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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  What a piece of junk - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By VeryUnhappywenvoy - December 15 - 10:00 am

  -Seven recalls -Chronic electrical problems -Lowest quality car ever owned, basic functions adn features that fail -Wind noise like a sieve, back to the dealer 3 times and no relief.

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  Gas mileage blues - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By cecilp - December 13 - 5:00 pm

  Traded a 2000 Yukon (bought new) to better gas mileage. Have less than 300 miles since delivery and the gas mileage stinks. Only getting 16 MPG in town, have not had it on a trip yet. Data center shows average speed of 33.7 MPH. Anyone else having gas mileage issues? Comofrt is ok with the exception on seat edges while getting out of vehicle, and rear doors are hard to shut. Ride is good and firm and handling is great and the and style is otasite. XM radio is awesome but gas mileage has got to go. If the satisfaction return was still available Id take er back in a flash.

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  Things Falling Off the Truck - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Mike O - December 12 - 4:02 pm

  Its surprising how poorly GM designed the 2007 Yukon. By now, youd think that they would understand that its unacceptable to have panels and wipers falling off the the truck... to the tune of several hundreds of dollars of unexpected expenses! Interior packaging is just OK... difficult to get kids in and out of the vehicle, even a vehilce of this size.

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  Denali - Utilitarian Comfort - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By DwS - December 12 - 2:23 pm

  The Denali is a great vehicle for someone looking for a long term vehicle that can handle anything you through at it. It can tow. It can haul. It can deliver you to far away destinations with supreme comfort and entertain you and your passengers on the way. It even tells you how to get there.

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  Great Value - 1999 GMC Safari
  By Patrick - December 12 - 10:30 am

  Very useful vehicle. More power than I need. Good milage-esp with 6 people in it. Reliable. Low maintenace.

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  Impressed! - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Doug - December 12 - 6:10 am

  I am very pleased with vehicle. It has 110,000 miles and it still smells and drives like a new one. I have had different brands of vehicles, but not with the quality this Yukon XL has. I would never buy another Toyota after driving this GMC. I am very satisfied with everything this machine has to offer! I have been driving GM vehicles for 40 years now and I havent found anything yet that even comes close to the quality! Thankyou GMC

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  A Great Cross Country Trooper - 1996 GMC Savana
  By Martin - December 11 - 9:41 pm

  We have owned this vehicle for three years now and it has been great transportation. We had purchased it to make regular back and forth trips from Texas To California but wound up moving to Pennsylvania. It was a great ride in the cross country expeditions. We have used to haul machines, lumber, water purifiers and just plain traveling. We like the capacity as we carry people to church on Sunday and have had as many as 15 on the run. We would buy it again. The only real problem we have had was with a engine sensor that only happened while traveling in the California Desert and that was only once. Havent had any other issues. Would recommend this baby to anyone who wanted a roomy ride.

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  Awesome Pickup - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By rossco10 - December 9 - 9:20 pm

  Awesome pickup. College kid and I love it. Only downside cant find any aftermarket parts.

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  Too Early To Tell, But....... - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By frostydog - December 9 - 2:00 am

  First GM in 30 years. Volvo/Mercedes/Chrysler convert. Used dealer trade search to get 2WD, 5.3, 3.42, SD1 package, and middle buckets. Paid right at what Edmunds says is fair value. Just back from 1500 mile trip and ride is just super on interstate. With 3.42 was turning 1,800 rpm at 70. Got 18.6 MPG at 70 MPH. Thats just 3 less than old Chrysler minivan. In cruise, it pulled up a 6 degree grade without downshifting. Great torque. Overall quality is much better than I expected. GMC has closed the gap on the Japanese and Germans. Ill check back in 200,000 and let you know about reliability.

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  Lovin it! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Mcbill - December 9 - 2:00 am

  After looking at Ford and Jeep SUVs and not liking either I heard about the Envoy. One drive and I was hooked, I had to have it. So I traded in my 2001 F150 and have never looked back. Neither has my Golden Retreiver Tigg. She and I both like the ride and roominess of the Envoy. The performance of this thing with the straight six kicks butt on the Grand Cherokee V8. The performance and styling beats the Explorer hands down. I am most happy with this vehicle. I have always been a Ford man, but the lack of a stylish SUVs drove me to GMC and I couldnt be happier.