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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  Recommend Envoy - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Shuttle Bus - March 30 - 8:15 am

  I would absolutely recommend an Envoy. The guy on the next review who cant figure out the NAV should take a second and read the owners manual. My 8 year old read the manual and figured out the NAV in 10 minutes. I have not had one problem with my Envoy. The quality is outstanding and it drives excellent. Compared to the Toyota, my Envoy is affordable, looks great, and I feel very safe driving it. GMC gives me a 100,000 mile warranty, and sends someone to fix my flat tire, for free! Now thats professional grade.

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  Best vehicle Id had - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By RS - March 29 - 9:13 pm

  So far, we love the Acadia. Fun to drive, comfortable, bells and whistles, and great to look at. Has plenty of power to get on the freeway. Smooth shifting and handles great.

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  The best SUV on the market - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By mikenna - March 29 - 7:35 pm

  There is no competition with these Yukons. Now I know why they are the best selling premium SUV on the market. The American craftsmanship cant be touched. I have driven some others-Toyota and Nissan are cheap compared to these Yukons and Denalis! Ford is not bad though,way to go GMC and Chevy! The Active Fuel Management engine is great on gas. Its a real beauty.

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  It Seems Like a Keeper - 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By JCM - March 27 - 12:43 pm

  I just bought a 2009 GM 2500 with the Duramax/Allison combo. Been with Ford all my driving life. So far, a great truck. Excellent power, very quiet and greater than 20 mpg on highway when unloaded. Seems tightly made. 2008 F250 previously; a great truck but physically too large for my needs. GMC offers similar towing performance, better mileage so far and a better ride in a physically smaller package-- with diesel power. Overall, I think the GMC offering is the top overall in the 2500/250 line for daily use/driving. I was not impressed with Dodge quality; my Ford was great but meant for wide open, all day towing. GMC offered the best package with the fewest comprimises. Very happy so far.

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  Service 4WD Light - 1999 GMC Sierra 2500
  By cw4915e - March 27 - 5:03 am

  4WD light comes on intermittently lately. Poor troubleshooting procedures from a Chilton manual led me to replace the front diff actuator motor. Seems the real culprit is a sticky selector switch. Humidity may be affecting this switch, apparently the resistors are shot for each position and loses ability to keep voltage signal to transfer case module. Original battery lasted 6 years so that was awesome to get over 6 years from a battery. Also developed a leak at the front differential. First thought it was the output seal but ended up being the plastic vent cap that screws into the diff.

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  GMC 2500 HD/ Durmax Diesel - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By tabinmn - March 24 - 10:00 am

  I appreciate the diverse choices when purchasing vehicles but choose to pick GM d/t the ability to find anything from fast sports cars, Corvette, to tough Durmax Diesel. The current Vehicle of choice is as described above and I wouldnt tow w/out the performance of the GMC Sierra 2500 HD Durmax Diesel. Not only does the beautifully engineered design look great driving down the highway but also performs outstanding w/absolutely no problems. This is my 3rd Duramax and would recommend it to any serious driver that needs a truck w/towing capacity. Not to mention gas milege...what truck of this capacity can get

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  A total home run for GM. - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By RENO NV - March 21 - 12:35 pm

  A total home run for GM. Five star technology fit and finish. Drove 465 miles to Las Vegas with absolutely no fatigue. GMs value pricing is for real. This is my second 07 Yukon, the first one I bought had a problem, the dealer exchanged it with absolutely no problem. GM has customer satisfaction down! Works great in the snow. Interesting mileage estimates aren’t far off a Jeep Wrangler

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  Up a year - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By BrianB11 - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle. I traded an 02 for the 03 so overall I am very pleased with the quality and fit and finish, as well as the exceptional resale value. As fo driveability (sp?), these big vehicles are suprisingly easy to drive and very easy to enter and exit. Also, the break pedal feels much more "solid" than my 02. All in all a great vehicle.

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  Great buy - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By Ron Cairns - March 13 - 9:01 pm

  Bought at under 100 G miles, now have 165G miles. Driven across Canada and to Florida. I maintain it well and other that the normal repairs I am pleased with this GMC. Yes ball joints and oil cooler lines have been changed. Keep an eye on rear wheel bearings. Grease those ball joints and when you replace use "MOOG". Most problems are bad mechanics, and no service. Over the years I have owned a lot of cars and trucks. This Jimmy is certainly one of my favs

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  GMC Hit a Homerun with this Denali - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Big_Dell - March 6 - 4:13 am

  This vehicle has set new standards for me. I am a Suburban driver so I am new to the GMC family. This truck is really nice to drive so comfortable when on a long trip or in town. The Bose radio system has unbelievable sound. My Denali has every option you can get and they all have been great. The only thing is with the price of gas today the mileage could be better. But if I would have wanted 30 mpg I would have gotten a Honda or a small car. I just got 18.2 mpg on trip with the air conditioning on. Don’t be afraid of gas mileage with this truck. The performance with the 380 hp engine has plenty of power for you.