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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  Best Vehicle we have ever owned - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By donny perry - December 31 - 11:19 am

  We traded a 2004 Yukon all wheel drive to get into this Acadia and my wife has never been happier. She loved her Yukon and did not realy want to get rid of it, but after one test drive of the Acadia she was sold, and I can say we could no be happier with the choice we made. I would recommend this ride to anyone that is looking supreme quality when it comes to ride, looks, and style.

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  My Grand Canyon - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By EX FORD OWNER - December 31 - 11:08 am

  To be sure of the fact that style is as beautifull for the truck, as it seems to have been named after And the hardiness of its spirit for the ruggedness of same. Ive owned a Ford for thirty years, of that a Ranger pickup extended cab for fourteen, and Ford can not match what Canyon has going for it. Thanks for a great truck! P.S. Canyon was a 2006 left over with only 7 miles on it then.

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  I cant part with it! - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Mike - December 28 - 6:36 pm

  I bought my Denali new and do a lot of hard driving with it. I tow trailers, take road trips fully loaded and take trips to the mountains in the snow. All I can say is, Wow! This is a great vehicle! I literally have had no problems with it except one battery and one set of tires at 40k. This mule will jerk my 6,000lb boat out of the water on a wet ramp with authority. (I laugh at other vehicle skidding with much lighter loads). Acceleration, ride, comfort and reliability have been exceptional. What really surprises me is the reliability. No issues. Much more reliable and durable that Japanese makes I have owned. No squeeks or rattles. I would buy another; I just cant part with this one!

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  Finally a GM worth driving - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Eddie K. - December 27 - 9:23 pm

  Have been driving Suburbans, Yukons, Jimmys, Envoys and now the Acadia for over 20 years. Without a doubt, GM finally got it right with this Acadia. Nice and confortable to drive and plenty of gadgets to keep me busy.

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  Great Truck - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By P.S. - Texas - December 27 - 6:13 pm

  I purchased this truck on a whim and it has been the best thing I have ever done. The truck is fantastic, it meets all my expectations and more. It is an absolute pleasure to drive around town or on long trips. I would certainly continue to by GMC in the future.

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  Very happy - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By larry moore - December 24 - 4:32 pm

  We are the original owners and are very happy with our first 4x4 vehicle. We cannot believe how great the ride is for being a 4x4. The performance is great with the 4.3 engine. We drive for 7 hrs to get up north in the summer and we both feel fresh, even tho we each sat in the same position all the way. We make sure that it is maintained regularly. We are seniors and are depending on never getting rid of our 2002 Sonoma 4x4 extended cab.

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  Great Crossover - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By ronovia - December 22 - 8:46 pm

  Previously owned SUVs are a 1997 Tahoe and a 2000 Mountaineer, and additionally in the past 20 years we have owned vehicles from VW, Ford, Nissan, Volvo, Porche, and BMW. We are very much brand agnostic, so drove every available similar SUV. The Porche wasnt really a consideration, due to price, and wasnt an all around favorite anyway. We really liked Buicks sibling of the Acadia, but the local dealer didnt have one equipped the way we liked. Id have a hard time rating any car a 10 in more than one or two categories, so I consider 9 excellent. This is an excellent all-around vehicle, but although pleasant to drive, I cant say fun-to- drive. Gas mileage has been in the 20 mpg range.

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  Love it so far - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Jason - December 21 - 11:22 pm

  I have owned my Canyon for a month now and this being my first truck I love it! It has plenty of power and the look is great, only thing I have any sort of problem with is the rear seat is a little shallow but I dont sit there so no biggie. I would recommend this truck to anyone who wants a small truck that has good gas mileage and lots of HP.

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  Unbelievably reliable-original engine - 1992 GMC Sonoma
  By Jace Espy - December 21 - 4:52 pm

  "Jenny" as we call her was given to me after my father passed away about 11 years ago. At first I didnt drive her for about a year. It had 33,000 miles when I got her. Then I started using her for work. She has a 2.8L V6 with a five-speed and pretty much everything you could get on one of these trucks. Everyday, for the next two years I towed a 3000lb generator load bank and close to 1000lbs of tools and equipment around. I was putting 1000 miles a week or more on her. Never any problems except brakes. When I stopped this job she ran about 20,000 miles a year for the next 7 years. After 300,000 miles Ive only replaced a tranny 3 clutches, two alternators and Ive never been stranded.

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  Goodbye Dodge Durango...Hello Gmc Yukon! - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By gmc convert - December 21 - 2:00 am

  As a previous owner of a 99 Durango with all the toys. I found My 02 Denali XL to be more enjoyable to drive. The fuel milage was the same with the 6 liter Yukon as it was with my much smaller 5.2 liter Durango. The ride is super and I love my Yukon from the roomy trunk to the leather interior with the Bose audio system, all the way up to the 6 liter engine that pulls my ski boat with not even a wimper.