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:

• 

  Good Truck - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By easyrider - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Nice truck overall. Best seats and interior of trucks I looked at. The 4 and automatic combination is very weak on power, but gets the job done. Gas mileage is respectable at 23 MPG. Only problem Ive had is AC compressor which was replaced under extended warranty.

• 

  All-new and fun to drive - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By KangarouxKid - June 30 - 2:00 am

  This new GMC Canyon fits the need for a good-sized truck with excellent fuel economy. In light of what I believe to be permanently high fuel prices, economy of operation is important. The truck is comfortable and quiet.

• 

  Mr. Denali - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By cbg1688 - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Overall very satisfied with the vehicle. Received plenty of great compliments on looks and comfort. The only problems were coolant system related which ended up costing me a grand total of $500 over four years...not bad! I have heard of brake problems from others with the same vehicle which seem to be very common on the 2000s NOT the 99s for whatever reason. Great room for beach trips, moving, friends and/or weekend getaways. Thanks GMC for the great memories. -Chris Gorham

• 

  Overall a good choice - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By mfrez - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Smooth ride, surprising amount of room and good interior design. Compared to my 2001 Suburban, the build quality is not as good, and the gas mileage is the same, which Im not happy about. Front end doesnt handle very well in hard cornering, my Suburban does as well. No problems so far, but unless you dont like the size difference, Id buy the Tahoe or Suburban.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Loop4fun - June 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought mine loaded with most options and have not had it in the shop. Everything works, no rattles, etc. Id by another without looking at the competition.

• 

  Great Truck - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By puckpimp - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Most comfortable ride I have ever been in. Not as big as it seems.Fun to drive!

• 

  I love my envoy! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By vikmoo - June 28 - 2:00 am

  I love my Envoy. It rides smooth and all my friends are amazed that it doesnt "ride like a truck"! So far it has been very reliable, but it is only 3 months old and 5500 miles. Gas is not cheap, but like someone else said, neither is comfort!

• 

  Love my Denali but its not perfect - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Muro214 - June 24 - 7:00 pm

  Ive had my Denali for a couple of months and have upgraded it with 22" rims. It looks great, but its not perfect for a $53,000 vehicle. It needs heated mirrors, better second row seats (it would be nice if you can move them back and forth), and the third seat needs to hide in the floor.

• 

  Built for comfort - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Tart-n-Tiny - June 24 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for comfort this is it! I test drove and sat in every SUV in this class and found that this was by far the most comfortable for me. All of my friends like it too. It has enough power to get me where I need to go and Ive been happy with my Envoy.

• 

  100000 mile follow up - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Lance 1 - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I have reached the 100000 mile mark. Still like the Yukon. However, intake manifold gasket replaced, apparently a very prevelent problem on the OEM gasket after the 60000 mile mark hold on to your check book 400-800 dollar repair depend who you call etc., fuel pump a costly 200-315 dollar part depend where bought, water pump, and wiper motor. Rides just as smooth at 50 mph as at 80 mph. Tranmission still no problem. Everything else good.