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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  Long term review - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Andy L. - January 9 - 5:18 pm

  I bought this truck new in Oct 2004. My review from Jan 06 remains true. This truck has been outstanding. The fit and finish on the interior is fine, the exterior has held up perfectly. It is very well powered, and a pleasure to drive. Does great in Michigan winters. Even better with new Dick Cepek FC-II tires. Ive hauled many loads of wood, pulled a small boat, traveled with family of five and never been let down. The only two issues have been the theft deterance went out (minor), and the drivers window regulater died ($300) I have 86k miles and plan to put on many more.

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  Ill be sad to see it go - 2000 GMC Safari
  By Devo - January 9 - 2:37 pm

  And here I promised myself I wouldnt get attached to this vehicle! We bought it less than 4 years ago when we were expecting our 5th child, knowing we would likely outgrow it in a few years. But I LOVE this van. The battery & alternator have been replaced since we bought it. Otherwise, nothing but regular maintenance. After our 1998 F-150, some of the peripherals like door handles, locks, seatbelt guides feel a bit "cheap" (lighter weight plastic, a few rattles), but its still holding up fine at 150k. We are now expecting our 7th child so will be moving on to a 15 passenger.

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  Expensive to Drive/Radiator, Heat Proble - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By Lexmark - January 9 - 12:20 pm

  Lot of problems with radiator, water pump, thermostat and heater coil because of red antifreeze damage. There were recalls by GMC on red antifreeze and law suites against GMC, but I bought used, did not know about this an the dealer of course never mentioned any problems. Car was owned previously by a Doctor who could afford the extra maintenance. One month after purchase, It needed a water pump. It Needs a 120.00 radiator flush every 3 mo. or so to keep down rust build up in raditor. Red rust is so thick it looks like wet red clay dirt and clogs up the heater coil and water pump, heat wont work. I would not recommend that anyone buy a car that uses red antifreeze. Dont walk, run away!

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  Awesome truck! - 1993 GMC Suburban
  By GMCk25004x4 - January 8 - 6:05 pm

  I love this truck! I got it off ebay for a song! Drove to Colorado and picked it up. Best truck I ever had! 215,000 miles on it and the engine is cleaner than most! No leaks and no smoke or tapping. Original parts and motor. No tranny problems at all. Towing package is really beefy! Pulls more than youd expect! Stands tall with no sagging! 4x4 works very well and this is a GREAT driver in the snow! Interior is still pristine and there is no paint fade or clear coat problems! Reg maintained and this truck really takes care of me! 15 mpg in town and 18 on the highway! Not a bit of rust on this truck. Only replaced muffler, brakes, alternator, and top hose this winter. Had 3yrs

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  My Green Jimmy - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By RHB3124 - January 7 - 6:07 pm

  Bought my Jimmy used with 96,000 miles on it. Now have 196000 on it and while I have had to replace maintenance items, overall it been dependable. A little noisy in the front end, probably needs carrier bearings. Ball joints and shocks & wheel bearings have been replaced. Otherwise plenty of power for what I do. Have had to replace water pump, (radiator(plastic broke)) (AC cooling coil(Struck)) fuel pump and driver side door hinge. 4 wheel drive works as long as I engage and disengage it in the driveway in the summer to keep it freed up. Not much rust for as old as this truck is getting. I would buy another just like it. Hope GMC will downsize one of their SUVs someday so I can buy one

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  watch out - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By drenee - January 7 - 11:45 am

  My acadia has been in the shop numerous times. 4th time for leaking sun roof- dealership says that water is supposed to run into the sunroof and as long as the drains are free (mine have already been clogged) it will be ok- who designs a car that has water coming into your sunroof? Ive had back bumper tightened, inside door panels tightened. Gone through 4 radios w/ nav already. Window clips have been forgotten to be put on at factory. Have had rattle in dashboard for over a year. Can not seem to stop the issue. Window are now rattling. DO NOT buy this vehicle. I love the look- I love the performance, but it is not worth the frustrations

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  Liking It - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By JD - January 7 - 11:31 am

  I like most everything about this vehicle. The one complaint I would have is the headrest does not adjust as much as I would like, but it is my wifes car. Had a Toyota Highlander LTD. for her which I rarely drove, I thought it looked like a station wagon or a grocery getter not exactly a mans car. Now I drive hers almost any time we go together it has a great look! On a 75 mile trip we had 6 adults riding very comfortably. In the snow it is amazing it just doesnt move off track. Like the interior very much just macho enough. The ride of this vehicle is fantastic. You can see for miles with the headlamps. 3500 miles no complaints yet. MPG ok observed 24 highway but it is big.

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  Great Crossover - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By berne1 - January 6 - 3:38 pm

  I got my Acadia in December, traded in a Yukon Denali. I find this vehicle superior in every way for my usage. It is very quiet inside, smooth and powerful. This is a much more compact package than the Yukon with better MPG, better performance, better ride quality, and on.

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  leaky acadia - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Cincy Acadia - January 5 - 10:02 pm

  Vehicle has been in twice for a leak in the roof. If your car has less than 36k miles, make sure it is exposed to a heavy rain before you get outside the warranty. If I am not given an extension on my warranty I will be looking to unload this car and will never spend another dollar on a GM product.

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  The best choice, but not perfect - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By JimM - January 4 - 12:14 pm

  When looking for a AWD SUV that can tow a boat, has enough height to get through the snow storms, a nice ride, 7 seats and easy access to the 3rd row, the choices are limited. We need captains chairs in the 2nd row. The traditional truck SUVs have this, but the 3rd row is either too small or doesnt fold flat. I also wasnt interested in getting 12 MPG or a truck-like ride. The only other SUV that compares to the Acadia is the Flex, but it has a small 3rd row, something we could be regretting when traveling with the inlaws. As you can see from my ratings, performance is ho-hum, but adequate. I havent loaded it up and attached the trailer yet. Best marks for style, utility and quality.