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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  My Yukon - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By Georgia Yukon - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Strong motor and trans. Interior plastic parts leave lots to be desired. Totally plastic dash tends to rattle. Copmfortable ride. Low road noise but some air noise around windows. Runs like and bear. Exterior styling lends itself well to cosmetic upgrades.

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  Great comfort and towering views - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Jimmy the Greek - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Im pleased with the ride and control I have at all speeds. I bought a base model and it is very confortable. Only issue is base radio is not that good and my transmission has to be adjusted. I would recommend upgrading the radio for better sound on base.

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  2K Yukon, as good as it gets - 2000 GMC Yukon
  By LMc - May 30 - 2:00 am

  The 2000 Yukon XL SLE that I have driven the past two years, was purchased at a local GM dealer as a certified vehicle. The warrenty was used once to repair the rear window defrster. The SUV has proven to be reliable and an extremely comfortable vehicle to drive and ride. It is, by far, the best SUV I have owned and one of the best vehicles ever in my garage.

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  Love my truck! - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By aktantan - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had both Ford and Chevy trucks in the past and this is far superior. The ride is a bit more rough than my Chevy 1500, but it is more heavy duty and simply does more. The power is great and the Allison transmission makes it a dream to drive in the Rocky Mountains where we live.

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  I shouldnt want to replace it so much - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By Butterbear - May 29 - 2:00 am

  At 46,000 miles I shouldnt have to replace it, but it has to go. Now that its out of warranty its shaping up to be a wallet drainer. The drivers door has come loose 2 times The 3rd door handle snapped off 3 times and its out of warranty (100.00+ to fix.) The seat is broken. The GMC dealer would not fix, Funny the Chevy dealer says these are common problems and they would "extend" the warranty to fix if it were a Chevy s-10. I never thought there was a difference between the 2 I was wrong. Its probably the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned but you cant even get fair wholesale for a trade.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 1994 GMC Suburban
  By burber - May 28 - 2:00 am

  Have a family of five so with the 9 passenger seating its like having a bus. My burb has over almost 200,000 miles on the 350 V8 and is still running great. I use it for pulling my 6000 lb trailer or 4 wheel driving thru the snow in the winter. Great all round vehicle. Gas gets a bit expensive but thats the price you have to pay, I spend very little on repairs so it makes up for the high gas consumption. Very comfortable ride. highly recommend getting one.

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  excellent - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By april ravipong - May 28 - 2:00 am

  I love my Envoy. It is very spacious, and I can manage the vehicle very well. The style of the vehicle is good. Not to big and not to little.

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  Large Family Rescue Vehicle - 1994 GMC Suburban
  By Jay Alexander - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Other than clunky sound during back-up, (which could never be corrected),I am extremely satified with my first SUV. I had station wagons until then. It is reliable, more-less comfortable seating for all 8 passengers (a little less in third seat as can be expected). Mileage at 16 highway is not terrible, but 8 MPG city is not good. I highly recommend the Suburban.

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  great features - 1999 GMC Envoy
  By esclade - May 27 - 2:00 am

  a lot of features on this truck make it stand out from the rest in its field for instance power folding driver and passenger mirrors, built in 6 disc changer up front, a built in air compressor in the back, and you cant forget about the headlights.

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  An SUV that rides like a car! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Susie Q - May 27 - 2:00 am

  My GMC Envoy is awesome, it rides exactly like a car. I recently traded in my 2000 Toyota 4Runner for a GMC Envoy SLT and boy what a difference. Bye, bye to that rough truck ride and hello smooth sailing. You cannot beat the 0% financing..... You definitely get more for your money when you buy American!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!