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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  great suv - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By rrr - July 21 - 2:00 am

  handles great and is very confortable to drive

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  Edmunds Truck Review is Wrong! - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Joel Hendelman - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I have always been an avid Ford F-150 kind of guy. But I have to say after driving both GMC 1500 Sierra and the F- 150, I have switched. Most comfortable ride I have ever had in a 4WD vehicle. I also own a 1990 Suburban 4WD with over 150K miles and it still runs strong. Much more room on the interior of the GMC than Ford could muster. Interior design and presentation is great and the sound system with Bose speakers to support it is fantastic. It may be sometime before I venture back to Ford to get my next truck. I tend to hold on to mine for quite awhile.

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  GMC SIERRA EXTENDED CAB - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By STEVER - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE ONLY OWNED THIS TRUCK FOR TWO MONTHS NOW, BUT EVERY DAY I LOOK FORWARD TO GETTING IN IT AND DRIVING IT. I CONSIDER MYSELF A PICKY PERSON AND TO DATE I CAN FIND NO FAULTS WITH MY GMC SIERRA. I RECOMMEND THIS TRUCK TO ALL FUTURE TRUCK BUYERS!

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  Great SUV - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By DEHayes - July 20 - 12:15 pm

  We researched this vehicle for about a year and were drawn by the amount of luxury for the price. We purchased (with the rebate and GM Employee discount) for around $31,000! We have been hauling Little League All-Stars around all of June/July and they argue about who gets to go with us. Best SUV I have ever owned. Love the Navigation system, the DVD, the sunroof and the ride!

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  So Far So Good - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Tom Davison - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with the performance of this SUV. It is very powerful and has excellent handling characteristics. The ride with the air suspension is superb. It turns on a dime and is easy to park. The bose stereo is the best I have heard in a car. I have not experienced any of the problems that I have read posted here as of yet. My Envoy was delivered with no defects. I am averaging 17.5 miles per gallon in mostly city/sometimes highway driving.

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  GMC You Got It Right - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Steve - July 19 - 12:40 pm

  Rides like the BMW with nice interior design. Even the parking attendents like the looks. I think that should say it all

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  News of GMs dimise greatly exhaggerated - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By The Needle - July 19 - 10:46 am

  A family member bought the Tundra in Oct.07-Toyota is making a big deal out of their 5.7L engine etc...the Tundra is a nice truck--but I decided to go with the Sierra for several reasons: Better road manners--especially on the freeway--very tight steering. Much more luxurious, refined and thought-ought interior. Everything inside is beautiful and solid--not an easy feat to accomplish. Classic looks--yet modern. GM really hit a home run with this design. I get more looks and questions than when I had a Porche. Perfect size Crew-cab. This is the biggest downer with Tundra--you either get the smaller ex-cab or the huge double--bigger than Dodges. Bad combo. GM hands down!

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  Powerful - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Don - July 18 - 2:17 am

  The 2.8 Liter Duramax Diesel is so much stronger than the V6 gas engine it is hard to believe. I have owned both. The fuel mileage is 31 hwy / 26 city on my 2016 Canyon. This is a strong little truck.

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  Excellent SUV - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Q - July 10 - 7:02 pm

  I purchased this vehicle exactly 2 years ago. My previous vehicle was an Isuzu trooper. I cant began to tell how much difference a powerful & reliable vehicle can make. Other than a few minor issues, this is an excellent vehicle. I considered the new 07 Denali but it looks too much like a Ford Explorer.

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  All American Vehicle! - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Jodee P. - July 10 - 8:50 am

  When I first sat in the Envoy, I loved the way it felt. The ride was so smooth. I drove every other SUV out there, even the non-American owned, and by far this was the best ride out there. The interior is by far the best in the price range. I love the chrome wheels and front grille! I am a faithful GM buyer and I get so annoyed out there that Americans dont buy American cars. Well, maybe I helped save 1 Americans job in Illinois with the purchase I made!