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 - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By ANGELA - July 22 - 1:20 am

  Have had the Acadia since May and have nothing bad to say about it. It has a very smooth ride, very roomy (we have 3 kids; ages 2-8 years, and 2 dogs). We have been getting pretty good gas mileage for the size of the vehicle, we average just over 22 mpg. We have gotten up to 28 driving up-north. We love it so much, 2 of our friends went out and bought Acadias

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  Love the Car - Not the Performance - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Zplnfan - July 21 - 8:46 pm

  First let me say that I absolutely love my Acadia - but hate the performance and mileage. I thoroughly researched and special ordered one. I have to admit that I did not heed prior reviewers warnings about the mileage and the sluggish transmission, so I take responsibility for my disappointment. I test drove 4 different Acadias and rented one for a weekend and never experienced nearly as bad mileage or the very sluggish response when it is needed most. The closest I can compare it to is a clogged air filter or fuel line. I had it checked and was told it was operating perfectly. If mileage and performance are high on your priority list, you should look elsewhere. If not, youll love this car!

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  Wind noise - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By zbanger - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Passenger side wing window wind noise terrible. Three trips to dealer with whole windo replaced. Problem still there.

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  Great car - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Jim Hoekzema - July 19 - 1:10 pm

  I was very impresed with this car! It drives like a car not a truck. I traded in my 06 Lincoln T.C. and it rides as good or better.

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  Best - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Tom S Yukon - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Best vehicle I have ever owned. Period.

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  great truck - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By angel 52 - July 19 - 10:00 am

  very good ride & very comfortable; this is one of the most comfortable vehicles i have ever owned & it is a truck! it is very peppy with the 4.8 V8 & gets 16 mpg in town driving.

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  Satisfied Yukon Owner - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By happy owner - July 17 - 1:06 pm

  Have owned since new. After almost 3 years of ownership. I have not had it in the shop at all. I have the fully loaded SLT model, except for the sun roof and really enjoy it. The 4WD works great in the snow and I get a constant 17.2 mpg. Perfect for my family.

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  bang for your buck! - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By little me - July 17 - 2:00 am

  reliable, worth every penny.

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  way to go gmc - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By sirconrad - July 14 - 3:23 am

  Only had my SE2 for one week but boy do I like it. So very quiet and first tank of gas gave 27mpg. According to the on board computer I should achieve about 29mpg on the next fill up. Nice to drive and oh so quiet. The back up camera is absolutely terrific. I only have the 4 cylinder but the engine seems to have plenty of pick up. I may get beat from a stop but after that no trouble keeping up with the pack. Oh, when they stop for gas Ill be miles down the road. This is just a great car.

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  Opinionated Mechanic - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Branden - July 13 - 6:06 am

  Performance is important to me. The engine pulls hard at higher RPM but lacks low end torque. I have a 3.42 rear gear ratio. If youre using the truck for trips and highway use, thats a perfect ratio. If you want to do towing or be quick between red lights I would get a 3.73 or 4.10 ratio to make up for the lack in low end power. The transmission performs Okay if youre looking for smooth shifts. I prefer a firm shift which you dont get, even in the towing mode. Towing mode just runs out each gear to a higher RPM. Which is good for towing. They advertise a locking differential. Its not a true locker like GM and Ford used in muscle cars. This unit sends power to the wheel with the most traction.