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 little truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Bill in NYS - September 30 - 11:36 am

  I bought this truck used but it is a well built truck and has not had any problems. I am ipressed with the overall truck for the money. I would recomend it to anyone looking for a mid sized truck. With 3.5 engine and automatic it gets a consistant 26.5 mpg. No complants!

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  GMC Review - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jstanford - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, plenty of power to pull all the toys. Truck has a tendency to create rattles in the cabin area, especially at lower speeds

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  Great product - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By andrew_07 - September 29 - 9:48 pm

  i bought my 98 Jimmy from my grandfather June 16th of 2008 as I was 19 at the time buying my first vehicle. I am now 21 and I love my 98 Jimmy it has 131,200 miles on it and runs and looks like new. I had to replace the fuel pump and relay and no problems since that fix was routine matinence. I have drivin it harder than most drivers as I am 21 and it is really responsive, has solid steering feel, has great acceleration and is really comfortable to drive for long periods. I like the ammount of luggage space and it tows 3500 lbs as it has a bumper - mounted hitch if my hitch was a frame - mounted hitch it would tow 5500 lbs. the 4 wheel drive is very powerful and responsive as well

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  The Best - 1996 GMC Yukon
  By Dasman - September 28 - 4:38 pm

  I bought this truck at 99000 miles on it. The dealership was ready to wholesale it. I needed an truck for my business so I bought it. It just turned 200,000 miles and besides the regular maintence (brakes, tires, battery, Alternator) This is the best trucj I ever had. It rides great the leather seats are comfortable, (although they are cracking) It keeps its good looks and performs just great. If I ever have to get rid of it, im buying another GMC Yukon or Suburban. I ope GMC keeps the quality as good as this.

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  Dangerous Care - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By bill1947 - September 28 - 10:15 am

  We had 3 engine failures in about a yearÂ’s period of time. For no apparent reason the engine would just stop. It didnt matter if we were in traffic, on a major highway or making a turn. When the engine quits you no longer have brakes or steering that the average person could use. We ask GMC to get us into another Acadia since our lives were being put at risk in this car but all they did was offer to extend our OnStar.

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  Good family vehicle - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Scott - September 27 - 2:19 pm

  Traded in 2001 Yukon for 2009 Acadia. Similar passenger and storage space as Yukon. Occupies roughly same garage space. Acadia ride more comfortable. Similar turning radius. More visible plastic on interior, particularly dashboard and doors. Unlike Yukon, Acadias 3rd row seats fold flat. Would recommend to others with children looking for family vehicle but interested in SUV rather than minivan.

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  Best Buy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Americano - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Love My Envoy. Glad I purchased it. It is roomy enough for me, not too bog not too small, just right. Rides great. Handels like a car. Forget the Explorer this is the SUV to buy. Spend the extra money and get the SLT version. Forget the 4X4 if you absolutely dont need it. I purchased the 4X4 for just in case the need arises. Dont pay attintion to those writers that are complaining, they are working tfor the competition. Trust me on what I wrote it is the truth.

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  Best thing about it.. its not a minivan - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By hya - September 27 - 3:50 am

  I live in Canada, and have 3 very active boys who all play hockey. So l bought this SUV for all of us to travel around from arena to arena lugging around hockey equipment. Was pleasently suprised on the ride and the preformance. The interior has too much cheap looking plastic for my liking, but since it is getting alot of abuse, it seems to hold up to it. Gets decent gas milage for a vehicle its size. Had a issue with the defrost when l first purchased it. Dealer had to change whole venting system, but other than that, nothing. Tires are very hard to find for it.

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  new transmission after 25k miles - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By rossman - September 26 - 2:03 pm

  I have some serious quality concerns regarding the reliability of my Acadia as it accumulates miles. First, the odometer failed and just got it back from the dealer...had to replace the transmission after 25k miles. Plan on trading it in for a more reliable brand/model.

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  One Sweet truck ! - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Patrick Carney - September 26 - 5:20 am

  I love this truck. I use this as an all around truck, and it is perfect for a medium weight trailer. I towed a Kubota back hoe, front end loader on a heavy duty twin axle rental trailer, and you could feel the weight kick you around. My buddy owns the same truck, and he installed air bags in the rear suspension and it greatly improved the trailer handling. Most of my driving is city mileage and short trips. Mileage is 14.2mpg for cit driving. On a long trip, with no added weight, I averaged 23.5 to 24 Mpg at 70 mph. I wasnt really impressed with its take off or low end torque, but I have to say that unloaded its power is deceiving. Its so smooth in its power delivery, but watch the speedo rocket .