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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  THE GREATEST IN ITS CLASS - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Evan5555555 - May 15 - 2:00 am

  We just picked up the Envoy, and it is wonderful. It handles like a dream, and has a preformance some V-8s can not match. Its is a great vehicle, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in a mid-size sport utility vehicle

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  Great car! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By jday - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought an envoy to replace 2001 Pathfinder....Great vehicle. I loved my Pathfinder and thought I could not get better, but this one has a better ride and better features. I am also getting good gas mileage although I had read how poor it was. I got the loaded W/everything...I would suggest this as this is one thing that makes the automobile GREAT.

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  Wind Noise - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By TrAvIs - May 15 - 2:00 am

  The only problem with this SUV is the wind noise. It is very very loud. But the digital almost everything is good.

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  DONT EXPECT DECENT MILEAGE!! - 2007 GMC Canyon
  By Norman - May 14 - 7:22 pm

  Long story short, 4cyl short bed 2wd automatic. 6500 miles and regardless of ethanol blend or 100% fuel AND smooth acceleration AND following speed limits, 15mpg. Yes, 15 mpg and 17 highway. that is completely pathetic. My 110,000mi 4x4 4.0 liter cherokee did better. Why compromise with a 4cyl and get worse mileage than my friends 4x4 3/4 ton 6.0 liter with 4.10 axle ratio. Upon taking in for service, service advisor reports that everything is as it should be and that is just what mileage they get. Needless to say, that is completely pathetic. I and my family have ALWAYS owned GM vehicles. I guarantee this will be my last. I have never been this let down with a vehicle out of the 60+ ive had

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  Amazing - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By Female Driver - May 14 - 11:54 am

  I cant really complain about this car. I have had issues, but they were the fault of the previous owner (tire went flat, battery wont hold charge). The car itself is amazing. Being a girl, and a little on the small side, this car is nice. It gives me power in the snow and gets me where I need to go, yet isnt so big to the point where Im scared to drive it. Overall Id say this car is nice, very nice.

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  Too many manufacturing Bugs. - 2015 GMC Yukon XL
  By norab1 - May 13 - 4:00 pm

  I received my Yukon XL in April of 2015. To date it has been returned to the dealer multiple times. There have been two recalls, and several "repairs". The heated steering wheel failed to work on delivery. Even though the vehicle is designed to be quiet inside, sheet metal "poping" noises inside are a disappointment and nearly impossible to repair. I believe GMC is aware of the problems. I received a Customer Service survey whose link was removed before I could respond.

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  Excellent SUV, Highly recommend! - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By gudamgirl86 - May 11 - 6:37 pm

  I have a white 2002 Yukon SLT 4WD. I use it to pull my 4 horse trailer. It does great up hills, around curves and has a great towing capacity. I love it for family outtings since I have 2 kids and 3 dogs, and my husband likes it for the handling and drives it to work everyday without a problem. I feel very safe in it. Highly recommend this SUV, I wont ever depend on a Ford after driving my Yukon for so long!

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  GMC Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By CT Golf - May 10 - 9:23 pm

  The Acadia handles well and is doesnt handle or float around like a large SUV. It has received multiple unsollicited compliments in parking lots and several impromptu tours.

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  Better then the rest - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By blksiryder - May 10 - 3:30 am

  I just got my new GMC with the 5.3. I love the fact of the fuel managment system. The mpgs could be better but not bad. The engine is a power house. I traded my 2000 turbo diesel for this truck and with the 100k powertrain warranty. I know it will last the the term of the loan. I would buy 2 if I needed them.

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  Safe, secure, comfortable - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By sales call - May 9 - 6:17 am

  I bought this Denali for my wife. She can haul around groceries, our two children, and their friends. When gas was $4.00 / gallon, her father asked what we got for fuel economy, I asked him how do you equate fuel economy with safety for your daughter and grandchilren? He didnt get it. Once you drive the Denali, you will. For the record, we get 13.5 mpg around town and averaged 18+ mpg on a 2000 trip. I think the fit and finish could be a little better, but overall, I wouldnt trade this truck for anything.