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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  GMC Sierra SLT Ext 2WD - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By NASCARBUBBA - November 3 - 10:00 am

  With Flowmaster Thunder Series exhaust and K&N FIPK II air system, this baby rocks and rolls!! Love the sound when letting off the gas going downhill, nothing like that rumble....

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  ALMOST IMPRESSED - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Ralph - November 2 - 9:40 pm

  It may be too soon to truly evaluate. As of now only 800 miles on it. The alternator whines. The dealer says this is normal with new pulsating alternators, there is a slight seat of your pant vibration at all speeds. Brakes pulse as if disc or drum is out of round. The overall ride is smooth and comfortable. Gas mileage is not bad for 5.3, average 16.4 city. It tows my boat as if it were not behind me. So far, so good! Just some kinks to be worked out.

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  1996 GMC JIMMY SL - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By RossMac - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Its milage is as good as you can expect for a mid-sized SUV. The acceleration is surprisingly good. Overall reliability has been good, mainly the normal maintainance (oil, brakes, flush radiator, etc). We developed problems with the windshield wipers after 100000 miles. We have had some problems with radiator system leaks. The "Check Engine" light comes on when you need to change your oil (sometimes before). Theres room for 6 people, as long as they dont mind getting cozy, but 2 child car seats will prevent a 3rd person from fitting into the back. Comfort is above average for bench seats. Plenty of leg room in front. Enough in back for average adult.

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  Very comfortable - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Dancer1 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Both my wife and I are senior citizens, have back problems, have long legs and require seats that fit our bodies. I also do a lot of highway driving and need comfortable seating. The Envoy has the longest seat of any midsize suv (21.5 inches) fits our bodies better than any other SUV and is very comfortable. I have logged over 80,000 miles in my Envoy and changed the tires at 63,000, still have the original brakes and have not had to have it tuned. I am now getting ready to trade it in for a new 2004 Envoy SLT.

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  RETIRED - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By peter rachimi - October 28 - 2:00 am

  side mirror poor design i have my mirrors stolen 3 time and each coast $358 more over antenas poor design e-z to steal i live in new york city

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  1997 yukon sle - 1997 GMC Yukon
  By kanderson - October 27 - 2:00 am

  Had minimal problems w/ truck. Loved it but wish it got better mileage.

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  Cool - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By hotreese - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I love my Envoy. Looks great! I feel like the king of the road when Im driving it. However I have heard both the regular sound system and the Bose and I HIGHLY recomend the Bose! And I wish that I would have got the XM radio. But the Envoy is awesome, much better then the Trailblazer (Ive had both).

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  aws denali review - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By awall - October 17 - 2:00 am

  GREAT VEHICLE OVERALL, BUT HEADLINER BUTTONS WILL NOT HOLD. DRIVERS DOOR DOES NOT CLOSE PROPERLY AND HAD THE VEHICLE IN 3 TIMES TO FIX. DOOR LOCK INTERIOR MOLDING DOES NOT STAY FLUSH.

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  Overall performance - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Lorie Andrews - October 16 - 2:00 am

  Overall so far this has been a very nice SUV, It could get a little better mileage, had a couple of little things needing attention, seatbelts, leather split in back, also where the seats fold down on second row, not tightend down securely, been fixed, only thing I notice differently is the engine not being a V-8, had a Town & Country Chrysler Van, did get better Gas Mileage and seemed to have a little more go when going up hills, but with my busines I really thing it will do fine, love the body construction, only thing is, the make the trim out of this black hard rubber which kind of fades and looks a cheap, especially around the windows and the roof rack, love the "Moon Roof, otherwise OK!

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  Stability problems - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Carlo - October 15 - 6:26 pm

  Recently, I went to get my vehicle service for an oil change and brake service. I told the service adviser about my stability sensor often comes on and my vehicle is riding off balance, so they check, but didnt find a problem with my vehicle. What can I do? My vehicle was purchased new in 2005 and has 58,000 miles and I didnt have a problem until this situation happen.