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:

• 

  GREAT TRUCK THROUGHOUT! - 1999 GMC Sierra Classic 1500
  By bassrus - January 8 - 10:00 am

  IVE OWNED THIS TRUCK FOR 3 YEARS WITH GREAT ENJOYMENT. I TOW A BASS BOAT MANY A MILE THE POWER SHOWS PULLING UP HILL. THE INSIDE COMFORT MAKES FOR RELAXING EXPERIENCE EVEN ON A 16 HOUR NON-STOP RIDE TO CANADA. I PLAN ON REPLACING THIS TRUCK WITH ONE JUST LIKE IT WHEN THAT DAY COMES.

• 

  Wow! Im impressed! - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By Ohio Yukon - January 5 - 7:41 pm

  I purchased a 2008 4WD GMC Yukon SLE for my wife after she wrecked her 2004 Honda Pilot. We initially were going to purchase another Pilot, however, being the savvy consumer, I also looked at the Dodge Aspen, the GMC Acadia, and the Buick Enclave. While we were at the GMC dealer, my wife noticed the Yukon after she test drove the Buick Enclave. We decided to give it a test drive and Wow! was I impressed. Even after just driving a loaded Buick Enclave the Yukon stood out as a more comfortable, smoother, and much more roomy vehicle. Plus with the $8000 dollar cash back incentive coupled with employee pricing it was an easy decision to make.

• 

  My Denali - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By dani odonnell - January 5 - 10:00 am

  I have owned several different suvs.And by far this one is my favorite as well as, the cheapest in price.BUT the BEST in quality.I wish iyt came with all the goodies the newer ones have.plus a wooden steering wheel would be nice...Anyway I love my truck, I am a 38 yr old female that homeschools a 4th grader and we are always on the go.I also jet ski and TOW with my Denali.You will not be unhappy with this mama..

• 

  Great for a family - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Wild Bill - January 1 - 11:29 am

  If you need room for more than four and dont want to drive a truck, this is the auto for you. We have truly enjoyed this vehicle. We traded in a Toyota Sequoia and we would never go back to that beast. The Acadia is much easier to drive around town and has enough room for our kids and our luggage. The mileage is as advertised as long as you go easy. The transmission does take some time to get use to, but after a while you stop noticing it. The backup camera is very helpful. The Acadia is great in the snow and has the best heated seats of any car I have owned. Extremely comfortable during long trips. The heads up display is great with the navigation system.

• 

  Best of Fleet - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Snickers - January 1 - 2:00 am

  I have a fleet of pickups. I have Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet and GMC. My General Motors vehicles are by far cheaper to maintain and operate of the fleet. My people all want the General Motors trucks for their ride and comfort. As I rotate I will go strictly with General Motors. They get ruff use in the oilfield and hold up. Thank You GM :-)

• 

  So far so Great! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Bandit5 - January 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck in July. 2 minor problems so small I cant remember them. Great car. Id buy it again.

• 

  Nice More Dependable alternative to F150 - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 12.2006 Buyer - December 30 - 1:56 am

  Ive owned the truck for a week. And true, it may be a little soon to offer a really unbiased review, but so far, this truck has impressed me beyond words. The truck is extremely well constructed from the inside out, and at the SLT trim level, offers a lot of things found in most luxery cars. With lots of electronics, that could potentially be a problem fixing on your own if needed. The active fuel management convinced me the most to purchase this full-size truck. Among all the other V-8s out there I researched, the 5.8 had the best fuel economy. And with GMs 5yr/100,000 standard powertrain warranty, that measure of commitment was certainly more piece of mind for ownership.

• 

  GM Quality - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By william - December 25 - 10:48 am

  We purchased the GMC Acadia for our retirement travels and we have taken 5 trips so far. We have driven in the mountains and in the desert and we are very Impressed with our 2009 purchase from GM. MPG is ,as stated, and better. I think General Motors can feel good about the 2009 Acadia. We sure do!

• 

  GMC Acadia. One of GMs best! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By T. PIERCE - December 23 - 2:16 pm

  As a 40 year veteran engineering manager at Ford, GM, and Chrysler I know a good car when I see one. I have driven GMC Jimmys since 1988 and held off replacing my 2001 until I could find a satisfactory replacement. Tried all the competition, Acura, Higlander, Honda Pilot, Mitsubishi, Volvo, Fords stuff, Dodge and Jeep. The Acadia outtrumps them all, even my wifes new MB ML350! Those who demean domestic carmakers need to go "looksee" and drive. Acadia is an excellent machine in every respect with just a few minor glitches, but great ride, handling, performance, quietness, interior, and content. Well done GM! As the Arnold would say, "Ill be back!"

• 

  Fun to drive - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Junior - December 23 - 1:34 pm

  Love this vehicle. We traded in 06 Buick Terraza and we had nothing but trouble with the Buick so we gave GMC another shot no regrets.This truck is actually roomier than the minivan but drives like a car. I dont have the 4wd, we just got 6 inches of snow here in Chicago and this truck has not yet got stuck anywhere. Its amazing. Not to mention how safe it feels to drive rain or snow the drive is smooth. I highly recomend this vehicle.