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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  Still no remorse! - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By SO Cal Man - January 3 - 8:15 pm

  This car/truck is a very good vehicle for the money. I have not had any issues with features or functions everthing works as expected. My kids love the Acadia and I still gets double looks from people on the street. I looked at all the others Acura MDX, Mazda CX9, Lexus RX, Ford Flex and read all the reviews but kept coming back to the Acadia. The styling and features are very impressive.

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  Not that bad - 2010 GMC Canyon
  By juliancasta - January 3 - 2:47 pm

  I wanted a small truck to haul small loads. I wanted an American truck. So far its not that bad, its really good on the highway, not that much noise. The seats could be better, but they are ok. The cd player though does have an old style to it. One weird thing, on the armrest there is a cassette tape case holder. Who uses cassettes anymore, its a waste of space. Its easy to drive, my wife likes to drive it. It needs a place for your change, you dont have a storage place on the dash for your change or anything important. I havent yet taken it offroad.

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  Great Car To Drive...When It Starts - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Kelly - January 3 - 10:36 am

  We are heading back to dealer again for repairs on our Acadia which we have owned for only 9 months. We have added roadside assistance to our speed dial after having to call for problems with battery, starter, and fuel pump. This is our first and last GMC purchase.

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  2 years with 2008 Denali - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By Jay - January 2 - 4:49 pm

  Best SUV I have owned yet. Last three SUVs were Tahoes and a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I am innpressed with the creature comforts. After driving, and towing with the 6.2 liter engine I would never go back to the 5.3 liter engine. My commute is mostly highway and I average 16.5 at 70 MPH. 10 MPG towing the boat. Two problems a sticky back door lock and non sticky gas door cover that keeps opening. I have not had the dealer look at them, as I have yet go back to the dealer with 38K miles in two years.

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  Love my Acadia - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Iteach26kids - January 2 - 9:20 am

  Researched vehicles for a year before purchase & kept coming back to the Acadia. Had been a mini-van driver for 12 years. Loved the stylish exterior. Looks tough. Great acceleration and drives excellent on highway. Very smooth & quiet even a high speeds. Does have some blind spots but could be due to my 5ft height. My 6-ft husband thinks space is tight in the passenger seat, but loves driving it. LOVE the Bluetooth hands-free calling feature. After I got mine, 2 other teachers @ my school bought the same! All agree its their favorite car yet.

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  go for it - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By eddie - January 1 - 4:03 pm

  fourth gmc suv. great truck ride, apperance,design,reliable. Good Job Gm.

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  Doesnt quit - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By Curt - December 31 - 10:26 am

  My 97 Burb was without a doubt, the most reliable vehicle that I have ever owend. It is currently at 391,500 kms (Yes you read it correctly) and going strong.I live in Canada and use it for hunting, fishing, and in -35 degree celcius weather. I have no worries about turning the key and making another 1500 km trip without notice or time to prep. Aside from changing the Fuel Pump once (common problem), I have not had any major issues with her. There is no rust on it and the interior is still in great shape without cracks in the dash or holes in the seats. Aside from regular maintenace and fluid changes, the only thing that I had to change was the air freshener. It never quits!

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  Why did they stop making the envoy - 2009 GMC Envoy
  By big red - December 31 - 10:08 am

  I have owned new suvs for almost 20 years. Many makes and models. The envoy is the best in its size. Where else can you find a 4x4 that will pull over 5000 pounds and still have all the creature comforts. I was driving a low mileage trail blazer when i found out they were stopping the envoy and trailblazer. I immediately started looking for a 4x4. it took almost a month before the right suv and deal came in. Why GM stopped making it is one of many reasons GM is in trouble. They felt that the Acadia was a replacement...Go drive one and you will find out how bad its visability is and lack of towing.

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  I LOVE MY YUK!!!!!!! - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By AngelaSue - December 29 - 2:00 am

  If you want the Best SUV, the Yukon is for you. It is a safe vehicle for your family yet fun to drive with lots of power!!! I love to outrun Vettes!!! I will never own anything else.

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  My 2003 Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Amy Ouellette - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my Envoy. Wonderfully smooth drive with the most incredible turning radius Ive ever experienced. I have never been more satisfied with a vehicle.