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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  2009 gmc sierra 2500HD slt - 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Brian - February 20 - 2:43 pm

  I have owned my gmc for 2 weeks now and i am glad to say i have made this decision. I have gotten the duramax and sllison combonation and it is unbelievable. I owned a 2002 chevrolet silverado 2500HD and needed to get a diesel. With this type of economy i figured that this is the time to act.We have gotten it for a respectable price. This truck is great to go through the dirt or just to drive around the city.

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  No better full size SUV - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Joy - February 18 - 10:10 pm

  Its a great car/truck. More space than I now know what to do with. All the pros of a truck with the driving ability and comfort of a car. This is my second Yukon XL SLT. You can get just about anything into this vehicle and have room to spare. Gas mileage is great for a full size SUV. I have two young boys so the leather is great, making clean-up a breeze. No complaints here!

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  This vehicle saved our lives - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By mommyof2boys - February 18 - 8:00 pm

  We bought our Envoy when I was expecting our 2nd child. I am so thankful we did. In December of this past year we were in an accident. My Envoy was totaled but we all survived. My 4 year old had to have 3 stitches above his eye and my 7 year old walked away without a scratch. I had internal bruising from the airbag. We hit at 50MPH. It was a front impact then the other car spun around hitting my 4 year old directly in his door. This vehicle crumbled, but the inside structure stayed perfectly intact. Only 1 door would open. It was a bad wreck. We knew we wanted another vehicle like this and searched until we decided on an 06 Trailblazer EXT. I pray its as good as the Envoy.

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  So far so good - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Va Mom - February 17 - 7:33 pm

  I just bought the Acadia but so far I absolutely love this vehicle! I traded in a Honda CRV because I wanted more room. I love the way this truck handles and its so comfortable to sit in / drive. Its amazing how much space there really is on the inside. Its very deceiving from the outside.

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  Great Truck! - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Nik - February 17 - 7:00 pm

  This is our 3rd Yukon and I love it! It is very dependable which is important when you have kids. The amount of space is great and it drives so comfortably. I will continue to buy these SUVs and recommend them to my friends!

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  A real long term test - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By motorbones - February 17 - 11:05 am

  After 13 years and 252,000 miles, i think its time a write a review. The engine is all original, and runs as good as the first day. The transmission failed after 150,000, but the new one is flawless. Aside for the normal consumables, I have had to replace one wheel bearing. Thats it. That, and the fact that I have two rather expensive cars sitting in the garage, but my wife always prefers the "truck" for its comfort and ride quality. Im sure someone out there will beat me up on how much better theyre doing with their Ram or Ford or Toyota, and I cant fault them... I dont know those trucks. But this truck doesnt show any signs that will give it up any time soon.

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  Proud New Owner - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Patricia - February 10 - 9:16 pm

  I feel a little guilty being so excited about a vehicle! I got the carbon metallic w/ titanium leather - fully loaded. I traded in a 2004 Acura MDX, nice car - but never drove as comfortably as my Acadia. Its like GMC took all the features in my MDX - and improved on every one. Its very practical, convenient and handsome. My Acura was the first non American car I ever bought. Im proud to be back! Grandkids have dubbed it my Nana-Mobile!

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  350,000 Km and still humming - 1996 GMC Suburban
  By Bill Milne - February 7 - 12:30 pm

  Purchased this vehicle coming off lease at 160,000km. Used to pull 24 ft 6000lb Bayliner boat for years and family to cottage and run deliveries for a business. Only problem is 3 replacements of fuel pump. Suggest use full synthetic oil for winter driving for quieter startups. Fuel milage: incredable for SUV this size, 21 MPG on highway and 18 in city. Great family and business vehicle

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  Not your grandfathers diesel. - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Paul Connell - February 7 - 12:23 am

  Replaced my 2001 8.2 L Silverado HD crew cab with this truck. Basically the same vehicle, but with a 6-speed Allison tranny and a Duramax diesel. Compared to the older truck, it has a little better build quality, (not quite up to Japanese standards, but very good--not enough to really matter) vigorous acceleration, and incredible torque. Diesel is surprisingly quiet, and GM is less "trucky," compared to Dodge and Ford. Mileage averages around 16-19 mpg, with 12 mpg towing a 35ft. 5th wheel. Rugged enough for big truck jobs, but civilized enough to use as an everyday vehicle. Nice balance. Reliable, handsome. Quantum improvement over diesels even from a few years back.

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  17 Acadia SLT1 test drive - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By G H Envoy - February 6 - 4:43 am

  Coming from a 2006 Envoy this new size is about the same and perfect size. I would not consider buying the original Acadia five years ago b/c it is huge and heavy. So I kept the troublefree Envoy. But GMC is now back in the mid size game... I expect to be buying.