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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  Love the Denali but not the Mileage - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By vallywally - November 8 - 8:47 pm

  Hwy mpg is OK but city mpg is very poor. The seat belt cuts into my neck and needs to be repositioned. Denali exterior is an eye turner but the plastic "woodgrain" console looks cheap and tacky. Seats are comfortable but would prefer a softer leather. When Im stopped for a light, after 10+ seconds theres a thud-like jolt & sound from under the car. Dealer has no idea what is causing this but has heard others complain about it.

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  Fantastic car - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By a.v. - November 8 - 6:47 pm

  Ive never owned a GM before -- always Fords or Japanese cars. But this is a great car, just the right blend of size, versatility, fuel economy, and luxury. It is a pleasure to drive. The electronics are extremely well designed -- responsive, intuitive, functional. We chose this over the Honda Pilot, Kia Sorrento, and Ford Explorer, mostly because we liked the styling and the use of space. Were really happy with it.

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  More Than I Expected! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Patrick Obi - November 8 - 7:10 am

  I am a BMW fanatic, however, I decided to take a look at the GMC Acadia and I was pleasantly surprised! Amazingly, doing 60 MPH feels like you are still around 35. It is a very solid and smooth crossover vehicle.

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  I love my GMC Envoy Denali - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Pat - November 7 - 12:40 am

  I purchased my GMC Envoy Denali a year ago. I looked at the Acura, Lexus and other SUVs but decided I liked the extra room the Envoy offered. It had 20,000 miles on it and it came as a pre owned certified vehicle. I LOVE it so much. Theres not one thing that I dislike about it. Im so glad that I purchased the Denali model as it offers so many outstanding upgrades, its worth every dime that I paid extra for the Denali model. I have had no problems and love everything about it. I also love the OnStar option. It provides so much for the monthly cost, I could not live without that either!!

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  Bobs GMC - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By RBob - November 5 - 10:00 am

  Drove this GMC across the country, many mountain roads and off highway. One of the most fun vehicles I have driven and I absolutely love the Turbodiesel and Allison transmission combination. I have had zero problems with this truck, you would think it was made in Japan for the quality.

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  Great - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Martin - November 3 - 7:29 pm

  Ok 1st The whole thing about it rolling back only happens on the FWD version. this is not a defect. I test drover the fwd and loved it. 2nd i got awd because i have a cabin in the mountains nearby. the vehicle is really roomy and has a great powertrain. The Bose system is great. The display panels look great. very decent acceleration when needed. 288 HP pushes 3196lbs easily. If you are looking for something roomy and made with quality workmanship this would be a great family vehicle. This vehicle will grow with your growing family. seats 8 ot 7 if you opt for captains chairs in the second row. Enjoy.

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  One Month Review! Love it! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Michael McCauley - November 3 - 3:33 am

  Bought on July 4, 2007, it is now Aug 7. Compared many cars including very expensive imports like Lexus and Infiniti. This car doesnt look too large but IT IS!! Heavy! Safe!! You can carry a lot! Bought the most expensive model. This is a wonderful car! Does not lean in turns like our old SUV. No problems at all so far. Did not notice the glare (other reviewers). This car has many premium features, see some below. It all works just fine, at a reasonable price, too! Just ecstatic about this purchase, recommend this car highly!

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  Lots of Trouble - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By PetCBut - November 2 - 1:18 pm

  Engine overheated ALOT!. Blew head gaskets, then connecting rod bearings. AC went out last year. Suspension was a nightmare until the dealer re- torqued the whole thing. Fuel pump went and now continually threatens by whining. Blend control valve in heater cost $250 in LABOR to change out when the weak gear cracked!! After $3000 this one is junk!

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  Big Hauler, Drives Like a Sports Sedan - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Michael McGraw - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Truck is a good all around truck. Rode better than my 99. Parking is easy and pickup is good on the hw. Love the load leveling frture.

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  Best SUV I have owned - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Marylander - November 2 - 2:00 am

  My only complaint, which transcends almost any luxury SUV or sedan, is the bulky center console which restricts drivers leg movement and makes frequent stretching breaks necessary on long trips (Im 65")! Great looks, comfort, fun to drive, turns on a dime, fuel economy has significantly exceeded EPA estimates, no regrets about this purchase.