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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  GNC Beats Imports - 2016 GMC Terrain
  By Pat Leaper - December 13 - 9:49 am

  Excellent Value compared to German counter parts. Excellent Technology. Poor turning Radius. Very comfortable ride, hugs the road well. 6cyl has poor mileage

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By jaduca - December 12 - 6:09 pm

  Very smooth ride! I also test drove the Equinox Trailblazer and XTerra but the envoy had my vote from the first. Very comfortable very roomy. My dog likes it and he hates road trips. Definitely wouldnt trade it for anything else on the market.

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  Fun SUV - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By sunrig - December 12 - 3:50 pm

  Had to replace throttle body at 38,000 miles. Had a 2003 Yukon Denali. Nicer rig but Envoy is a great rig. My wife loves it, as nice as her BMW.

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  Great Vechicle - 2009 GMC Yukon
  By Great Vechicle - December 11 - 11:58 am

  We purchase a 2009 GMC Yukon Denali Oct. 2009 to replace our 2003 Chevy Suburban, which was an incredibly reliable vehicle. What a difference the GMC Denali makes. Superior ride, more hp and even better fuel mileage, getting 18.1 city and unbelievable 21.6 highway at 78 MPH. Strongly recommend this vehicle to anyone that loves to be comfortable. It comes loaded with more than you can imagine. We just love it.

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  2007 GMC Canyon - 2007 GMC Canyon
  By Busk - December 11 - 4:53 am

  Although its been reliable, this is the most uselessly designed truck Ive ever had. The bed is ok for firewood, mulch, etc (but the bed is too thin and girly). The mandatory 6 foot bed is annoying. You cant even lay down a six foot ladder flat. Its a real loser to load with construction materials. The tailgate lowers to accommodate 8 foot materials. However 4 wide drywall, plywood doesnt fit between or on top of the wheel wells. Very annoying. Poor design. Theres also a large blind spot when turning left or going around sharp left curves.

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  Duramax Rules - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By mARK - December 10 - 12:33 pm

  I love this truck so much! more quiet then a Dodge or Ford Diesel. This truck could pull a battleship with its strong Allison transmission!

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  Just bought the Acadia - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Kris Rowan - December 9 - 7:28 pm

  I wanted to be sure to comment because one reviewer stated the problem with the Acadia rolling backwards while "DRIVE" only occurs in FWD version-- that is INCORRECT-- the Acadia DOES ROLL BACKWARDS WHILE IN "DRIVE" IN THE AWD VERSION, AS WELL-- I know, because I have the AWD and it rolls backwards on a hill while in "DRIVE" (just like a stickshift car) Other than this strange little quirk, I love this car. I test-drove many of its competitors and kept coming back to the GMC. The very best asset: its VERY comfortable 3rd-row seating. In my opinion, it is the only SUV that has a comfortable, roomy 3rd-row where you dont feel cramped.

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  Excellent truck - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By EMD - December 9 - 2:35 pm

  Bought the Yukon new in Dec. 2001. Drove it for business (mostly highway) to around 180,000 in 2008. Since then my sons have taken the truck to college with them. Now has approx. 215,000. I have always changed the oil between 3-5000 miles. We have only had to do routine maintenance (brakes, belts, tires etc.) The only irritating issue has been the drivers side window motor. Have had to replace this 3 times. Otherwise very, very solid truck. In fact, bought a 2009 Yukon and love it. The key to any car is to keep up with routine maintenance and dont beat it to death. Take care of your car.

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  perfect ill buy a second one - 1995 GMC Suburban
  By kev - December 8 - 8:58 pm

  i bought a 95 2500 2 wheel drive 5.7 nothing but good luck with thin vehicle. i pull a 2 ton trailer every day almost i am a contractor and i put it to the test. i now have 271k on it no smoke and no rust at all. it starts every time no matter what the weather is. it still has perfect paint. im very happy. this thing will pull anything you hook it up to.

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  Traded Expedition and love this SUV! - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Trish - December 8 - 2:23 pm

  I had two Expeditions before getting the Denali XL. The first Expedition (pre 2003 model) was great. The next Expedition was awful! Which makes the Denali look that much better! I love the space (Expedition lacked terribly), love the look, love the package (I got it loaded out), love everything about it (except of course the MPG... but was expected!). If you are looking for a wonderful SUV that is large enough to take a family of 5 (3 boys and mom and dad) on vacation yet nimble enough to park in the Walmart parking lot, this is it! Cant give it enough praise!