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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  05 GMC EXT CAB SLT Z-71 - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Lee - October 14 - 12:33 pm

  I purchased this certified used truck with 52,000 on it the black exterior and gray leather were spotless and everything works as new from heated seats, xm radio, on star etc. I have added a lot of aftermarket chrome parts and a dual cat back system, K&N intake and Hyperteck programmer. Ive been thinking of brighter headlights Silverstone, and itll be a keeper with the 100,000 mile extended warranty the 5.3 is working just fine so far and next oil change will be Mobil 1 at 5000 mile interval will report problems when they start so far so good.

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  Pleasantly Surprised! - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By cb500rider - October 9 - 2:01 am

  Ive never trusted GM vehicles. I grew up in MIchigan and heard all of the horror stories about the poor quality for my many relations who work or have worked in the GM plants. My last GM car was a 1980 Chevy Monza. I bought the Canyon because of the employee pricing and the five cylinder engines fuel economy. I have the Z71 SLE Ext cab with bucket seats. The seats are very comfortabe. The ride is high and smooth. The 2WD offroad suspension is great. I drove it down five miles of washboard dirt road at 45mph and couldnt believe the smooth ride. No problems so far, accept the center console creeks when i rest my arm on it. This is probably due to its thin plastic.

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  Review of 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4WD - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By R Freni - October 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my second GMC Sierra 2500HD in the past two years, I love both of them. I have the 6.0L Engine (the smallest engine that I believe they put in this truck) in my truck and I have yet to find anything that I cant tow with it. The tow/haul feature works great. All in all this truck rides great, tows great and plows snow great (if you havent figured it out yet I think these trucks are GREAT!)I have not yet had to bring them back to the dealership for any type of repair other than normal service.

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  One of the best SUVs out there - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Mike - October 4 - 3:12 am

  I love my Envoy Denali. It not only looks great, it rides extremely smooth. I recently was involved in a car accident, a car ran a red light and smashed up my front end. My SUV spun 90 degrees and I felt completely safe. The moment I sat in the drivers seat at the dealership, I fell in love. The interior, design and looks, sold me not to mentioned the 300hp engine. I could not have ask for more in my first SUV purchase.

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  I love this ride - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Lordward - October 2 - 11:36 am

  I have had my Acadia for only two weeks, but I love everything about this vehicle! I researched many vehicles in this class, but the Acadia surassed all of my expectations! Everything about the Acadia was so well designed. It looks great, the ride is powerful and smooth, and our five children can easily be seated with plenty of room. The V6 engine is very responsive and has plenty of power. I have not expereinced any lag or hesitation. The cruise control function is easily accesible and actually assists in better gas mileage, which for a vehicle of this size, is quite excetional. All conrols are well designed, easliy reached, and the upgraded Bose stereo system is awesome!

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  King of Trucks - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By DACO7916 - September 30 - 5:00 am

  To me this is the best full size pick up there is on the market. It is the perfect combination of power, comfort, elegance, sportiness, not too over the top styling.

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  BUYERS OBSERVATIONS - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By JAMES FARLEY - September 26 - 10:00 am

  DEALERS DONT TREAT HIGH END CUSTOMERS AS WELL AS M/B OR LEXUS ITS A BIG HOLE IN PRODUCT LOVELY TO DRIVE AND OWN , HOWEVER

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  2003 GMC Envoy SLT - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By M Proctor - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The GMC Envoy is responsive to cornering yet offers a very smooth and quiet ride. The engine is strong and carries 5 persons with no problems. We made a 5 hour trip and everyone was comfortable and not fatiqued. Options are well designed and easy to use. It is a big improvement over our last SUV - an Isuzu Trooper. Gas mileage is OK at 19-21 MPG.

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  My Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Teri Cobb - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased this vehicle on Saturday 10-18-2003 and so far I love it!

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  Great Rig! - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Brian Laine - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is a very well designed vehicle. It combines a very comfortable, luxurious driving environment with the ability to tow heavy trailers. Since a lot of stuff is included in the standard package, I got more accessories than I might have bought if they were priced separately. I really like Quadrasteer.