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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  Hope it holds up - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Julia - November 28 - 7:03 am

  Locks on vehicle replaced after 1 month, carpet replaced because of poor installation (carpet is not secure where it meets under the dash, the dealer told me they all come like this but it looks very cheap and of poor craftmanship never had a car with carpet like this). Not to sure this car handles well in the snow, it seems to slide a lot. Interior roof of car was detatching had to have them secure it. Not to happy about spending time at the Gmc dealership and put in a cheap rental after the purchase on a brand new vehicle.

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  I think I made a mistake! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Judi - November 27 - 5:21 am

  My 2008 GMC Acadia, has had excessive sunroof leakage on several occasions. After being wet so many times, there were water stains on the ceiling and it began to smell moldy. I had traded in my 2007 Acadia (with the same issues), thinking because GM was aware of this problem, it would have been corrected before the 2008s came out. Well, that did not happen. For what I paid for this vehicle, this is very frustrating to me when I was told that it was due to the drain lines being plugged from leaves, etc. My car did not sit under any trees. I was worried about future electrical issues and assumed GM would have corrected the problem before the 2008s came out. Not the case!

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  2004 GMC Sierra 4.8 V8 - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Roger - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle used. It now has nearly 155,000 miles on it needing a little TLC and routine maintenance. It has needed little things like tune up, brakes, fluids changed, shocks and tires. This truck has exceeded all of my expectations for a higher mileage vehicle. It does not leak fluids or use and oil. I plan to put another 50K on it before even considering purchasing another truck. I have two friend that also own 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 with over 200+K miles on each. They both run very well needing only routine maintenance.

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  Comfortable, Fun to Drive V8 - 2009 GMC Canyon
  By Lanie - November 24 - 6:24 pm

  FYI, I have the extended cab V8 SLT. This website did not have that choice. In any case I have had this truck about 9 months now, and just love it. It is really comfortable to drive. Being in CO it is wonderful to have the heated seats in winter. It handles well in snow, on rough dirt roads, etc. The gas mileage isnt great, but didnt expect it to be given that it is a V8. Has great "get up and go" to get up those mountains!

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  Fully Loaded Yukon XL Denali - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By Doug - November 24 - 3:10 pm

  Just a fantastic vehicle, drives wonderfully, handles well, never any problems. Love the GPS system, very easy to use.

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  Great truck ! - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By mr bill - November 24 - 9:49 am

  I bought my 2005 used in 2009 after the lease ran out. It is a great tight well handly truck and I have had no problems with it. It gets a consistant 26 mpg with 3.5 and auto transmission. As I said I bought it used, but it still is in great shape and I am very pleased and would recomend it to anyone wanting this size truck.

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  Best SUV on the market - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By leitew - November 24 - 3:43 am

  This is the best SUV on the market. Extremely reliable and confortable to drive. Purchase new in 2002 and now the odometer reads 97,000 miles. The average gas mileage is 16mpg (city and highway combined). The only mechanical problem was the steering that started to make a "clunk" noise at about 40K. Took to the dealer who repaired for about $400. Now at 97K the noise is back. Other than that no complaints. Excellent SUV, reliable and confortable to drive.

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  A few items - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By John - November 23 - 2:53 am

  Active fuel management is a little disappointing. I thought I would get higher gas mileage. I get higher gas mileage with my 2001 5.3l GMC. It could be GMCs choice of tires. I do like the trucks ride and interior comfort. The cup holder and glove box need work. The owners manual barely even fits in the glove box. All in all it is an 8.

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  GMC Mistake - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Dave - November 22 - 5:23 am

  I wish I had never bought this truck. The brakes are noisy, keep having Cruise control malfunctions, heater only works driving down the road, heater even quits going around a corner. Back seat is a nuisance compared to the 05 gmc I had before. Fuel mileage stinks. I wish they had offered the buy back in 60 days when I purchased this one. Wont buy another one.

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  Envoy Review - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By puppetkat - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my 2003 GMC Envoy. The only thing I would change is the fuel economy and the design of the front bumper, I dont like the big gap between the front of the vehicle and the front bumper. But other than that everything is awesome. It is very comfortable to ride in and fun to drive. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone.