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 Comfy - Nothing but Problems - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By - October 25 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been in the dealership for repairs 4 times already, and is about to go in a fifth time. The On- Star wouldnt work (2 times in), and on several ocassions the truck would not start. The first two times in for this problem they couldnt find a problem. They have just replaced the fuel pump and ignition switch and hopefully, that will work. The day after picking it up from this work, the rear speakers went out and at the same time the service engine soon light lit up!!!

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  the ultimate rock - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By sami fargo - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Very comfortable, handles great. love taking it up the mountain to go skiing

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  Build Quality - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By MPG - October 19 - 8:24 pm

  I purchased the Envoy XL (SLT V8) in March 05 and have covered 2800 mi mostly around town. We recently had twins, and now with 4 kids total needed an SUV. I like the quite ride, and have upgraded the rear sway bar for better handling (highly recommended). The V8 has good power and sounds good too, but idles a little rough compared to others. My main concern is with the build quality of the vehicle. The paint job is very poor(Carbon gray) and also I have a warped/distorted windshield. The A/C performance in hot/humid weather is useless below 1500-2000 RPM. MPG is 11-12 around town! These issues will be brought up at the first service. Check out trailvoy.com if you have an Envoy/Trailblazer.

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  01 YukonXL - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By Steve - October 19 - 10:16 am

  Great vehicle on long trips, not an around town vehicle (gas mileage) Had problems with water leak in front pass floor, dealer said it was sunroof, found problem was spot weld burned thru fender wall, water would collect in fender and leak into passenger area during heavy rain, so much for professional grade. I repaired the problem with GE silicone. Also major problem with windshield washer pumps. Seems that if the battery leaks acid it will flow down and destroy the pumps which sit right under the battery. Another Professional grade design. I say that because when I brought it to the dealer for repair they asked if my battery leaked. I asked if they have come up with a fix, they havent

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  I love my Yukon! - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By pen - October 18 - 11:44 am

  This is the first full size SUV Ive owned and although gas is now $3 a gallon, I love my Yukon. I get around 19 mpg on the highway and 17 in town. The interior is very comfortable for a short person since the gas & brake pedals move forward. I dont feel like Im sitting right on top of the steering wheel.

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  Good Truck - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By timmarcy - October 16 - 10:00 am

  IÂ’ve wanted one of these since I was 15 and used to walk to the dealership and gawk at them. IÂ’m 25 now and can finally afford toÂ…well, umÂ…finance one. IÂ’m gad to say I havenÂ’t been disappointed. After all of GMÂ’s rebates their trucks are only slightly more reasonably priced. Good MPG for a large truck. Glad I got the 5.3. Even in an extended cab 4 adults can ride comfortably. Good off road capability. Quiet interior. Leather seats are very hardy. Only complaint is the cheap dash board. Where does GM get all this plastic??? IÂ’ve had my truck 6 months and 8000 mi with no problems. I plan on keeping her till the wheels fall off.

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  Oil consumption - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Shawn - October 9 - 10:46 pm

  Love the truck but Very disappointed with OIL CONSUMPTION Im burning about 2 quarts every 3000 miles. and its not like i abuse the truck Ive changed the oil every 4000 miles and use synthetic oil. I spoke with a gmc dealer today and he says they know of the problem but gmc has done nothing to respond to the problem as a former dodge and ford owner I hope GM does something to fix the problem. Or i guess I will be looking for a new truck and GMC will not be a option. truck has the 5.3 V8 and 33,000 miles on it to date

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  Great! - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By DaveyDave - October 5 - 1:00 pm

  So much better all the way over my 98 version. 320 hp, Cold AC, Bose, seats, style, and mileage better, but still not great. I bought a Mini to commute in, and this is really the family trip vehicle. It is the best road vehicle Ive ever had or been in. After owning it, it gave me the feeling that GM really wanted to be in the auto business instead of thinking of just financing the usual average dull boring unreliable vehicles they have put out for years.

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  Leasing 2017 Acadia Denali AWD - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Pete Romano - September 30 - 3:47 am

  Leasing a 2017 GMC Acadia Denali. Have had it for a month, and for me, l love the new size (Similar footprint to a Pilot, Highlander). GM really has infoitainment down. It is dead simple to use, the combination of touch screen and hard buttons is intuitive, and terrific to use. Also has both Apple Car Play and Android Auto. The safety features all work as promised. I looked at most of the competition (Pilot, Highlander, Explorer, XC90, MDX, Pathfinder), and the combination of near luxury feel, great in car technology and the new styling just for me put it ahead of the competition. I really liked the XC90, but was hesistant to get into a first year Volvo model, and the large touch screen I thought was not as intuitive as advertised. This is my first American car in 30+ years (Coming out of an 08 MDX), and have to say the Acadia Denali is a great alternative to the mass Asian/Koreans, and the near lux competitors. If you still need the larger size, GMC is selling the previous body style as the Acadia Limited, and you can still opt for the Traverse/Enclave. Areas of improvement would be more exterior colors, and the use of real wood versus the fake veneers. I also would have preferred more interior leather colors, but I guess GM needs to maintain separation between GMC and Cadillac.

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  Lets take a road trip! - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By David Magness - September 28 - 4:08 pm

  Outstanding vehicle, perfect for traveling. Good looks, and performs just as well. Dash information is cumberson for driver, but there is a lot of it. Great improvement over prior models.