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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  Poor Throttle Response - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Sierra Driver - January 19 - 11:26 am

  This truck replaced my 2001 GMC Sierra 4wd with the 5.3 motor. The throttle response on the 4.8 motor is pathetic. The traction control is overly sensitive, and the truck jumps out of passing gear too soon. The truck is comfortable, quiet, and handles well. The brakes are a major improvement over my previous 2001 Sierra. I love the lighter weight of the tail-gate.

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  Plenty of space - 2003 GMC Savana
  By blue 250 - January 12 - 8:53 pm

  We have enjoyed this vehicle for the last 14000 miles. It was a conversion by Cobra, nothing fancy, just the best seats available, no TV or mood lights. Fuel economy has ranged from 12.5 mpg in sub-zero city driving to 20.2 mpg on 55 mph rural roads. The only failure to date is the windsheild weather stripping, which came loose while on the interstate. The dealer made the repair, eventually. GM treats the option list like all Savannas will be plumbing trucks. No MP3 cd player, no XM sattelite controller, no trip computer. All of these item are available on the Yukon/Suburban, which this van is based on. 5.3 V8. It was the same price as the Toyota Sienna, but the space won out.

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  Canyon Extended Cab Z71 W/3.5l 5Cyl - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By AC - January 10 - 2:40 pm

  I have had my Canyon for several months now. Overall Id give it a 9. Size is just right. Comfort is excellent (Front buckets). It is great for tooling around the city, and country roads alike. Suspension is very good. 4wd also very good. Bottom end grunt is lacking, but its nowhere near underpowered (5cyl). Interior simple and clean, even if the plastic isnt as good as materials used in other vehicles. No mechanical problems at all. Payload rating is adequate. I agree it could be higher, but anything heavier would be pushing you around pretty good given the Canyons relatively lower weight. Its a very good truck when you think reasonably.

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  This is a great truck - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By bmcnj - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for just over 6 months now. I use it for my daily commute and to get around on weekends. It is a pleasure to drive and is surprisingly quick and response for something of this size. It has tons of space for all those things you never knew youd need to carry until you have kids. The sound from the DVD player is great. My only regret is that I got the 2003 rather than waiting for 2004. This meant deciding between a sunroof and the DVD player.

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  Canyon uncovered - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Rqquillen - January 3 - 7:28 pm

  The valve line has had to be rebuilt twice for under sized valve springs at 12,000 miles. There is a glitch in the valve spring strength to allow the recovery of the valves themselves. I am dissapointed that they dont offer the 6 cylinder in the motor. The 5 is enough power but it may give problems later. It need to be offered with 16 inch tires. The 15 is just too small.

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  Leather seats are VERY UNCOMFORTABLE - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Dennis Hughes - January 3 - 8:58 am

  Overall pleased with truck even though it was in shop twice in first five weeks. Biggest complaint is the leathet seats are not comfortable driving on long drives. Had a 2016 with cloth seats and did 9100 miles in 3 months, gteat trip. Traded it in for 4x4 drove 2600 miles and had leg circulation problem on several days. These seats are not made for the long drives at all.

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  basic suv - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By jack b - January 3 - 12:08 am

  overall good performance, this is our 3rd gm suv, had initial problems with steering shaft noise. Has lots of room and power, pulls small boat with ease. would like to see better mpg, tighter handling and please upgrade interior materials , getting several squeeks/ rattles after 35000 miles. also could improve acess to 3rd seat.

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  Solid GMC - 1995 GMC Sierra 1500
  By KB in N.C. - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my GMC new in 95 and have been pleased with the truck since I purchased it. I have, to this point, had one main problem with the drivers seat base bracket. The bracket actually broke out of warranty and GMC agreed to pay half of the replacement cost since I had reported having a problem with it before the warranty ran out. The seat still has some movement in it but not excessive. Overall, I have enjoyed owning the truck and have made a few enhancements to it myself since buying it.

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  4 months and lovin it - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By Mike - December 29 - 12:41 am

  I really like this Suburban. This is the first full size SUV I have owned and I love it. I have had minor problems such as the wipers getting stuck, but move after I "help" them. There is also a gremlin in the wiring for the interior lights. They stay on all the time unless I use the override switch. I find these to be minor problems I can live with. I have the 7.4 2wd. Loads of power! Gas mileage the same as my old Grand Cherokee 12mpg. Nine-passenger seating has plenty enough room for three kids and camping gear. Handles great on the open highway, a little tougher to handle in the city traffic. Also, its a big truck that needs lots of room to stop. Brakes could be better. Great truck.

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  Great, but... - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Skip - December 26 - 5:36 am

  After enjoying my Envoy for nearly 90,000 miles, the Acadia has been a great step forward in size, economy and ride. My only dislike is the transmissions desire to get into overdrive too early and wanting to stay there too long. This makes driving using the cruise control unpleasant with frequent agressive down shifting on even very small increases in grade. Two computer updates have helped significantly but the frequency of the shifting is still quite annoying. One other design flaw for me ,is the inability to open the rear gate window. Makes bringing long items home more of a challenge. It will be interesting to watch the developement of this vehicle over the next few years.