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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  NIce vehicle for the price - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By mph33 - June 10 - 9:11 pm

  This is the second Envoy we bought. My wife is the primary driver. The last one we had was the 4 wheel drive SLT. Very pleased with the pricing and is an excellent family SUV. The 8 cylinder gives it more power and does not really effect the gas mileage. Much better than the 6 cylinder in our last one.

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  Great SUV - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By walt7873 - June 10 - 12:32 am

  Purchased my Envoy new late in 04. I havent had any major problems with my SUV. The engine was running rough at 40,000 and the dealership repaired no charge. (sensor failure) Other than that it has never been in the shop and we now have almost 60,000 miles. It is very versatile and functional vehicle. I am a homeowner and going to Lowes or Home Depot I can buy almost anything and dont have to think about how I can get it home. I love the back glass opening as it makes it easy to hual my surfboard without having to put it up on racks. When I go golfing I can put transport the whole foursome with clubs and everyone is comfortable. I love my Envoy!

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  The GMC Acadia is Awesome! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Jeff - June 7 - 2:50 pm

  We just picked up our loaded GMC Acadia Friday night and are extremely happy. The vehicle is well built inside and out and is a pleasure to drive. Lots of bells and whistles to keep you occupied in your spare time. Im 62" and I have more than enough room. This vehicle drives so smoothly, it feels like your driving 55 when youre really going 85(oops!). Handling is superior to other vehicles weve owned. Its a real head turner when your driving down the road. I saw numerous Envoy owners trying to catch up with us to get a peak. The Acadia will be a real winner for GMC. The motor has more than enough power to get up and go. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone. Watch out Soccer Moms!

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  Love it - on my second one - 2002 GMC Safari
  By akgirl - June 3 - 1:12 pm

  During the Alaskan winters the side door is great. We all pile in shut the door keep warm and then buckle up. Three kids and friends always fit very comfortable. Lots of room for everyone and their stuff and I can still get groceries.

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  07 GMC Acadia - Simply Awesome - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By TerryInGA - May 28 - 5:56 am

  We were shopping BMX X5 and Lexus RX350 and ended up with an Acadia! We just happened to hear about the Acadia and in head to head test drives, we preferred it. To be honest, we were surprised even though we also have had great experience with a Yukon we got several years ago. With the Acadia, we found the combination of vehicle style, features, smooth and quiet ride, etc that just was everything we were looking for. We now have gone on one 10 day vacation and have 4K miles on the Acadia and we like it more and more every day. Not one defect to date! With our last car (German), we had 6 defects within the 1st month. A tip of the hat to GMC for the Acadia!

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  Lovin my GMC - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By GMC Truck - May 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck! The ride is smooth and comfortable with great pick- up. My average fuel mileage is around 15 mpg...not real great. Turning radius is wide (watch out in those parking lots). Very nice interior with comfortable seats. Controls are easy to reach and intuitive.

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  I love this car - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Love this vehicle! - May 25 - 9:32 pm

  I really love this car! I bought it new in 2004 and it has 82,000 miles on it now. The only things I do to it are regular oil changes and tire rotations. I also changed the tires at 50,000 miles. I do not care for the third row seating as it is a pain to climb over the second row. Also the power and acceleration are not that great. Otherwise I will buy another Yukon when I buy my next vehicle.

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  Beautiful - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Trena S. - May 25 - 8:38 pm

  I have owned my truck for a while now. I bought it used with fairly high mileage. All in all I am extremely impressed. The gas mileage could be better but the comfort and reliability make up for it by far. I have changed my oil every 2500 miles and havent had any real problem with it yet. I would reccommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  the best of the best - 2017 GMC Yukon
  By maurice newman - May 22 - 3:59 am

  not cheap,big,very comfortable,very modern (tech over the top) beautiful suv. we love it.

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  GMC Sierra Crew Cab - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Brad - May 21 - 8:30 pm

  Responsive, strong, quiet, and comfortable ride. Excellent fit and finish. Pleasure to drive:-)