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:

• 

  Impressive ride and handling - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By pstueven - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the Sierra Denali two months ago, and am impressed with the power, comfort, and conveniences this truck offers. What has amazed, and completely sold me is the quadrasteer. Living in a large town, I frequently must make sharp turns in confined areas, which this truck handles with ease. I watched a Ford F150 make two attempts to pull out of the bank drive through, and I had no problem whatsoever. It may be a little more expensive than an SLT, but the Sierra Denali is more than worth it. Fantastic ride, amazing power, great looks, and better towing capacity than the standard 1/2 ton.

• 

  GMC Acadia SLT Is A Thrill To Drive! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By dalfire - July 1 - 4:40 pm

  This GMC Acadia had got to be one of the most solid vehicles built to date. From the luxurious interior features, sleek body style, and the powerful engine, the Acadia is a must drive for anyone. I got my Acadia 4 days ago and all I can say is wow! Just sitting behind the wheel lets you know you are in for a fun drive. This car performs and without much effort. The interior is gorgeous. Of course you have to get the SLT package. The dual sunroof is the coolest thing. I never had a power liftgate but always wanted one. No regrets there. The rear DVD entertainment system is very nice. The kiddo just loves it! You need to drive one of these very soon. You will not regret it!

• 

  The kids love it - 1996 GMC Savana
  By Liz - June 27 - 12:49 am

  I seem to have similar experiences to those reviews already written. Brakes need replacing a lot, drivers side window works 75% of the time, scraped up running boards while learning my boundaries and they dont do well in airport parking garages! But, my 6 kids Love this van! So much so that with 158,000 miles, we just purchased a new one! We are excited about spending 10+ more years with this one.

• 

  knock knock - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By whoa there - June 26 - 10:00 am

  this truck is running very welland i likethe powerand ride. the brakes are weak ,no feel to them . you have to stomp on pedal. i am discovering a knock on start up and when idling.i willtaketo dealersoon to check. haveowned truck 1 yr. and enjoyed driving immensely.

• 

  Nice vehicle - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By JAY - June 24 - 7:57 pm

  It has been a reliable and especially comfortable vehicle for me. You could not ask for more options with the SLT package.

• 

  3.7 5 cyl SLE - 2007 GMC Canyon
  By Kirk - June 18 - 9:05 pm

  My truck is a SLE Ext. Cab 3.7 5 cyl. Automatic Trans. The web site does not give this choice. I drove a Nissan Frontier for 2 months and there is no reason to get the Nissan. This truck is quiet and has a much better ride. Fuel milage is better by 3 MPG, city. Engine is smooth and refined. I have loaded the bed with mulch and dirt and the ride was good and there was plenty of power. The seats in the back are only for children. This truck has side air bags which are not found in other trucks this size. I also mounted a BOSS snowplow to this and it plows like a full size. The locking rear end is also excellent and not found on any other truck this size. The truck is a tank in snow and mud.

• 

  They just keep on getting better - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Sparkey - June 17 - 3:39 pm

  This is the best GMC yet. The only problems have been with the drivers information display. The engine oil message comes on every time you start it and the tire pressure monitor doesnt work. Mechanically the car is bullet proof. The quality is very high with no squeaks or rattles, no wind noise

• 

  Best Truck in the world - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By njoosse - June 17 - 1:30 pm

  I saw a lot of negative reviews on here and wanted to set the record straight. Weve had the 09 Sierra since new, and it now has 177,000miles on it. These have been hard miles, mostly pulling trailers, this is strictly a work truck, sometimes it pulls in excess of 10,000lbs (twice what it is rated for). In its lifetime we have changed the front brake pads once (still has original rotors) we have changed the tires a few times and the oil about every 10,000miles. Everything else is original, rear brakes, tranny fluid, air filter. Truck runs and drives like new! No rattles or squeaks, weve had over 30 work trucks, never had one this tough and dependable. Very good on fuel as well.

• 

  A pleasure to drive - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By r wind - June 15 - 11:39 pm

  After driving a 98 Tahoe for 9 years, with its poor brakes, poor gas mileage, and sloppy handling, it has been a real pleasure to experience the performance of my 2007 Envoy Denali. The 5.3 litre V8 out performs the 5.7 in my 98 by far and the gas mileage is at least 30% better around town. I havent found anything I dont like about the car. Well, just one, no glove box light.

• 

  Lots of good to go with the bad - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By dave8697 - June 11 - 6:31 pm

  Purchased with 88k miles and now at 91500 miles. Original owner had the usual GM low priced vehicle problems like alternator, a/c, water pump and some bulbs out. No care ever taken of it and I had to restore it but now with new tires, front brakes, and about $100 spent on little stuff, it is fun to own and drive. So far it gets 25-26 mpg whether local or on the 1200 mile trip I took. Enjoyment will increase after I get the A/C fixed.