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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  Initial Impressions - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By sox83 - April 25 - 9:03 am

  Have owned the vehicle for only 3 days. This is the first US brand I have ever purchased - said many times before that I would never buy US, but GM built the perfect vehicle for my family... 2 children under 3yrs, wife did not want a minivan, no real need for a huge SUV, but wanted something big to haul everything to grandmas house. Acceleration is good. Responsive steering and tight turning radius makes it drive like a smaller car. Suspension makes for comforatble cruising. Little body roll when cornering at speed. Interior fit and finish is excellent - no squeaks or rattles. Very little wind noise at highway speeds. Have yet to find anything inside not thoughtfully designed.

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  I love my getting out of trouble suv - 1994 GMC Suburban
  By andrea - April 19 - 10:22 pm

  I bought my truck used with 200,000 miles on it, besides tires it has been a dream come true. I have four boys and they always have friends, it gives plenty of room. For the first time I have room enough for anything. Whenever someone gets stuck they call me I can pull anything. I live in a place where the snow get deep, I even get calls from the plow truck for a pull every once in a while. I love my truck, never again will I buy a car!

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  Very satisfied Acadia owner - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By WB Sims - April 19 - 12:11 am

  Ive owned an SLT-1 FWD Acadia for about 8 months and have not regretted the decision one bit. I went with the black metallic exterior with "brick" interior, and cant believe how nice that combination looks. I continue to get compliments in that regard. The 20" tires/rims really make the vehicle stand out. The ride is rather smooth (especially on the open rode) and the handling is very nimble. What I really find impressive is the roominess of the interior. It is very easy to move around and and change the seating positions (having captians chairs is particularly nice). I considered buying the Mazda MX-9, Volvo XC-90 and the Acura MDX. The Acadia is a much better looking vehicle imo.

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  I love my sub - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By Dena Shatzer - April 19 - 12:10 am

  I love this SUV. Best Ive ever owned. I have a 6 inch lift and 35s. It reliable and comfortable. The only problem is I go through 2 sets of brakes a year, thank goodness for lifetime warranty pads. Plenty of room for camping and ballgames. Pulls 5 quads easily. Rear air is great.

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  Perfect Truck - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By Ron - April 17 - 9:03 pm

  Love the Denali. Build quality is much improved. Far more power and even better ride than my previous SUV (Toyota Sequoia) and my 2007 H2.

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  Absolutely Amazing! - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Roper - April 17 - 2:56 am

  I have owned 6-7 GM products over the last 25 years and I can honestly say that the appointments and driving ability of this vehicle are outstanding. Everything is perfect

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned! - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jeff - April 16 - 12:23 pm

  I just bought this truck used and it looks like it just rolled off the factory line. I have owned 2 F-150s and 04 Dodge Ram Quad cab. This by far blows them away. I traded a BMW 525i for it and I actually enjoyed the ride home better. My kids love the factory RSE DVD player and the room in the backseat compared to the other trucks I have owned. I love the drivers seat with the 4 point lumbar support, dual heated and powered front seats and very soft leather front and back. I have always jumped from vehicle to vehicle but I think I have found what I was looking for - a vehicle that has all the comforts of a sports car and the convenience of a pick-up truck.

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  Very satisfied Sierra owner.....exceeding my expectations... - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mbexx - April 16 - 12:22 am

  Seems to be numerous mediocre reviews of the Sierra/Silverado on here, and I fully respect each one. But I also felt obligated to offer up my experience to date.....one that is been very positive. I shopped all of the light duty V8 4x4 trucks, and can say objectively theyre all good options. What sold the Sierra for me: ride quality. I have none of the vibrations mentioned in other reviews. The Tundra is close, but the road noise is much more pronounced. Interior: Subjective I know, but this 2014 interior is more ergonomic, user friendly, and more upscale than Ram, Tundra, Ford. MPG: I am a consistent 22MPG on highway. Price: Spec for spec, $6K less than others with GMC incentives

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  I adore my Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Finesse - April 14 - 4:51 pm

  I wanted the space of a full size SUV but not the bulk. When GMC came on the scene with the Acadia in 2007, I knew my prayers had been answered. This crossover SUV is absolutely gorgeous. Its perfect for me and my family. I also ride a sport bike and the tow hitch on the back is perfect for pulling our enclosed trailer as well. You cant go wrong with this truck. It looks good, you feel safe and secure with OnStar and XM radio and the rest of the bells and whistles. But just like most vehicles this size, it could be better in the gas mileage category. Fortunately I kept my 96 Mazda Protege when I got this so my Acadia is strictly for the weekends and leisure. Way to go GM!

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  FOR ALL LADIES - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By meme - April 12 - 6:56 am

  Purchased a GMC TERRAIN, V6, didnt want a big SUV...I AM VERY HAPPY....comfort zone is quiet; some wind noise but interior is WOW! just the right fit for women who love SUVs - size does matter; i chose the smaller (GMC Terrain) and i am very very pleased...GMC U GO...Finally a SUV for women.........BEAUTIFUL....my search is over