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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  2005 Envoy Denali - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Theroider - November 30 - 9:32 pm

  Drives like a dream. Solid ride. Extremely quiet at cruising speed. Very agile to maneuver. My wife, who never thought she would care for a truck, now only drives the TRUCK! I cannot get her out of it. It is extremely stylish and not very common on the road (Denali version). Interior design is exceptional. Its not typical GM plastic on top of fake wood. There is actually real wood on the steering wheel. Nice touch!

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  Proffessional truck!!!! - 2003 GMC Sierra 3500
  By truckinisfun - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I love the tramendous performance of my sierra at a ropping 325hp and 370foot lbs. of tourque.I also love the way it steers with my camper hooeked to the back,anyone who likes trucks should deffinetly at least check it out.

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  Great work truck - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By alconst1 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Love this truck as well as the past 3 Gmc trucks this truck is very comfortable and reliable. we have had even a Ford mechanic admit that the quality of gmc far exceeds Ford.

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  Love my Yukon. Buy American -- the best - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By al - November 23 - 10:27 pm

  This has been a great vehicle. Very reliable and a joy to drive. Seems to do everything you would expect. To bad more Americans would not wake up and buy this or another fine American made and built vehicle by American owned company... Save our country and just maybe your own job.

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  Awesome Truck - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By drdice - November 23 - 12:16 am

  Just purchased this vehicle a few weeks ago. GM has definitely won me back as a customer. Last GM owned was a 96 Blazer. They have finally figured out how to put style into their new vehicles. The truck drives so solid and smooth and exudes quality craftsmanship throughout. I did consider buying a new Tundra but it just didnt have the same curb appeal as the Sierra. Also, the Tundras interior looked and felt very cheap and plasticky compared to the Sierra. I hope this Sierra ends up being as reliable as the Tundra likely will be.

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  3rd Sierra...Best Yet - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By uh33nowit - November 22 - 10:10 am

  This is my 3rd Sierra and by far the best theyve made yet. The exterior is simple yet very appealing. The biggest improvement was on the interior. GMC really thought through the location and function in the interior. The fit and finish is much improved over previous versions and the quality of the plastic is much better. The truck rides very smooth and feels much smaller than it is (which is a good thing when driving in traffic and parking). The engine is smooth and delivers quite nicely. The Active Fuel Management so far has been seemless when going from v4 to v8 mode. Currently I have been averaging 15 - 18 mpgs. No complaints

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  Great car -- just got my second one - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Jerry G - November 22 - 4:57 am

  My new 2006 Envoy replaces my 2003 Envoy which just come off lease. I never took the 2003 back to the dealership for ANY type of repair. The styling is great and the ride is very comfortable. I drive 99% on open roads and want a vehicle that rides smoothly, which the Envoy does. I also own a 2005 Corvette (I know - a bragger) but I just want to say I often use the Envoy because its just easier and more relaxing to drive. GM might go Chapter 11, but they are making very good cars!

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  GM hit a home run - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By carguy - November 17 - 4:36 am

  Quiet, safe, lots of useful space, refined, decent on gas, drives like a car, great looks.

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  Midnight blue ,the only color to drive - 2005 GMC Savana
  By pat gerien - November 16 - 2:28 pm

  Ive worked since I was a kid and GMC is the only work truck for me.There is a chance I could have used an extended van then I couldnt park it in the warm garage away from the birds we feed.

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  Great ride - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Jeff - November 16 - 9:56 am

  This has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. I am averaging 18 MPG overall since I purchased and about half of my driving is in the city. Would highly recommend this vehicle.