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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  Still Loving It! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Clarissa_57 - December 17 - 2:00 am

  So far, I have been very happy with my Envoy. It handles exceptionally well in all weather and especially in high wind compared with other SUVs and cars I have owned. The gas mileage leaves much to be desired, but that is expected with an SUV of this size. I love its looks, it is exceptionally comfortable and offers more options than other SUVs previously looked at.

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  NICE RIDE - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By DGM - December 17 - 2:00 am

  This was a very good purchase for me. Its not to big and not too small. I have been on many long distance trips and the ride has been great. It gets about 350 on the highway, which is pretty good in a SUV. I dont see to many Envoys on the road, and I like that. But its only a matter of time.

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  Solid Truck - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By walkmn - December 15 - 2:00 am

  I love the solid feel of this truck and I have full confidence when I depart the pavement to go hunting, fishing, or just plain exploring! This truck is ready for anything you can throw at it. Even the underbody composite skid plates let you know this truck means business! GM should however, take lessons from Japan regarding their build quality. Cheap interior parts and shoddy workmanship may force me to shop around a little longer for my next truck. Despite the questionable interior materials, I really do love my truck overall, and dont regret buying it what so ever. Consider this truck if you you want a highly-capable, mid-sized truck.

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  2nd one Ive owned - 2004 GMC Safari
  By msterk - December 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Safari. My husband is driving the other one now. Its a 1996 and I liked it so much I bought another one. Its all wheel drive and available cargo space gives it more bang for the buck compared to other mini vans or suvs when price does matter.

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  Lets Do It Again! - 2008 GMC Yukon XL
  By SmokeyTA - December 8 - 4:26 am

  After having had wonderful experiences with our last two GMCs, my wife decided she wanted the same. The 6.2 V8 is absolutely a pleasure to both drive and listen to. Unfortunately, it is a little thirsty. When it comes to style, I love the look of the 20" chrome wheels, and the chrome trim.

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  Just a Little More Help - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By Meat Head - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle to drive and ride. Even the little wife likes to drive and loves to ride. Easy to see out all around. Turns and parks well for a large SUV.

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  Just Fine - 1998 GMC Suburban
  By From the Flatland - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Four years and counting. This GMC has been very reliable. Its a smooth ride, easy to maneuver for its size, and about what you can expect for gas mileage. Just about to 100K with pretty much normal maintenance (which is performed religiously).

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  Denali - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By LittleRockDenali - December 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a very nice and comfortable ride.It is very roomy and stylish both inside and out.The average gas milage is about 16 MPG. Which is not too bad but far from economical.

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  2002 envoy - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Carly - December 5 - 10:00 am

  Wish for 20 less horsepower in exchange for better gas mileage.

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  4+ years... - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By badulla - December 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought this new in 99. Loved it both on and off road. Did all regular maintenaince (tune ups, oil changes) at regular intervals. Brakes and rotors finally needed to be replaced at 70k miles. One of the front calipers failed 3 days after the brakes were done but I think the mechanics had something to do with that. Ball joints needed to be replaced last week at 76k miles. Battery needs to be replaced as of tonight. Other than those items this car has been rock solid! Still drives like a champ. Was going to buy the new VW Toureg but cant justify getting rid of this yet.