense. Properly equiped, both tow the same. But its that big block 496 cube engine that puts a smile on my face everytime I start it up. My wife loves driving it too! Im sure I could get better mileage, but I cant keep my foot out of it. I get about 12 MPG.

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  awesome power for a big truck - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By gaston - February 22 - 10:00 am

  so far so good love the power everything,seat,windows,also like the differt setting for the entire truck from door locks to seat settings.exterior styling is nice without being as flashy as a cadillac.

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  Luv My SUV Yukon XL - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Ms Elli - February 22 - 10:00 am

  With four sons that all have dirt bikes to haul, this vehicle is the best! For me too, shopping and taking the family out! Perfection to the MAX!!!