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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  Great for vacation - 2008 GMC Savana
  By brandon - November 2 - 9:24 pm

  Very good in snow and provides smooth acceleration. The 4 speed auto is a little whiny. If you drive up a lot of hills, get the 6.0 v8 because it is a tad stronger off the line. My family loves this van. Im planning my vacation in Catskills and all wheel drive will be helpful

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  Nice Job GM! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Pete - October 17 - 5:06 pm

  Weve had this for 3 days now. Its a very nice car/truck. My wife had a BMW 528i wagon, and was a little leery of trading down to a GM. After a few days shes over that. It drives very nice. All passengers sit nice and high so theres great visibility. Theres a nice feel of security in this vehicle. It drives like a car but has the road presence of a truck. And it feels like its put together very well. Heated seats, mirrors, great stereo, parking assist... Its full featured and gives off a great confidence. GM is back with this one!

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  Best Looking Truck - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jjhayne - October 15 - 10:00 am

  Fell in love with the look and compliment of my truck long before it became available to buy. First truck and I love it.

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  Could be better - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By bellms - October 14 - 1:54 pm

  Overall, a pretty good SUV. The cabin is comfortable. Although not super quiet inside. The front seat sits a little high and the back does not tilt. The pickup on the road is decent but underpowered at times of steep incline. I definitely believe there should be a V8, but there is not. The gas mileage for the daily traffic is horrible in town. Usually 12-14 at best. Highway, impressively up to 22 at times. The Envoys center of gravity is righ at the armrest, which makes for good turning. Last but not least, not very good use of space for seating.

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  Satisfied for the most part - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Raven1 - October 14 - 10:40 am

  I bought my Sierra used with about 45000 miles on it. It now has 92000. The problems with the power windows are for real. I replaced the driver side motor and I believe that either side could break again at any moment. The transmission went out at about 80000 miles (one of the drums broke). The dash rattles from time to time. Aside from these problems, the truck really has been reliable and enjoyable. The 5.3 has lots of power, but I do notice a difference in the summer with the AC on. I have enjoyed my GMC, but I will look into a ford when buying my next truck (a crew cab), but there is a good chance I will end up back in a GMC or a Chevy.

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  Love it - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By LewisG - October 12 - 1:43 pm

  Had our Acadia about three weeks now, and love it. After having Expeditions and Suburbans it was a shock to go down, but the car is great. Seats are all very comfortable, and so far the tranny hasnt been an issue for us. Kids love it too. Have to agree with folks on the cupholders and outlet up front. They need at least one more plug or even two on the side of the console so you can plug things in without blocking the front cupholder. Mileage is about what we expected (15 so far with heavy city driving) Great car.

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  Seasoned owner - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By a littleman - October 11 - 3:06 pm

  Have driven through snow, desert, heavy rain and wind - vehicle is everything we thought it would be - dependable, comfortable, roomy, great sound system, power, etc. Gas mileage is not what one can find in crossovers - but this is a true, solid SUV - one of the last with metal bumpers.

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  Excellent truck with some flaws - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By ryan - October 10 - 6:40 am

  I bought Yukon SLT2 as 2007 clearance from dealer. I drove 2001 Denali before, and very impressive. When I got myself own, feel awesome and better than previous version. Large space, powerful engine and nice Boss sounds. Very nice mix mpg, highway, local plus traffics, 16MPG, same as my friends Nissan Xterra. but some bugs are annoying me, engine light is always on since the second day after I take it home. And the tire pressure shows 63 35(front), 33 35(rear), sensor stinks!

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  Fun to drive, easy to handle - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By Love it! - October 8 - 3:26 pm

  This is the second Jimmy SLT 4x4 that I have owned. This first one was totaled in an accident and did so well that I decided to get another one. I have only had to replace the tires, tune-ups, and other general maintenance on it. It now has over 100,500 miles on it. Now the brake light warning stays on, and the ignition switch is going out. I think thats what it is. Other than that, I love it. It is easy to drive, great sound system, comfy seats with dual seat warmers.

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  Clean GMC - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Jack - October 2 - 6:23 pm

  Bought the 6.0ltr WT version two weeks before leaving Maryland. Installed cruise control and hauled 5500 lbs on a 16ft tandem trailer and 1000 lbs in the bed. Averaged 16mpg on Hwy after tuning with the Diablo Predator using 87 octane gas. I have the 4:10 HD posi-lock rear. I average 12-13 mph in town. I would have liked the 6spd Allison transmission.