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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  SLT Review - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Michael Milbourne - August 12 - 3:41 pm

  My wife brought this automobile home from the dealership. At first look I wasnt impressed at all. Then I got in and drove. WOW, I was impressed. Satellite radio, leather, sunroof, adjustable pedals, and nice ride. I had rented a Ford Escape for a recent trip to Fla. and was glad to turn it in when the trip was over, but I really liked the Envoy. I find myself finding excuses to drive it. And the GM incentives (employee pricing) made it a no-brainer. I would buy another tomorrow if something happened to this one.

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  Roomy and Fun to Drive - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Amber - August 12 - 9:23 am

  My Acadia drives wonderfully, better than the other 2 SUVs I have owned. I love the body style the the fule mileage is great for the size of the SUV

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  My first 3/4 Ton Truck & Diesel - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Ryan - August 11 - 5:46 pm

  I previously owned a 1999 Silverado 1500 4X4 Extended Cab Standard Bed and a 2007 Sierra 1500 4X4 Extended Cab Standard Bed I wanted to upgrade to something more powerful with more room. While I really dont need it for towing at this point, I can only imagine how great of a towing vehicle this will be. I am very impressed with the power of the Duramax diesel, as well as how quiet it is compared to the Ford Power Stroke and the Cummins in the Dodge. I test drove all 3 brands, and what won me over was the performance and power of the Duramax, as well as how much smoother the Allison Tranny shifted over the transmissions in the Dodge and Ford. The interior is the best of the 3.

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  Minor Problems... - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By carolyn2112 - August 10 - 2:15 pm

  I bought this one straight from the factory. I am a little disapointed in the quality. I have had the passenger door speaker blow out three times on me, as well as the parking brake handle come off and the hood latch break. No major system troubles, but the minor ones still sent it back to the dealer!

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  Excellent truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By neil lockhart - August 10 - 10:10 am

  I have driven GMC trucks for 20 years after driving Fords for 16. They have never been in shop for repairs, so I bought another one. Its a great truck with plenty of power. I get 20mpg and a lot of compliments. It cost me $6000 less than the Japanese models and has more power than all other trucks in its class. Dont let the so-called experts fool you, if you can still get the good pricing, go for it.

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  Hands Down - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Smokchasr - August 10 - 8:26 am

  One ten-minute test drive in icy conditions will tell you all you need to know about this trucks capabilities. The traction control and handling give the driver the confidence needed to get where you need to go even when faced with the brutal whiteout and drifting condition. Evidenced by a trip through Snoqualmie Pass when it was closed to tractor-trailer traffic. Two in the morning, no plows out, and 6- 8 inches of wet snow having fallen, and 100 feet visibility. My Sierra passed crawling traffic, breaking through lane burms with ease and control. In order for the driver to feel comfortable in those conditions, the truck has to transition between lanes without tipping or sliding.

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  2002 to 2004 - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Bobby M. - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive traded a 2002 Denali for a 2004 XL Denali for more rear space and leg room in the third row. I do miss some features that was deleted from the 2002 Denali. Deleted items: music mute on steering column, console data feedback and computer, underhood service lamp, and the 2 service plugs in the rear.

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  Practical use in rough country - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By j savini - August 7 - 1:26 pm

  In wet or muddy conditions you need to disable the stabilization system and let the wheels spin the mud off or face getting stuck. In snow or ice the system works good.

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  Great - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By schrn - August 6 - 1:34 pm

  Great mileage for a truck. It has good pickup speed in traffic and manuevers well. Has a good turning radius. I havent tried it off road yet.

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  Downsize with a Reason - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Joe - August 2 - 2:50 pm

  I traded a Dodge 2500 4x4 in for my new 2005 GMC Canyon. I traded because of the high gas prices. What I got was a truck that suits all my needs in every way. First off, this truck is stylish and tough looking. The Z71 package with the offroad suspension has me ready for any adventure I want to tackle. This truck is a great fit.