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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  o.k. - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By R.J.L. - August 23 - 2:00 am

  i am a retired carpenter an have a cap on my truck.it serves as a 2rd auto,truck,and a tow vehicle for my 15boat.ilove it.my outer car is a cady.

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  GMC 2500HD - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By wpatrus - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I am pleased with my purchase at this time. It tows as is expected for a truck with its power- it is capable in the woods and farm as well as on the highway-- though the fuel economy is a jolt. But then again it is alot of weight to move.

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  Road Tested - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By JR in PA - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle when it first arrived to the showroom. The styling and extras were what caught my attention but now, 3 years later, I am pleasently surprised by the reliability I have had with the vehicle. Over 70,000 miles and no problems. Only routine maintanence and I just recently replaced the original tires. GMC made a truly nice midsize SUV that will last.

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  Great Family car - 2008 GMC Yukon XL
  By Good Truck - August 7 - 8:13 am

  This is the best driving car I have ever had. It is wonderful for trips for families that have more than 4 people. While the gas mileage is not great. I get 18 miles on the highway fully loaded with cargo going 75 MPH with cruise control on. This is not much worse than our old minivan. The AWD makes you feel like you are glued to the road. The optional rear camera is a must. It makes backing out a snap. The turning radius is as good as any sedan. No joke. The interior looks like a Lexus and there is a ton of room. This car is identical to the Escalade except for the grade of leather.

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  Great SUV - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Rich Szturm - August 7 - 2:00 am

  One of the most comfortable SUVs I have driven. I have tried out over 15 different SUVs and choose this not just for the looks and size but for the comfortable ride and seating confort. I am 6 and 225 lbs and always have golf clubs or hockey equipment with me and use my skis alot in the winter. After reading and test driving a lot of vehicals this one I was the most happy with.

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  Clunk in my get along - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Reeree - August 5 - 7:23 am

  At 3600 our 07 Yukon started having what I thought was transmission slipage. Dealer lubed slip yoke, then proceeded to replace 2 of them to no avail. Now worse than ever! If I didnt have a klunk in my rear end I would be very happy. Much improved from our 99.

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  5k miles with no regrets - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By kchaka - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Was hesitant to buy another GM (had bad experiences with my 99 Tahoe), but jumped in anyway. Looks and drives great. The front row seems more confined than the 99 Tahoe due to the console. The 99 Tahoe also had more rear storage space (since I had no 3rd row). But overall I am VERY pleased with my purchase. Great for towing!

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  UPSET - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By figgy - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Loved it until last week. With only 32,ooo miles on it the engine seized up. It will cost almost $4,000 to replace the engine. Dont know why this happened. Oil was changed as recommended and vehicle was not mistreated in any way. It was running fine before and then just died in the middle of traffic. Of course the warranty has expired so theres not much I can do but fix it. Im not happy and will probably not buy another GMC. I could understand this happening if this vehicle had 75,000 miles on it or was over an older model and not taken care of. WHATS UP GMC?

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  Canyon - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By padfam - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Its to soon to make a complete review. Performance is not there. With the air on and four adults, there isnt any! I miss engine gauges. Oil,water,battery. With posi in the rear, it slips around in wet weather. Needs disc. brakes in back. I think that would help. I bought it to tow a 3100 pound boat. I think that was a mistake. Last veh. was 02 Envoy. It plenty of power,I had it in the shop 14 times. Dealer stated new model year problems.

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  Anther Goood Yukon - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By Mike Jones - July 27 - 2:00 am

  they Rock What else can I say, I just bought my forth one, I will never buy a differnt kid of suv.