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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  Denali - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Carol Drago - January 16 - 12:43 am

  Fun to drive, solid, and overall pickup great. A firm ride with all the comforts of the higher end vehicles. This vehicle feels solid to drive and great handling.

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  Envoy rating Excellent - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By cbowen - January 16 - 12:03 am

  We have leased our Envoy for 5 months and enjoy the look, ride and the handling. Had a friend of the family ask about our Envoy, after talking to him they have decided on an Envoy later this spring if the price is right! Envoy sales itself! A great SUV. My whole family likes driving in it and riding it because of the room and all your safety features.

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  Awesome - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Denice - January 14 - 11:00 pm

  This vehicle is the best SUV by far Ive ever owned. It looks great, and performs excellent. We use it to tow our boat, it pulls our boat with ease. It is soooo comfortable to drive.

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  Great Vehicle - 1997 GMC Yukon
  By NGB - January 13 - 1:58 pm

  I purchased this vehicle new. It has been extremely reliable and is very sound mechanically. The truck has 129,000 miles currently and has not given a minute of trouble. I highly recommend these vehicles for anyone needing a four wheel drive and for anyone needing to haul or move things. We have used this vehicle to move our daughter back and forth to college for four years and into and out of her condo. I cannot say enough good about my Yukon. I love it!!

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  Love my Canyon - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By kygmcfan - January 12 - 8:29 pm

  Been driving a Canyon for about a year, the low end model with an automatic. Plenty of power, good fuel economy, overall acomfortable ride. I dont understand coments about poor build quality, I find this unit to be built far better than any other units I looked at including the Japanese units for a whole lot less money.

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  Nice truck - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Rgr891 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  The ride quality is excellent and the cabin is very quiet. The rear seats are very spacious and nobody has complained about being uncomfortable. Had to have the "AutoTrac" switch replaced, which the dealer said was a common problem, at about 40000 miles.

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  Too Much - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By JailDoc - January 7 - 2:00 am

  The 8.1L, Allison Trans, this vehicle is beyond awesome, lousy milage but that is what was expected. Pull or tow anything, fast as hell, acceleration is neck snaping, stable anywhere you take it. So far no problems like my last GMC (ABS pump went out), the dealer is lousy, cant trust a thing they say. Time will tell.

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Alex - January 6 - 10:13 pm

  I have had my Acadia for 7 months now, and so far I am very pleased with it. 2 months after we bought it, we drove to NY from Northern VA and it fitted 4 adults (my brother and I are 64"), 2 babies (in car seats), stroller, suitcases, stuff for the kids, etc, all inside, and we were ALL comfortable! Smooth ride, easy to drive (drives like a compact car), lots of great features and nice finish inside. Fuel consumption (after the trip to NY) has been between 15 and 17 MPG, not bad for the DC Metro Area (it has only 4K miles). Easy to fold 2nd and 3rd rows.

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  One Great Truck - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By bmarkdc - December 31 - 10:58 pm

  I bought my truck in June 2005 and absolutely love it. The power is great the styling is sharp and the quality is impressive. A week after I bought it, I was sideswiped by a semi. The crash protection is amazing. The truck stood up very well and had I been in my old Camry not sure what would have happened.

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  Denali king of the road - 2006 GMC Yukon
  By PMM - December 31 - 7:01 pm

  After growing out of a BMX X5 the Denali has quickly become the household favorite. Plenty of room, handles very well and gets moving when you want it to. Tried the Z71 and it failed miserably compared to the Denali. We also bought the vehicle with the 20 inch rimms and it is terrific on the highway. Over 70 mph it lumbers in regards to the handling but we love this truck. Navigation is good but Magellan Roadmate is a much better option so if you want to save money skip the Nav package and get the Roadmate. Well crafted vehicle.