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 it! - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By jessb - January 18 - 10:27 am

  I just purchased my new Denali and absolutely love it. My 2 year old loves the DVD player. I love all the features and they are easy to use - the Navigation is a must. Plus the steering wheel is even heated, which is a great option since I live in Minnesota. Handles great on snow and ice and the heated leather gets nice and toasty. The back hatch also opens from the remote which is great when carrying groceries. Plus it looks great from the exterior, I love the chrome and 20" wheels. Not great on MPG but if you can afford this rig that shouldnt be a big concern. My dad has a Yukon SLT and wants to trade!

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  Tough little Truck - 1991 GMC Sonoma
  By Andrew - January 18 - 9:01 am

  283,000+ miles and still the original motor and tranny. Only repairs (besides regular maintenance) has been fuel pump, altenator, water pump, and rear axle-wheel seal. Not bad at all though considering the mileage. Purchased from my dad when it had 190,00 miles. He bought it in 92 with only about 40,00 miles.

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  great truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By w biello - January 16 - 12:39 pm

  truck has preformed very well - handles great- 21 to 25 mpg.no problems- dealer mastria buick gmc best dealer i have ever dealt with - service dept great-

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  Good Experiences ? - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Angie - January 15 - 7:31 pm

  "service engine, service 4wd, change oil".......my dash looks like a lighted christmas tree and no one can find anything wrong. Door moldings falling off. Rear wiper washer broke. Knocking noise underneath. Shifts hard and clanks often. No recall for hole in gas tank or cracked gas cap compartment. Fuel mileage stinks. NEVER AGAIN. Going back to a Nissan or Toyota!

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  Major Improvements - 2010 GMC Canyon
  By Eric - January 15 - 11:39 am

  I use to have a 2007 Chevrolet Colorado LT until it was vandalized. I was very happy with how this truck performed that I decided to get another one, but with a few more options. I opted with the GMC Canyon SLE 4x4. I must say that I am more than satisfied with what GM has added as standards for the 2010 model. The suspension offers a much better ride than my 2WD one did from 2010, and the darker interior looks very nice. I know there are complaints with the simplicity of the interior, but everything is efficiently placed, and I feel it has a more rugged look than competing mid-sized truck. All in all there is no other mid-size truck that I would buy over this one.

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  Seriously!!??!! - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By cgwmom - January 15 - 5:56 am

  2010 Acadia bought brand new 12/31/2009 with only 108 miles on it. Exactly 2 weeks from the date of purchase and I watched it leave on a tow truck last night! I picked up school kids and then got a low oil pressure alarm (stop engine) on the display! The alarm would not stop and I pulled over in the nearest parking lot and phoned the dealership! Stranded for 3 hours with 3 small school kids because of my BRAND NEW CAR is not OK! I have wanted this car for over 2 years, and now I dont want it at all. Dealer says it is probably just a sensor". Guess what, I dont care if it is a sensor, or a gasket or a loose belt. New car on tow truck = me NOT HAPPY

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  Piece O Junk - 1995 GMC Jimmy
  By NotSoLucky - January 14 - 11:15 am

  The guy who sold me this junk knew what he was doing Its nothing but money money and problems they are good about posting the problems but wont respond to anything and wont put out a penny for all the mess they created what ever happened to good american cars? Will never buy again. Dont even give a second look just run the other way.

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  Water and Electricity dont mix - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By David - January 12 - 6:38 am

  Bought my Acadia as a dealer leftover. Got home and the battery was dead, now after 6 months I am on my third battery. Dealer cannot find the source of the problem and I keep an emergency jump pack in the back of the car at all times. I too have water coming in the pillars and have had the drain tubes "enlarged" Gas mileage 16 city and 18 highway --no where near what the sticker suggests. Transmission seems to hunt for a gear when on cruise control.

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  best car i ever had - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By lshah72414 - January 10 - 7:48 pm

  My 2010 acadia is the best vehicle I have ever owned. Handling is excellent. It is very quiet. I love driving it. My only complaint is I wish I got better than 22 miles per gallon. My previous vehicle was getting 24 mpg.

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  GMC - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By gtsxtt - January 10 - 1:43 am

  This SUV has only left me stranded when the alternator went out. I bought a new one 100$. The pitman arm was bad and caused swaying all over the road and unresponsive steering replaced it and it was all fixed. I am now at 102,000 miles and have had no other problems. I have maintained it myself per gm suggestions and it still runs like new no smoke or anything, I get 25mpg on premium when light on the throttle. Not much bad I can say about the vehicle. just maintain them and theyll run a long time. It has got me through 6 winters some snow ice and mud and a bunch of hills.