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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  Very nice! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Chris - November 16 - 11:00 am

  I was very concerned buying a new GM vehicle after owning a Honda Pilot for the last 4 yrs, and picked this over the new MDX. This vehicle is much quieter on the hiway, is larger inside, more HP, and same gas mileage as the Pilot. Love the dark carpets even with the taupe leather, very comfy seats and hidden receiver hitch, chrome door handles. Wish I couldve purchased front moonroof only. Tranny cant decide which gear to pick on hills at hiway speed, nature of the 6 speed beast. Highly recommend backup sensors due to small tailgate window.

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  Good old "JIMMY" - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Jolly Roger - November 15 - 2:00 am

  IM printing about a 1996 Jimmy. I have been driving for 64 years and, in that time, have owned an awful array of vehicles. My present vehicle is a 1996 Jimmy. Without reservations, I can say it is the finest piece of machinery I have ever owned!! It has never failed me or my wife. We would like to buy another "JIMMY" but are worried that it would not match the one we own.

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  GMC all the way ! - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By xmillsx - November 14 - 2:16 pm

  I traded my 2001 GMC 1/2 ton 2WD with 195K miles (it still was strong as heck)for this truck and love it. I have always had good luck and good service from GM trucks. I bought this one with only 25K miles on it. The 8cyl to 4cyl fuel management was a little awkward at first but it is systematic now. On the open interstate at 75mph I have averaged 18mpg+. I was surprised. I have towed a 27ft camper with it with ease. The seating is comfortable even on long drives. Two thumbs up !

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  Luxury and power for a great price - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Ray - November 9 - 8:23 pm

  The Envoy Denali is a pleasure to drive because of its luxury and performance. Build quality is outstanding and the option packages include the DVD and Nav systems. Even though the Envoy is going to be replaced by the Acadia, its still a great vehicle at an affordable price. I love the creature features and the safety and security of the front and side air bags.

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  Weird Transmission - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By bkcm251 - November 8 - 2:23 am

  Were very pleased with our new Acadia in all respects except for one - the transmission shifts weird, especially under light acceleration. It seems to shift too early under light acceleration which then has a negative effect on acceleration. The shifts almost seem like it is skipping a gear. RPMs will go from over 3000 down to under 2000 in a single shift resulting in a significant loss in power. It doesnt seem like the transmission utilizes the 270hp fully, typical of a GM product in my experiences. It acts like it has a 100hp engine unless you put your foot on the floor and then it takes off like a spring chicken. Mileage has been respectable for this size of vehicle, 21.5 hyw.

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  Awesome Truck - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Truck User - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Truck has exceptional power (5.3). Towing 7000# skid loader a breeze. Fully satisfied with truck. Seating is great with the center console. Just like captains chairs in a van. The only change I would make is to opt for 4 full doors versus the extended cab.

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  Love My Envoy! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By envoyowner - November 7 - 10:00 am

  This is a true luxury SUV for the same price as the mediocre ones. You get features with this vehicle that I couldnt have even imagined a few years ago. We love the memory seats and mirrors! We have had no problems like those mentioned by others...maybe GM has worked out the bugs on the later models. I also drove the Durango, and this SUV is much more refined and a lower price! I feel like a millionaire driving it...no wonder it beat out even the Mercedes SUV in the motortrend competition!

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  GMC found after years of other brands... - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By grove - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Smooth power transfer of the 5.3/auto is a delight. No one in this weight class can gut with it, draws clear and away going uphill against all Ford, Toyota, or Dodge trucks/SUVs, ticks some of them off too! Tested daily on the Morongo Canyon grade in SOCAL. Owned new Ford, Toyota, and Nissan trucks over the last 20 years; this 2002 Sierra is considerably the best with Ford coming in second to others.

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  Better than the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By alventura160 - November 6 - 8:14 pm

  I was very hesitant to purchase the Envoy because I was driving an extremely reliable 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser at the time. The FJ Cruiser was a fun vehicle to own, but there were a lot of design flaws I could not get past. Most of all, the suicide doors made it very difficult for people to get in and out of the back seat. The Envoy provides such a quiet and comfortable ride. My wife and I carpool to work most of the week, and we look forward to our morning and afternoon drives in our Envoy. I am fairly sure that the next car I purchase will also be a General Motors vehicle. I encourage anyone that is shopping for a safe and comfortable SUV to test drive the Envoy.

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  Acadia - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By marvin - November 5 - 7:30 pm

  Great SUV. Has plenty of power and great fuel economy. Has more interior room than our Navigator did. Much quieter and rides great.