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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  EXHAUSTED - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Frustrated Rancher - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Disappointed in the power. Tried to pull a 16 stock trailer with two bulls. It was all it could do to get over a small hill. Constant air conditioning problems. Unscrupulous dealership tells me it has been repaired. Lies. Electric window problems. Needs larger fuel tanks for a truck that gets 13mph. Wears front tires knobby. Stress cracks in the windshield. Brakes squeel. Tapping in the engine. Would I buy again. No Chance. Off to the dealership for engine noise;AC repairs again. Watch out Ford/Dodge, here I come.

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  13 years and still going strong! - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By brett favre fan4 - July 22 - 6:58 pm

  I purchased the car in 1997 as a gift for my wife. in 1999, I ended up with the car. I ruined it. I crashed it seven times, over used the heat until it broke, my son accidently threw a basketball at the side view mirror and busted it so I glued, taped, and tied the mirror back on, a car purposly knocked off and stole the other side view mirror while i went shopping one day, and the trunk couldnt shut anymore. but "hey", it still runs like a beauty and gets me where I want to go. Got to love the Jimmy.

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  Best Thing We Ever Did - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By NamrehCA - July 22 - 3:59 pm

  My wife and I have had this car for almost a year and we absolutely love it. We had a baby last fall and travel back and forth from Lansing, MI to Western New York (425 miles one way) several times a year and this vehicle has enough room for all three of us our Yellow Lab and all our luggage. Its a dream to drive and with the cruise set at 74 mph I still average 23.2 mpg. When the rear seats are folded down you have more cargo room that you can imagine. Ive hauled lots of office furniture with it. I even towed one of my other cars (that broke down) from London Ontario back to Lansing. It towed like a dream too!

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  2008 envoy - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By alc13 - July 22 - 10:03 am

  Not sure if I have the SLE or SLT. I rated the gas milage poor because it is extremely inconsistant. I travel 6 hrs interstate/highway time per week and I go the same speed every time. Some trips I go through a little over a 1/4 and sometimes I go through a whole tank. Thats a huge difference! Also, it should get better milage than a truck 17mpg just doesnt cut it for its size. I rated the interior design poorly also because there is only one cup holder, back seats dont really fold down, console is tiny, and the computer system randomly turns on and off the change oil light. As far as build quality stuff I had to have the powertrain completely replaced when I first bought it.

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  Great SUV for safety and style - 2006 GMC Yukon
  By Tina - July 21 - 8:10 pm

  My husband has been begging me for years to go hunting with him. Of course, I refuse. Bambi? Come on! Well after a trip thru the Rockies I can say that he will now have a harder time convincing me go. I can officially say that I have been hunting once and I am one for one. Yup! 100% deer slayer. Or should I be honest and say my Yukon is? I was so skeptical about buying a vehicle this size, but after a mule deer ran right out in front of me at dusk in the Rockies I am not skeptical anymore. And, the On-Star system was awesome. I couldnt get a signal on my cell phone, but they came right thru. They contacted the local sheriff and my husband. I love my Yukon! I am averaging 17 mpg. Thanks GMC

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  Big Red - 1993 GMC Suburban
  By Gai & Gary - July 21 - 3:22 pm

  We are orignal owners and have had used this machine to safely and comfortably transport our daughters volleyball and basketball team mates to many competitions. Its been across the country and back, has taken us skiing. The 4WD has been helpful when rains make our dirt roads slippery. Over the 219K miles it has logged, two radiators were replaced and as many mufflers. Its been well maintained, has the original engine and transmission (heads have never been off) and is still going strong.

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  Many many repair issues - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By neecee - July 21 - 3:15 pm

  We have had numerous repair issues with the ignition, sunroof leaking, windshield wiper motors replaced several times, lumbar supports, power locks, power steering gear box and today electronics with brake light beeping and park assist malfunction and cruise out. Buyer beware not a long term reliable vehicle from our experience

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  Love My Denali - 2009 GMC Envoy
  By Shay - July 21 - 11:41 am

  We had a 2007 Envoy Denali and liked it so well that when our lease was up we purchased a 2009 Envoy Denali - Cream of the crop - dependable, decent gas mileage and ride. No problems here!

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  Love it! - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Angela - July 20 - 2:03 pm

  I picked out this SUV for my husband. He had an old Chevy Blazer in high school that he really loved and missed it. The Envoy was the closest thing I could find that would suit both our needs. We test drove it and immediately fell in love with it. Drives just as smooth as the Chevy Impala we had and the engine was quiet yet powerful. Very comfortable and the interior design was exactly like the Impala as well. So we didnt have to get used to finding everything. I recommend this SUV to anyone whos looking for a powerful engine that gets great gas mileage and is reliable, comfortable, and sporty.

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  XUV ENVOY-A RARE ONE - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By william mattingly - July 18 - 11:41 am

  I bought my XUV used w/32000 on the clock. So far, its been a fine one. I used it for hauling things to Goodwill, etc. For road trips, I drive my Bimmer so the XUV doesnt see many freeways. Of course, its no Porsche so I have to take it easy on crooked, hilly streets here in Sou. Cal. Overall, I like it! Also, the used price of $12,000 was fine!