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 GMC Yet ! There is no competition! - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Towers - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I have owned ford, Nissan, and GMC. My last GMC (2001) was a great truck (SLE ext cab 4x4), but it needed a larger engine and a leather interior. The 2003 was what I was hoping for. Plenty of power, great ride, creature comforts, and can still haul two yards of topsoil. I can look good taking my wife out to dinner and still get the rugged use of a truck!

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  Solid and Stylish - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By jon d stanton - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV. American made, rugged, peppy, and stylish. Great pick up on the highway. I would like to see different steering wheel controls

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  Fun Ride - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Marcella - March 24 - 8:03 pm

  I reviewed and searched for the perfect crossover and I found it in the GMC Acadia. I had an Acura MDX and it was giving me mechanical problems. I said I would never purchase an American car. GMC has changed our minds! We have always purchased foreign and the GMC line has really turned us around. Thanks GMC for a wonderful ride that turns heads as well as makes us smile. My daughter loves lookingt through the 2nd row sun roof especially at night and watching her long awaited DVD player. My in-laws love that we can have them along since it seats 6 comforably and 7 with a small child on the third row. Only will trade for a new one. Its everything I thought it would be and more. Thanks GMC!

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  Mostly electrical problems - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Dennis Brooks - March 24 - 4:40 pm

  I bought this truck new in 2005, have put 67k miles on it in 5 years. This is a very comfortable truck. I took it on many 300 mile trips without a rest stop, feeling like I had only driven to town. However the many electrical problems has me wondering about the quality of gmc. Less than 5k the instrument display showed "electrical malfunction". The dealership repaired and did not give me reason. Other problems are evap solenoid, power door lock, brake master cylinder, bumping in steering column, 4wd transfer case switch, speedometer would go to 0, seat heater shorted out, headlights and dash lights flicker anytime you hit brakes or use Windows. The dealer gave an extra 2 yr warr for free due to the issues

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  First time GMC owner - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Jeff C. in San Diego - March 24 - 3:13 am

  After looking at every make and model of 7 passenger SUVs and Minivans my wife and I quickly narowed it down to the Acadia. This is our first "American" badged vehicle and have to say that we are both impressed. Ours was purchased in Nov 07 and with the exception of a leaky sunroof (fixed under warranty) we have had no problems during its first 7500 miles driven. The May 08 transmission reflash was done two months ago and did wonders for the everyday drivability of the car.

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  Two weeks Old - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Fred - March 23 - 7:40 pm

  In the overall I am pleased with the vehicle. My last three were Explorers so it has taken a little while to adjust to the opposite positioning of wipers, lights, etc.

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  Base Model Canyon 4X4 Extended Cab 6cyl 300+HP - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Chuck - March 20 - 7:51 pm

  What a great little truck! The interior is excellent and the exterior is stylish! I ordered the Base Model with vinyl seats (no extra charge) V-6 and 4WD. I also have the basic radio and no carpeting. Its a truck! It hauls, pulls and handles great on or off road. Great value if you stick to the basics! No on star, no computer screen, no crappy cloth seats and no carpet. If you are looking for a TRUCK, build your own using the GMC build your own tool. Youll be surprised what the base model has to offer! 2 YRS free maintenance + 5 YR / 100,000 MI extended warranty. All of this for UNDER $30,000! Compare with Tacoma, Frontier and Colorado, the Canyon has way more options and is not over priced.

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  Sweet truck, high price - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By sweettruck - March 20 - 6:03 pm

  I bought the performance package which came with 20" wheels. Great traction on snow, ice, rain and dry pavement. Excellent acceleration. Definitely great fuel economy.

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  Never again - 2012 GMC Sierra 1500
  By kti2 - March 19 - 4:21 pm

  Will not buy again. Had the 6 speed manual which kept slamming into 6th gear, apparently its a common problem and its considered "normal" only a year later and the door handles started breaking (100 a piece)w/ install and master power switch failed, and all 4 door moldings fell off. These types of problems I can see if they developed 4-5 years down the road, not in 1 year. Not a 2nd time buyer

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  Great truck - 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Carl - March 18 - 11:10 am

  Recently purchased an 09 GMC 2500HD with the 6.6L Duramax diesel 4WD. Came from an 08 Toyota Tundra 5.7L and the GMC can not only haul twice the weight and tow 5000lbs more but it also rides smoother when empty. It returns 20mpg unloaded on the highway and the engine note is just enough to remind you that youre driving a diesel but quiet enough to be mistaken for a gasser. The interior is also a nicer place to be than in the Toyota, with more style and materials of a slightly higher quality. The Allison transmission is very smooth and always shifts at the right times. Test drove against the F250 and found the GMC a better all rounder, that stopped and accelerated better. Payload equal.