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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  Comfortable, well-built SUV - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Scott - February 24 - 7:55 pm

  I bought this vehicle used (15000 miles) and have had it for about 3 months (2000 miles) and am very satisfied. Lots of features (some things I havent even tried yet) and everything is well designed and executed. I got the Acadia to tow and it has the highest capacity in its class. The 3rd row seat is very roomy and with that seat folded, the cargo room is very large. The only disappointment is the fuel economy. Ive always got better mileage than advertised from vehicles Ive owned, until this one. Average MPG is 19 (80/20 highway/city driving). Other than that, I have no complaints.

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  leaking sunroof - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Bluechip - February 24 - 2:55 pm

  I bought my car in February 2007, we were in a drought no rain, then we had a heavy rain. We got inside the car and my floorboard was standing in water, the headliner was wet and water was pouring out of the airbag sign, I called the dealership, they told me I had left sunroof open which I never use. By the time I took it in to the dealership a few days later, they had other vehicles with same problem they fixed it in minutes no more problems with that. I think there might be a recall on the roof. Gas mileage poor, and now the driver side window doesnt always work. Very disappointed in the car, not the car we thought we were getting. I think GM needed a 6 cylinder suv and this was it

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  gas mileage is killing me - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By acadiastinks - February 23 - 8:29 am

  I have a new 2010 GMC acadia. It has 2000 miles on it. I get 10 mpg!!!! The wheels have no free roll. They always feel bound. The tranny down shifts hard and slows the vehicle from rolling. Try coasting at 60 mph and it winds down hard to 50 mph in 4 seconds. It causes you to constantly ride the gas pedal. IT STINKS

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  a good suv - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By chicago - February 22 - 11:10 pm

  I purchased this vehicle in 2008 with only 66000 miles. A year later and 85000, i still love it. I did run into a repairs like an alternator, water pump, fuel pump and rear brakes that needed to be replaced. I did most of the work myself. The ride quality is great i feel like im riding on air. The room is awesome, i love the fact that its sort off like a truck but with the SUV look. I love my truck even though i needed to replace parts on it, but it is 10 years old.

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  I know why they are going under - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Lola R - February 22 - 3:55 pm

  We bought this as a second vehicle last year. We only use it 3 to 4 months in a year. So when I got it out for the winter season, this year we had to start fixing it. 1st, the weather stripping is falling off the back door, 2nd the steering rack must be replaced. The suv only has 39000 miles on it. I should have know better than to buy a GMC. I also had to have the fuel gauge replaced second day we had it. Thank God it was under warrenty. Stereo speaker blew out also.

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  satisfied owner - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Les - February 22 - 3:36 pm

  The handling and operation of this car is intuitive requiring little getting used to. I have little to complain about, except for the past two summers, the AC unit would mot cool, but actually produced heat (Maximim). After shutting down for a period, the control returned to normal like something had to be reset by going back to zero on restart. Has anyone else beside me experienced this? I have not had the car to the dealer,as the original warranty has run out and it has not proven to be a continuing problem.

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  Buyer Beware - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By A Murphy - February 19 - 9:31 pm

  The 2007 Acadia started out as a great car. At 17,000 miles we lost our power steering. It spent months in the shop with everybody and their brother trying to figure out why we lost power steering ONLY when it rained. The dealership was great, but GMC was a nightmare to deal with. After several times being in the shop...each time assuring us the problem was "solved", we would have another close call when the steering would suddenly go out without warning. GM finally screwed a shield to the bottom of the car and added aftermarket parts to correct the problem. We NEVER feel safe in the vehicle & drive a rental more. Now, at 40,000 miles, the transmission failed with the family in the car.

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  Good SUV - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Reggie - February 18 - 5:29 am

  This is my first GMC, and it is better than i expected. I owned a Nissan Pathfinder for 18 yrs and I hope this one can last like that. I am very pleased thus far.

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  Great - 2000 GMC Yukon
  By BGB - February 17 - 5:28 pm

  Best vehicle I have ever owned. I have had it for 10 years, still driving it with 165K miles. I keep up with regular maintenance and it keeps running great.

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  The best there ever WAS - 1994 GMC Safari
  By Shai Drori - February 14 - 3:48 pm

  Bought this car because I needed the room and the power. It was a wreck when I bought it , previous owner didnt take care of it at all. After some work it has performed flawlessly. It has amazing ability for heavy cargo and mileage is not affected by how much it is pulling (although fuel economy is not good to begin with). It has 186000 miles on it (300,000 KM!!!) and I have no plans of selling it anytime soon.