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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  I really cant complain! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Tony E. - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive just put my first 300 miles in my Envoy. I love all the features it has. My daughter just wished it had rear seat center arm rest thar my previous SUV had. I feel so comfortable on the plush leather seats. The power 6cylinder is there when I need it. I get nothing but compliments when people see it. It looks nothing like a "boxy" American cars. I also purchased the 4/60,000 mile top-of-the-line ext. warranty just in case.

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  great - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By billlotida - August 26 - 2:00 am

  great

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  Nice Vehicle HWY Mileage Disappointing - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By PM - August 25 - 1:40 pm

  We have had our Terrain for about six weeks and have just over 2000 miles. We got the Terrain over the Equinox because my wife liked the styling better. We ordered a 4 cylinder because of the calimed fuel economy. Overall the vehicle is great but after taking two road trips we have averaged only 22-23 mpg with very conservative driving. Around town we are getting from 20 - 22 mpg. Otherwise the vehicle drives well and is maneuverable and is a vast improvement over the Torrent. My wife is very happy with it. If our mileage continues to disappoint I will regret not getting a V6. Im hoping the mileage improves with break in and after the first oil change.

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  Great Car - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Evan - August 25 - 10:30 am

  I have had my Acadia for over 2 years now and I still really love to drive it. Gets good gas mileage for me ~20 combined, stereo is amazing, tons of room and plenty of power for getting around town. The only thing I will say is that even though I am meticulous about maintaining it, it is starting to develop some creaks and rattles and the dealer cant seem to be able to fix them. Nothing major but still slightly annoying for a $38K car. I have heard about problems with sunroofs and radios but luckily I hate sunroofs so I dont have one and my radio works great. Also for everyone that complains of it shifting alot, who cares? Its not like it noticeable since its so smooth.

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  Buying American - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Peg Cathcart - August 24 - 7:11 pm

  I have driven Japanese for years, but decided to give GMC a try, first with a 2005 Sierra Truck and now with the 2009 Acadia. I have never been happier. My 2009 GMC AWD Acadia SLE is fully stocked, including dual sunroof, LCD screen, folding sideview mirrors, back up camera, heated seats, Bose sound system, tri-coat platinum finish, luxury leather interior, bluetooth technology, remote start, and more. My Acadia is a beauty. We average 63 in my family. Amazingly everyone is comfortable - even on cross county trips. The Acadia is easy to maneuver, accelerates with easy, gives a quiet ride and epitomizes the best in luxury and savings.

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  terrible build - 1997 GMC Sonoma
  By Joi - August 22 - 3:28 pm

  I do love my truck its looks good. Other than that since Ive owned it it has spent more time in a parking spot. One thing after another from a tensioner to the transmission has approx 87,000 miles. the transmission is a good one Ive reseached it and it has many many applications I think that the inside apecs should have been researched a bit more this is probally the nost popular transmission the 4L60 just has different for each vehicle Never should have put a 4 cylinder automatic in an extended cab

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  ok by me - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By luvmyenvoy - August 21 - 10:00 am

  overall i love it.

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  Great Truck Bad Transmission - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Bob Forsberg - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Delivery and paperwork was flawless Price was right. Sierra was delivered in perfect physical condition with only a minor transmission problem noticed. Problem increased, warranty looked into the problem. Problem is claimed by GM as "normal" and not a problem. Suspension has been cheapened translating into less comfort and a harder ride, even with the smooth ride suspension ordered. If this new truck rode like my 1990 GMC 1500 I would buy 3 more for my kids but will be hard pressed to ever buy another one the way they are being made today.

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  FX-35 to Acadia - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By McClenna - August 19 - 9:10 pm

  After driving an fx-35 for four years, it was time for more room, but didnt want to give up the fun ride! Gmc has a winner with this one. Great spacing. Love the seating arrangement, sound system and blue tooth. Much quieter than the fx and smoother. Gas mileage is still in question, but so far am loving this crossover!

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  Used to be a Honda Owner - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Geoff Chamberlain - August 19 - 7:27 am

  We`ve just traded our 2007 Honda odessy for a 09 Acadia, great vehicle. Feels big because it is, fun to drive, good looks, roomy interior and the kids loike it too. Gets expensive very quickly if you aren`t careful with the options, in dash 6 cd changer should be standard as well as a back up camera. Overall ( so far ) a great choice and a much better value then the Honda.