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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  Happy - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By vinnie - September 24 - 9:10 pm

  I leased it 1st then bought it. This suv great , roomy,confortable,strong,tows anything,reliable,great looking. Only replaced wear and tear things, nothing ever major. sold it with 100000mi, and was still going strong . great suv.

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  Defective Acadia - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Jus10credible - September 23 - 9:54 pm

  Ok, this is my second Post. When we first got the Acadia it was great. But 3 weeks after we bought it. The Stability Control System and the Antilocking Braking System went out on us. Thats when things got ugly. We took it back to the dealer and thats where its been for the last 2 weeks working on the 3rd week. They cant tell us whats wrong with our vehicle. We have a brand new Acadia and cant drive it. All the dealer can say is that they are working with GMC and doing all they can to fix the issues. Not feeling too good about the GMC product right now.

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  GMC 2500 - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500
  By stickstack - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I am having a joyful expearence driving my GMC. Over all performance is higher than my original expectations. The creature comfort features has rejunivated my on and off road fun.

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  New 2008 hybrid - 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
  By James K - September 23 - 3:43 am

  What a vehicle to say the least and fun to drive. I can manipulate the truck to pretty much run electric only around the neighborhood. Or "stealth mood" as we have nicknamed it. Love the truck! I have owned 8 new Surburbans. I fully recommend the vehicle, awesome to say the least

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  GM Belt tightening at customers expense - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Bob - September 22 - 8:23 pm

  I recently took delivery of my Beautiful 2010 GMC Acadia and was a little disappointed to see the little things that GM decided to eliminate or add to the parts dept. inventory for sale. The 2010 model when ordered with the sun roof, has a manual pull rear shade, compared to the power one on past model years. The hitch cover is now an option that you can purchase from the parts dept. in excess of $50.00, and the compass that is listed in their literature is not available if the navigation option is ordered. Too bad they dont add that tidbit in their selling info!! When i questioned the salesman, he replied that GM had to cut back to keep the price down?!! At $50K up from $48K last year?!!!

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  Looks good...Drives Poor - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By qzationsa - September 22 - 7:49 am

  I bought mine about one month ago. Nice sexy black truck all the toys. Mile mark 480 noise coming from the rear end. GM tried to say it was the displacement on demand. Turned out to be a bad ring gear. Truck ended up needing a whole new rear end. Mile mark 680 transmission is clinging and clanging under normal driving conditions with decelerating only to be followed by not knowing what gear to select with I put my foot back on the gas. Today it was stuck in 2nd gear for about 8 seconds. Also new today, the truck stalled with a huge bang in the transmission when shifting from R to D. I like the truck a lot when it is parked. Not so much when driving. Buyer beware...

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  1993 GMC Sonoma SLE 4x4 Ext. Cab - 1993 GMC Sonoma
  By Goose - September 21 - 9:23 am

  I bought this truck when I first got my permit to fix up and have fun. Then, things went down hill and i ran out of money so i couldnt fix her. Now shes a woods-beater. Sonomas are the most reliable trucks you could ever own.

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  Best SUV Ever? - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By DrumDawg - September 20 - 5:14 pm

  This may be the best SUV ever. It is a large vehicle so it feels safe. Gets good gas mileage yet has loads of power. The inside feels like a honda odessey except it has more style and loads much more upscale. This vehicle is great for a man or woman and really is a step up from a car or mini van. This is the best SUV yet!

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  Beyond Excellent Truck - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By B - September 19 - 9:53 am

  This truck is amazing. I traded a great 2001 Silverado in and cannot believe the comfort of this truck and the ease of driving it. Its the quietest, smoothest, most comfortable truck ever. Its one amazing vehicle.

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  Comfy - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By wxmanunr - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Love this vehicle. Just took it on a 2500 mile trip. Very comfortable and very capable driving in big city traffic.