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 2008 GMC - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By mmchis - March 30 - 5:48 pm

  It rides very smooth. I enjoy the comfortable seats. I like all the extras! The wood grain center console and steering wheel are beautiful. I would like more storage available in the center console. I like that the vehicle uses 4 cylinders, until it needs the full 8. It helps with gas mileage.

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  2002 GMC Sierra SLT X-Cab SB - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By raiderwes - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive had GMC, Chevy and (one) Ford pickups over the last 30 years. This one is by far the best, although it is the first one in at least 27 years without the classic 350 V-8. The new large V-8 is a worthy successor. The transmission is smooth. The interior is very comfortable, almost as good as my BMW. Alas, it is not as fun to drive as the BMW, but pretty good for a pickup. Only one problem in 20 months, being a shake in the steering column, which I will take to the dealer soon.

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  1st Terrain - could not be happier - 2017 GMC Terrain
  By Southern Newhampshire - March 26 - 8:24 pm

  Chose the SLT AWD with V6 3.6L option. Leather and everything but driver memory feature. Extremely comfortable to drive, V6 has great response. Only observation is down-shifting when coasting around corner then up-hill; seems to hard shift but learned to work the pedal differently.

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  Id only trade it for a newer one! - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Spoil Myself - March 26 - 6:57 pm

  I bought my 03 Yukon SLT 5.3L V8 2WD in 9/03 with 500 miles on it. Since the day I bought it, Ive said that the only car Id trade it for would be a newer version of the same vehicle. I now have >96K miles on my Yukon, & love it just as much. I drive 75 miles/day round-trip to work, & given the time I spend in my vehicle, wanted a car will all of the amenities--this has them! Ive only ever had 2 things go wrong with it--the drivers seat warmer went out at 95K, & the fuel pump at around 60K miles. Ive never had any other mechanical issue or service issues with local GM mechanics not being knowledgeable about my vehicle as reported by others.

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  Great Family Car - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Patti Mott - March 24 - 7:14 am

  We wanted a fun and stylish car with lots of room but without the big SUV feel and poor gas mileage. We found it in our Acadia. Its a perfect fit for our family and is super for road trips.

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  Smooth & Quiet - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By WD - March 23 - 7:14 pm

  I previously owned other SUVs which road like trucks and were noisy on long rides. The Envoy has great power and better than the sticker fuel economy, 18 average, 20 or better on a trip. Seating is comfortable and OnStar works well.

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  If youve got to haul, this is it... - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Joey B - March 19 - 6:53 pm

  This is an extremely capable truck. Comfortable, tracks nicely and does what it is supposed to. Work. Wish the fuel economy was better but this is a work truck.

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  My first SUV and I’m loving it. - 2018 GMC Terrain
  By Stan K. - March 19 - 5:49 pm

  I’ve had my fully loaded Terrain Denali for several weeks now and it just keeps growing on me. He 2.0T really shoves you back in your seat and the 9-Speed auto is extremely smooth and responsive for having that many gears. Auto stop/start does take some getting used to though. Soft touch materials abound and most things feel like real quality to me. Mileage is decent and would no doubt be better if I could keep my right foot out of the Turbo. Cargo space is good. It’s fairly quiet as well though there is of course a bit more noise from the back compared to the sedans I’ve had prior. The new updated GMC Intellilink looks great and is easy to set up and use. Give one a test drive and try the Terrain out for yourself.

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  Never had a better, more dependable SUV - 1994 GMC Jimmy
  By 94jimmy81 - March 14 - 2:06 pm

  My Jimmy has 251,000 miles and I have never done any major engine or tranny work to it. Parts are cheap and it overall has been a pretty easy vehicle to work on. But never had a problem with it, it starts up every morning without a problem. The 4 wheel drive system is awesome too.

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  Love this truck - 2006 GMC Yukon
  By gmc273 - March 13 - 12:14 pm

  Took this truck to PA, NY, and FL and it rides beautifully. Is firm and stable on the road. Has great acceleration. Came with all the bells and whistles for entertainment. No options except 20 inch rims this year love that! Gets good gas mileage into and on the road trip