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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  So Far So Good?! - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By nickdapit - May 8 - 1:06 pm

  I moved up from a 96 Chevy S10 to a 2008 Sierra, and like the title says so far so good?! I am impressed with the ride and overall appeal of the truck. I had a spray-on bedliner installed and the truck has no problem getting any big job done.

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  It was nice at $1.89/gal for fuel. - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By gmc_medic - May 5 - 5:06 am

  This truck has been used mostly on the highway, carries dirt/mulch and recreational toys. And has done so for 62,000 miles without a single mechanical problem! It was originally purchased for towing a camper. Within 6 months of purchase, rising gas prices made driving this thirsty vehicle downright painful! With the cruise control set at 65 station to station on an interstate,13.7mpg. Disappointments? The ventialtion system. The AC is not cold nor dry enough to defog windows. And the radio is horrible! Did I mention fuel efficiency?

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  GMC Yukon XL Denali - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By RPyott - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Great Vehicle. Lots of room and handles well - Much better than our old Suburban. Very comfortable seats. Kids particularly like the CD controls in the rear so they can listen to their CDs on headsets while we listen to a radio station in the front seats. Only prolem was a loose interior molding. Really wish we had put a navigation system in it; love that feature in our other car.

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  My Acadia - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By RoadGlide55 - May 3 - 5:06 pm

  This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. The handling is superb in all weather, with outstanding styling, visibility and comfort it is a true joy to drive. I went from a 4wd Super Crew pickup from another manufacturer, that I truly loved, to the Acadia and have never regreted my decision. What an awesome vehicle. I am constantly getting comments on it and everyone who has ridden in it is impressed with its options and ride. Thanks GMC for coming up with a true winner.

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  Truck of the Year - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Seth - May 3 - 2:00 pm

  Fuel milage is great, 15-18 mpg.Steering column has presented a few small issues allong with sticky power mirror on the drivers side - replaced once.

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  Great vehicle - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By ANGEL - May 3 - 6:13 am

  This is my first Yukon. Ive wanted one for a very long time, and finally got it. I love my Yukon. I have four wheel drive for the snow, and it handles it perfect. I feel very safe with my family in this car, and I have never had any problems with this truck. The gas mileage is horrible, but what can you expect from an SUV? I have installed XM satellite radio and I dont listen to the regular radio anymore. The sound is great too. The only thing I dislike is the 3rd row seating. There is no leg room. Your legs are up to your chest and the seats dont fold down into the floor. I have to pull them out (very heavy) whenever I want to use the extra cargo space and its a pain. A-

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  GMC is back from the forest with a winner - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Tom Retnauer - April 30 - 6:06 pm

  Just took delivery of my new 2007 Acadia. The brick leather is stunning and is really shocking people at first. So far the truck is a dream. Havent figured out all of the electronics yet. (read the manual!) Ride is quiet. Fit and finish look great. Dealer was superb. Highly recommend. Cost was a bit high, but it looks like it is worth it.

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  Fantastic!!!! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Matthew - April 26 - 7:40 am

  We just got home with our new Terrain. We looked at Yukons and Enclaves. We had a Yukon Denali and LOVED IT!!!!!!! This little suv is the little engine that could and DOES! It has stylish looks, a bit agressive. Love the electronics! Wish it had cooled seats like the Enclave and other siblings!We could have spent alot more there was no point. It also has the power to tow our sea doo. Nav system is cool! LOVE IT!

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  GMC Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Dale Livingston - April 20 - 10:43 pm

  This is my work vehicle, as I will drive 30,00 miles per year. Need something with utility. Tested many small/medium SUVs. Own a MBZ ML, so I am tough to please. I love the unique look, and the MPG reports in Edmunds from you all helped to sell it. Bought Mocha Steel with Black Leather, Navigation, Sunroof, SLT-1. Plenty of power in the 4 Cylinder, since gas money is important to me, as well as saving gas. I have already put 3M miles in 3.5 weeks, and never sore! Yes, there is a lot of hard plastic, but for $29,000 ($3,225 less than MSRP) you cannot expect luxury. I have not owned an American car in 22 years, so I hope it holds up to the heavy mileage use, and I expect it will.

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  Best Cross-Over Out - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Robert - April 20 - 3:50 pm

  I have been looking at this vehicle for about 6 months, but the price compared to other vehicles always kept me looking for something as good but cheaper. Unfortunatly I never found that vehicle. I ended up purchasing this vehicle because it offered everything and more than any other similar vehicle out there. All the little things that it has over the competition ends up making this car a value buy from the low end model to the high end. They really hit the nail on the head with this vehicle. This is such a quite and comfortable vehicle. It is as roomy and a mini-van but still give you the feel of not driving one. Love it