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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  Disappointed Buyer - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Carlmast - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the it to replace my Isuzu Trooper. I have had 4 Isuzus over the last 8 years with 1 warranty service. This is the replacement for the Trooper. This Envoy has had the A/C repaired 4 times, the power mirrors actuators replaced and the O2 sensor replaced. I have also had problems with the automatic wipers and the memory for the radio and seats. All this with less than 16,000 miles.

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  One helluva truck! - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By HarleyNut - September 19 - 10:00 am

  My overall experience has been great! The only problem that I have had in the last 2 1/2 years is the driver side mirror defroster died and had to be fixed. No major mechanical problems and I think it is a comfortable full size truck to drive.

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  Crossover of the Year - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By dan - September 19 - 12:33 am

  I bought my Acadia in January, and I love it. The biggest surprise was the handling. It comes standard with stabilitrac, and you definitely notice how smooth the turns are. It has the room of an SUV but it rides like a Lincoln. If you are afraid to buy an SUV because of gas prices, Im averaging about 20 mpg city and highway. It only takes $55 to fill up at $3.15 per gallon so its doesnt hurt too bad. Another great feature is both the 2nd and 3rd row seats fold completely flat giving you massive storage room. ou can also move the 2nd row bucket seats back for more leg room.

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  best vehicle I ever purchased - 1993 GMC Yukon
  By Joseph Costa - September 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck from my brother as his lease expired. This has been the best truck I ever owned. I will keep this truck till the wheels fall off, then Ill put new ones on. It is reliable even with 140,000 miles on it,only basic maintance needed so far. Thank you GMC for this terrific truck.

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  Nice Vehicle / Poor Electronics - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Roger - September 16 - 12:46 pm

  We chose the Denali over the Infiniti QX56 purely because of interior space. And while the Denali has proved to be a great vehicle for toting the kids around to all their sporting events and our cross country vacations, it always seems to be in the shop. A couple recalled items and several different electronically problems (one of which is still not fixed) have caused several headaches trying to schedule time to get the items fixed. The service and dealer folks have been very friendly and pleasant to work with but Im very close to trading it in for a QX56

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  Great truck for the price - 1994 GMC Sonoma
  By Josh_ - September 15 - 2:00 am

  The first year of the new body style, I fianlly traded mine in on the last year or the same body style (2003). My 1994 GMC Sonoma 4x4 had 211,000 miles on it at the time. Only major repair was a new alternator at 160,000miles. Blue Book on these is very underrated.

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  gmc safari - 1999 GMC Safari
  By apm/ld - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Practical, economical, and durable vehicle that is good at towing and comfortable for carrying lots of people. Ride improved alot with new shocks. Design is somewhat dated, but very utilitarian. I like it.

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  Ready to Go - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By GeorgeTanya - September 11 - 2:00 am

  This truck is comfortable, dependable and attractive. The engine is powerful and runs cool all day at freeway speeds, even in the southwest desert region.

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  Great SUV - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By redsoxfan2 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  After much research, went with the Envoy vs a 4 runner. Much better price, and has all the options. Love the power, and very smooth. No issues so far, Bose stereo is great. Looking forward to driving in the snow with the new 4 wheel drive. Nice SUV at a good price.

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  Best SUV youll ever own !!! - 2009 GMC Yukon XL
  By Zack Pyles - September 7 - 3:26 am

  We recently bought the 2009 GMC Yukon XL, and we love it, we are very glad we got the XL version also. I would strongly recommend this SUV to anyone who is looking for spacious, comfortable, somewhat luxurious, and fun to drive. We also got the top of the line version and we love the power liftgate, its costs extra but worth it.Does not get as good gas mileage as the Tahoe or the standeder Yukon gets, but its worth it, also It is harder to get into tight parking spaces, and sharp turns, but you get used to it.Overall ,Great SUV.