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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  2008 Envoy Winter Driver - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By phoenixiv - February 25 - 1:01 pm

  Just bought the wife a winter driver because the Toyota Corolla Sport cant even make it out of the driveway if it has 2 inches of snow or more. The Envoy is stable, dependable and with automatic or full time 4 wheel drive it plows through snow and ice covered roads well. Most of the time it turns around in the drive with 5-6 inches of fresh snow without 4 wheel drive engaged. The vehicle has a smooth heavy feel on the highway more like a 1/2 ton truck which we both like but it has a softer ride. Great leg room for me for a change which fits my 6 1" frame better than most of the smaller crossovers or SUVs. The 4.2L inline six has good power and torque at both low and high speeds.

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  Most unreliable vehicle ive ever owned - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By tpregnar - February 20 - 12:07 pm

  My first car cost $17,000 less than my terrain and was 100% more reliable. Lots of warranty work was done on the engine before the engine needed to be rebuilt. After it was rebuilt the gas mileage plummeted. then the transmission blew just out of warranty. Would have been nice to be able to check the transmission fluid without crawling under the car, but there is no dipstick. Absolute waste of money and the last gm product I will own.

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  Known Issue - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Michael Petti - February 20 - 11:15 am

  I had Leased a 2004 Envoy, mostly highway mileage. Towards the end of the lease had engine code for misfire cylinder4. Vehicle was turned in as the lease expired and I thought nothing of it. Purchased a Pre Owned Certified 2005 GMC Envoy SLT, in 2008. In 2010 had to replace Cam Shaft sensor, (this was early warning of problem to come). A few months ago had misfire cylinder 2, replaced the coil & plug, code cleared engine light off. Problem resolved or so I thought. Last month misfire cylinder 4, replaced coil & plug, still misfire. Had diagnosis done via computer. Low pressure in the cylinder. From the blogs on all the sites cylinder 4 & 5 seem to be issue. GM knows but dosent care

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  New Standards set for Full-Size Luxury SUVs - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By firemedic1105 - February 14 - 5:57 pm

  The NEW, GM 2015 model Full-size SUVs indeed set new standards in this segment. I ordered out my Yukon Denali, which currently has about 8000 miles. I have had flawless performance and ZERO recalls or issues. The 6.2L/420HP V-8 is incredible. The fit and finish of this truck is amazing and the list of features is endless. The interior comfort and quietness at highway speed rivals any luxury sedan. I compared the new GMs against the other domestic and import brands in this market. Without any doubts, the structural integrity, interior materials, options and engines were were far superior in the GM lineup. As many predict, I agree that GM will continue to dominate the full-size SUV market!

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  My second Terrain, and I still love it! - 2013 GMC Terrain
  By 2pixel - February 14 - 12:12 pm

  We lease our cars, and I took a chance in 2010 when the Terrain first came out. I was concerned about the 4 cyl engine, but it is just fine, and gets me anywhere I want. The interior is roomy, and the back seat makes it easy for guests to get in and out.

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  What a GREAT truck!!!!! - 2015 GMC Canyon
  By numberguy - January 29 - 8:46 pm

  This truck exceeded my expectations. I was unsure about going from a full-size to a mid-size truck and after driving this truck for a few days I will never go back! The V-6 gives you plenty of power and the transmission has crisp shifts. I have the All-Terrain off-road package which has a surprisingly smooth composed ride. The steering is precise and and handling is top notch! Best of all parking is a breeze!!! The interior materials give a sense of quality and the cabin is well insulated from road noise. GM did their homework when they designed this truck! Lets face it size does matter and the 2015 Canyon is the right size at the right time!

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  Good value overall, happy with switch from full size - 2015 GMC Canyon
  By zeniac - January 26 - 1:52 pm

  Switched from a full sized Silverado with no regrets. Although I have only driven it 400 miles, I know it was the right choice. It is comfortable, quiet, and reasonably appointed.The box is a bit narrower (about 6in), but with the 6.2 ft box, you can still haul quite a bit of stuff. The V-6 is strong, but a bit loud when pushed. I got just over 25mpg on the my first extended highway trip driving at speeds of 70-78mph which was quite impressive for me. The pricing is also quite competitive, and you can get a very well equipped truck around 30K, my sweet spot. I will update once I get more miles on the truck if my opinion changes as I get more miles on it.

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  Midsize Truck Worth the Money - 2015 GMC Canyon
  By skylandry - January 21 - 4:29 pm

  I have owned multiple Tacomas, Frontiers and Ridgelines. I like the midsize truck. I decided on the Canyon mainly for improved driving comfort on long trips as well as gas mileage. I have 2,628 miles and my lifetime MPG is 22. That is impressive. The best highway mileage on any of the above trucks was 22. I am getting 22 in mixed driving and have gotten over 25 on the highway. The build quality is solid and I love the 6 2" bed. The truck is as long as a full size pickup but 6" narrower which makes all the difference in the world when parking. If you compare it to the 80s and 90s trucks it is just as big but 100% better. It does everything I need and nothing I dont.

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  Be Cautious - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By coltsneck - January 18 - 11:33 am

  Almost all 2015 Yukons/Denalis with AWD are having severe problems with the transmission. Basically, if you used the AUTO setting on the drive selector the trans will lock into 4WD and never come out. GM has no fix for this problem yet. Driving the vehicle like this is unsafe and makes a horrible racket. It might also damage the vehicle. Avoid any Yukon or Tahoe until the fix is found. You can google this problem to read more about it

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  Dealer has had our car longer than we have - 2014 GMC Acadia
  By mmww328 - January 11 - 6:45 pm

  We bought our car and we decided to take ownership even though the ground effects were installed wrong and the blind spot and FCA system were not working. Big mistake - the car is still not working right. Also I would have expected a bit more giddy up and go.... its kind of a dog when it comes to off the line performance.