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 my GMC - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Mac - October 11 - 9:46 pm

  I purchased my Sierra new, now have 49000 miles. Have had a couple problems but the dealer took prompt, and courtious care of my truck. Fun to drive, looks great gas mileage isnt bad either. I keep the oil changed, and just installed a K&N air filter and will see if my MPG improves. Overall I would buy another one.

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  Great family car - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Jules - October 11 - 9:10 pm

  I have 3 kids and this car works perfectly. Has the second row captains chairs and an aisle to get back to third row. Fair amount of storage if third row partially collapsed. Fun to drive, much cooler than a minivan. Love having XM radio and OnStar.

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  Acadia Review - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Vinny - October 11 - 1:00 am

  Great crossover. GM hit this one on the button. Excellent car, lots of room, very comfortable. More room than the Toyota Highlander I had. Very smooth ride.

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  Great model for GM - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Tom - October 8 - 12:11 pm

  This is a great SUV. It has power, comfort, great handling, and also looks amazing. All features/controls are easy to use. It handles like a sports car and is extremely comfortable to ride in. Would highly recommend.

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  The Beast - 1992 GMC Suburban
  By allen5532 - September 30 - 4:43 am

  They dont make them like this anymore. I love this thing. Road trips are like ease. If you can get one cheap pick it up.

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  Love My Acadia - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By bill3 - September 26 - 11:50 am

  This is by far the best vehicle I have ever driven. I have always driven SUVs, but this crossover provides the best of both worlds. The ride is superb, and the interior has so much room and great features. We looked at just about every suv and crossover w/ 7 passenger seating. Nothing came even close! I was nervous buying a vehicle that was such a new model, but all of the reviews I read were very accurate. This vehicle is one that actually lives up to and even exceeds the hype.

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  Love it! But look out for insurance rate - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Heather - September 24 - 6:10 pm

  Weve had our Acadia about 9 months and dearly love it. Gas mileage is about the same or slightly better than our supercharged Buick Regal. Love the extra space, Love the extra features, love everything! I would buy this again, for sure. For convenience, mileage for its size (although they need an E85 or hybrid option), features, pure styling (looks so beautiful!) and performance it gets a gold star.

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  Fantastic Ride - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Rodney Ulmer - September 23 - 3:49 am

  This is a great SUV, best Ive ever owned; handles good on road (Ice and snow). Heavy enough for windy days, I have over 300,000 miles and have had only minor problems (Less than $500 repairs) and I pull a 28 camper every weekend. Mileage is poor, but the comfort and handling make up for it.

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  Happy Sonoma owner - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By KENNE-BILL - September 20 - 10:36 pm

  Ive owned my 99 Sonoma for about a month now and am very happy with it. I bought it used with 69,000 miles on it, body is solid and rust free and the original white paint still looks decent. As far as I can tell everything still works on the truck except for a bad AC compressor that I have already replaced. Its a regular cab, 2.2l with a 5 speed trans, Im happy with the acceleration. I calculated 26 mpg on my first tank of gas which is why I stepped up to a 4 cylinder truck, my old 92 Sonoma with a 4.3/auto was getting only about 17.5 mpg.

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  Love It! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Carol - September 13 - 8:10 pm

  Picked up our Acadia in February and used it on several long distant trips getting between 22-26 mpg on the highway. My daughter and I (plus 2 young granddaughters) use it for our weekly grocery shopping - doesnt hold as much as her Tahoe but we enjoy the Acadias large individual comfort zones. We love XM radio, climate control keeps all areas of the vehicle very comfortable