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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  Great buy - 2016 GMC Terrain
  By Mike rowe - December 7 - 2:03 pm

  Under powered otHer wise super car

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  Nice looking with good ride, bad quality - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By slderos - December 7 - 12:21 pm

  Initially everyone looking at this type of vehicle will love the Acadia. Nice looking vehicle with lots of amenities however I have never had a vehicle with this many issues. The roof leaked into the car and we had to take it to the dealer several times to get that fix, it needed bigger drainage tubes. The timing cover had a leak and needed replaced, the tie rod end link was replaced. Its in the shop right now because the engine sounds like a diesel with the lifters ticking like crazy and the power steering pump is loud and needs replaced. Anyone need a slightly used Acadia?

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  A pickup called SUV! - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By omar khalifeh - December 5 - 1:03 am

  Bought this Yukon XL 4WD 2007 model back in June 2008 from the dealer in Amman / Jordan. It has a 16 inch standard rims with narrow 245/75 wheels. Unfortunately, this SUV is the worst feel car that I ever drove. You feel uncomfortable in the 1st row, extremely in the 2nd, and worst in the 3rd. It feels like riding an open pickup truck and not at all like an SUV. The suspension is poor, rigid, and when you ride over a bump, the whole SUV shakes like a one rigid piece. Overall, a very bad experience that I will never repeat.

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  Snow Buster - 1997 GMC Yukon
  By Phil - December 4 - 9:40 am

  When it comes to going through the deep snow, this vehicle performs with the best of them(providing your tires arent bald). Out on the winter lakes in Wisconsin, your mind is put at ease that your in a Yukon!(see You Tube and search for an Eaton G80) Its comfortable, solid, has sufficient power. Drives like the first day it was purchased. I pull a boat and supply trailer with no problems. I have replaced the fuel pump, repaired the intake gasket @ 60K miles(costly), replaced drivers side door internal linkage, and air conditioner components (condenser, compressor, misc.). The gas mileage isnt great (12/17), but when your out driving in the wicked weather, you realize its money well spent.

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  Greates car ever! - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By rick123 - December 3 - 11:51 pm

  Wow has this car ever been by far the best I have EVER had. We bought it 3 years used and it was like brand new. Never had been in a crash or anything. The car has lots of power and options. Ours had leather interior, 7 inch flip down dvd system, bose sound, heated front seats, towing package, and much more. I loved this car. Last summer we moved and was hauling massive loads of stuff and the car pulled hills like it was nothing. The only problem we had with it was we were on vacation and the steering pump went out. We do not have it today because the payments were to much and had to trade it off sadly. I now have the money to buy it back and looking for the dealership.

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  No complaints - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By Chris - December 2 - 9:52 pm

  We bought our SLE 4x4 new off the lot and still own it. Its had its share of leaks and general wear and tear but overall has been a good vehicle. Got about 110,000 miles and most of the leaks and issues started after 100k. Its been babied the whole time, always parked inside and oil changed regularly. Gets around great in the snow and used it to tow quite a bit of stuff (doesnt do real well at highway speeds with the AC running). Weve been happy with it and the wife is still using it as her daily driver. Mileage ranges anywhere from 15-20.

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  Amazing - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 4eyedfenix - December 2 - 7:16 pm

  I got my truck for work. Was going to get it or a Ford. Glad I got this one. More than enough power to get my oversized tires to start spinning. Ive pulled my fathers 9000 lb boat without any struggle, I would recomend this truck to anyone, it out pulls and performs anything on the road

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  2010 GMC Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By John Paul - December 1 - 9:40 am

  Every Two years I purchase a new car and in 2009 I purchased the Terrain based Two test drives in a V-6,styling and overall appearance. After checking many sources I decided to get the Four cylinder because of the better gas mileage. Well did I make a big mistake. I have taken Three trips over 400 miles each and the best mileage I got was around 25 MPG. My 2008 Taurus X with a V-6 got almost the same thing on trips. I seen ads they say you can get 600 miles on a tank of gas but I can only get 400 or so.

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  Great SUV - 2009 GMC Yukon
  By Aj - November 30 - 7:43 am

  I always drove Toyota and Hondas but after long research bought Yukon 2009. I am really impressed by smooth drive. We have two kids and our parents often travel with us, its been great fun in Yukon. DVD quality is great. I wish they had LATCH for car seat at all seating places in middle and third row. There are no front latches in 3rd row and has only one back latch. You might have tough time fitting two car seat in 3rd row. I get about 14.5 mpg at 1000 mi. Over all, not going back to Honda and toyota at all.

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  Great SUV - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By theone - November 30 - 12:15 am

  I bought my Yukon on NOV of 08, its a great suv. It handles good in the snow and around town. So far had to replace rear brake and power steering pump. I love to drive it the only thing i dont like is the 255 hp. but its still enough to keep up with the newer vehicles.