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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  The Jurys Still Out - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Kara Pompano - April 1 - 11:45 am

  We like our 2007 Acadia. It would be love if not for the annoying vibration of the steering wheel/column and the constant "whiny sound" coming from the transmission or steering wheel. Gas mileage is terrible, even worse after we had the computer software update. Moving east and will soon be shopping for AWD. If GMC doesnt get its act together with this steering column/transmission issues, the Honda Pilot might be our next new vehicle purchase.

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  3 strikes and now what? - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Rushing - March 30 - 11:13 am

  I loved my truck and for a house full of boys it is great. But why have we replaced the fuel pump system 3 times and now it has failed AGAIN? 1st in July 2008, then again in January 2009, then again in July 2009 and now just shy of a year it goes out again!

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  Loving It! - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By MelissaP. - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2001 Acura MDX for this and love it! I have 3 kids in car seats plus a husband who is 64" and it gives us plenty of room on long trips. DVD player is awesome, so easy to use while driving. I have a leather interior and seats are very comfortable. I get 16.2 mpg average and i live in a rural area with lots of hills. The things that I am disappointed with was that there is no place for sunglasses like in older models...something simple but it matters. Interior door handles are really cheap chrome and you can see the seam in them which someone else had mentioned in a review. Overall super happy with my rig. First American car, have owned VW, Audi and Acura.

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  Overall a good truck but has some issues - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By John - March 20 - 11:27 am

  This vehicle is a great medium sized truck but there are the usual GM fit and finish issues. The turning radius is ridiculous and cause many parking lot problems. The radio is probably the worst piece of junk I have found in any vehicle.The radio is an easy fix with aftermarket units. The turning radius is not curable. Experienced a few rattles, could be tighter.

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Peavey - March 16 - 12:34 pm

  Ive owned several Suburbans in the past as we became empty nesters I figured that I didnt need such a large vehicle. We downsized for a while, (tried a Jeep) but finally decided that we really enjoyed the larger size of the Yukons. Ive had this vehicle for a year now, put on about 13,000 miles and am rather impressed. Almost no issues the only problem Ive experienced is that the power liftgate does not function consistently when the temp drops below zero (Im in Minnesota) - but then neither do I. Fit, finish, comfort excellent - smooth vehicle for an SUV. No funny noises, except for an AC belt that occasionaly chirped until it was adjusted.

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  My 6th Yukon XL - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Michelle - March 14 - 10:53 am

  I have always driven Suburbans and I love them, but if this would have been the 1st one I ever owned I would never buy another one again. I have had nothing but trouble with it since Ive owned it. At 13k my transmission went out and I had to be towed in and 19k the alternator went out. Transmission is acting up again and every once in a while it will say add oil to engine and they can not find a leak anywhere. Dealer had done my oil changes to make sure it is being done the correct way and it will still loose 2 quarts of oil. I am getting ready to trade it off and yes I am going to get another Yukon XL because I do love my GMCs but it will not be the 2007 model.

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  Construction use of GMC SIERRA - 2000 GMC Sierra Classic 2500
  By campo - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I have driven 119000 km construction usage. Only major problem: Clunking transmission. Cost 2000 to fix. GM paid half. Repair was done at about 70000km, just beyond warranty. OK since. If you notice any tranny clunk, insist dealer fix under warranty. Dont wait around like I did. 6 litre engine is flawless. Front end has never been touched-still tracks straight. I just did front brakes for the first time. The old pads were fine, but I rplaced them anyway. My 95 GMC needed front brakes every 40000 km, my 90 Suburban-every 25000km. I will buy GMC again.

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  Amazing - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By car maniac - March 2 - 5:43 pm

  More power and better gas mileage. Loved it since I bought it. Found nothing wrong with it. Me and my friends love the comfort of the interior.

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  Great truck. - engine and driveshaft - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By elkhunter - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Great truck if it would not break down so much. Had an INTAKE Value go out at 50,000(yep intake) that was 1000 to diagnose and repair, now the driveshaft shakes and rattles. either the back universal or the carrier bearing.

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  GMC Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By ploc36 - February 24 - 12:28 pm

  The ride & handling of this SUV is not as good as my previous SUVs, ie the Honda Pilot or Landrover Disco II, but the interior space & layout more than make up for that. This is an SUV built more for the riders than the driver. The engine is a bit lacking in power due to the weight, & an average of 14 mpg city & 17 mpg on the hwy is a bit disappointing.