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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  Buyer Beware - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By PJ - September 2 - 6:40 pm

  We purchased the car in 2007 and noticed the acceleration was poor especially when A/C is on. Hit 36,000 miles memorial day weekend and since then the waterpump, and transmission sensor have been replace. Now car is whining and was told in normal cars they have power steering but this car doesnt and it is electrical and you not what that means more money. Overall this is not a reliable vehicle. Service department now knows my name but they are good at making the repairs.

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  Great SUV - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By bren24 - August 30 - 10:31 am

  We bought the car in 2005. It has ran great. Just like every other car out there, we have had to make annual repairs. We only paid 2,000 for it new and put about 1,500 in it since we bought it. We had to replace the motor in 2007. We are not mad about it because these things happen. But we got one from a junk yard for $800. This car is up to 158,000 miles and it still works perfect. The only complaint I have is the four wheel drive stopped working about a month ago. All in all the car has been very good to us.

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  great crossover - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By rkt - August 30 - 10:06 am

  I believe this GMC is probably the best, quietest, smooth riding vehicle I have ever owned. Great looks, good performance, great quality built, all round great car.

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  2003 GMC - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Kelvin Bowman - August 29 - 8:30 am

  The comfort of the ride is outstanding. Able to pull trailers with ease. Not bad gas mileage for size of vehicle.

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  Keep on GMC Truckin - 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
  By madeintheusa - August 29 - 2:30 am

  This is an amazing truck that has all of the "eco-modifcations" commonly discussed for trucks: aerodynamic styling, light weight engine / body parts, hybrid drive train. The result has been about 23 mpg in overall mileage in a 2WD truck that is fun to drive and easy to operate. Highly recommended to those who need and appreciate large trucks. There is simply nothing else like this truck in its size/weight class.

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  Good truck for its age - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Kansas Girl - August 28 - 11:50 am

  I bought this vehicle with 77K miles on it, one owner, maintenance record available. Have had to replace the water pump, fuel pump, spark plugs wires cap and rotor all of which are probably a maintenance issue at over 100K miles now. Have had problems with check engine light coming on and code says misfire in 5th cylinder. Have had it worked on at 3 different places and none can figure out the problem for sure...is it a valve or injector problem?? Probably a $700- $1500 fix. Never has left me stranded anywhere. Good overall vehicle with lots of options for its age.

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  What a difference! - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Sierra - August 28 - 8:43 am

  Immediately drove 2 WD truck (17" tires) to central OH from central FL - 20.2 mpg @ cruise set mostly 75 mph. Returned to FL w/bass boat in tow 15-17 mpg. Ride is super w/effortless handling. Plenty of power with 5.3 engine. I wanted a truck with car type ride. Thats why I got 2 WD with 17" rims.

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  So far good car.... - 2009 GMC Yukon
  By Jim Phillips - August 26 - 10:15 pm

  Wish the fuel economy was a little better. Also, the rear back seats dont fold down to the floor so the back not very functional unless moving out the very heavy back seats.

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  Great vehicle - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Acadia Georgia - August 26 - 9:10 pm

  Have owned 3 Yukon XLs, Yukon Denali. Envoy--love this vehicle! More leg room than Envoy, but hate the transmission. Too much surging, lagging, no pick-up, changes gears too often & at wrong time. Im a GM person, but the transmission needs serious improvement--its my only complaint about the car, but I dont know if I can stand this for 2-3 yrs.

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  MPG not as advertised - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By phil - August 26 - 5:09 pm

  The Acadia is fun to drive and comfortable on 3 long trips we have made. It has lots of room for about anything, but the mpg we are getting is not even close to the advertised mpg. Made a trip to Canada and pulled my small aluminum boat and got only 12.25 mpg on 2500 miles. my overall mpg is now averaging 15.50. I only get 17 on the interstate with normal 65-70 speed. GM customer service did not seem to care what mpg we got, so just pushed me off and said sorry.