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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  Looks great! But not a reliable vehicle - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Sistersami - February 5 - 10:48 pm

  Transmission has blown after 81,000km - not impressed. Tonnes of electrical problems. Tailgate malfunctions every winter & needs to be replaced. Windshield wiper motor failed. I LOVE the look of the vehicle, but it is a LEMON... STAY AWAY!!!

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  Problems, Problems 2004 Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By SMosley - February 4 - 10:38 pm

  I purchased this car new and it has been nothing but problems. Every month their is some problem. The sensors are always going out. The lights has went out. Right know, another sensor has went out and know there is a crack in the gas tank. The service engine soon light stays on, for any reason. If you dont have the gas cap screwed on the right engine soon light comes on, if you leave the car running and put gas in the check engine soon light will pop on. Oh and yeah the fuel pump is going out also. I wish that I had taken out the extended warranty you will really need it. I did not think that you would considering this is suppose to be a top level vehicle. My Kia was better.

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  Love The Ride - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Cpersons - February 4 - 3:14 pm

  Leased this vehicle for 39 months and couldnt be happier! Love the ride love the dashboard, love everything! This car never gave me a problem, the only maintenance done was oil changes and tire rotation and car ran perfectly. I had to turn in the car 2 months ago and it was one of the worst days of my life! If your looking for a reliable suv this is the one to purchase

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  Nice look.....poor interior quality - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Boss Lady - January 31 - 9:59 pm

  I purchased my Acadia brand new in June 2008. I love the way the exterior is made and it is a totally fun vehicle to drive. I hate the fact that the interior of the vehicle was made so cheap. The rear floor vent covers keep coming off, the middle bench seat has never operated correctly since I drove it off the dealers lot. Additionally, the driver side window will intermittently just stop working for periods of time. Unfortunately, the window never seems to act up when I take it to the dealership. I also hate the carpet material that is on the back of the seats, because over time it starts to look awful and is all matted. I live in Michigan, and the vehicle does not handle well in the snow

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  221k still climbing - 1997 GMC Sonoma
  By jeff - January 31 - 7:13 pm

  Too me it looks OK but not really sporty, I got the turd brown. I just past 221k And I wouldnt hesitate to put gas and go anywhere,just that reliable. Even with the high miles I still 30mpg..I know this cause my gas gauge has never worked so I just look at the gallons I put in. its just a 2.2 no power but still it has enough to get a ticket..when I want the power I just get on my R-1. anyways a great truck.

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  YES, THIS IS A PIECE OF TRASH - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By Alex - January 30 - 5:12 pm

  Bought the car as a demo, less than 10k miles..., Nothing but problems...Had to bring it back to the dealer over 15 times prior to the warranty running out. First it was Fuel Pump, Air Pump, and basically the whole engine... Then it started leaking oil out of the engine gasket. All this when it was under 36,000 miles. Total trash..... No more GMC for me. No dealer want this piece of trash for a trade in. Youd be lucky to get 1,000 for it.....

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  LUV THIS CAR!!! - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By EAS - January 29 - 10:32 pm

  I purchased this car after trading in my Honda CRV. I drive 50,000 miles a year for my job. I wanted something that was a bit bigger then the CRV and more comfortable. These Acadias are sharp! I have only once been able to get 20mpg but it has been so cold out it is hard to get the good mileage so I am waiting for the warm to see what I get. This is really comfortable and I love this car!!! Ive noticed that when I put the car in Park out of drive it seems to roll forward a bit far after you take your foot off the break, I just have to get used to that. I have been recommending this car to lots of people.

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  Love it! - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By AZMom - January 29 - 8:56 pm

  My Highlander became too small and the Acadia is a great upgrade. I like the lines on the vehicle and it is a very practical people mover. I considered the Enclave but was turned off by too much chrome.

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  Canyon Conquers Mountain Commute - 2009 GMC Canyon
  By Wayne Dear - January 29 - 1:18 pm

  I drive 120 miles round trip uphill both ways. The 3.7L I5 4sp auto has lots of power even with a full load. Got 24.9 mpg on the first fill up. 17" tires, high clearance good for off road, truck tracks steady in 4wd on snow and ice. CPU broke down in mountains OnStar emergency towing and GMC warranty worked fine. Plenty of storage behind front seats but no room to sit there cept for babies. Middle seat belt a joke so I disconnected it. Friends commented on rugged good looks and awesome metalic blue paint job. Overall, a smart, affordable "small" 4wd truck.

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  Sludge Build Up In Engine - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Randy - January 29 - 6:32 am

  I have sludge build up in engine at 70K miles. A GMC dealer says it is due to improperly maintenance. I contacted GM and they agreed. I changed the oil when the OLM indicator told me to. The dealership wants me to pay 7K for a new engine. I am in the process of hiring an attorney to help me with this. The dealer I purchased from went bankrupt and I can not get the maintenance records so GM is saying I drove the vehicle for 29K miles before my first oil change because I cannot provide maintenance records. The dealership who diagnosed the problem stated I should have changed the oil at 5K intervals. Why then did GM put OLM indicators on these vehicles.