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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  Love my SUV - 2000 GMC Envoy
  By paul bauer - July 31 - 3:00 pm

  We found an Envoy that had been traded back to the dealer because it was too small for the original owner. They bought a Suburban. It had only 6500 miles on it. We scored. We love it, using it mainly for skiing. It has been a real find.

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  Comfortable Family Travel & Good Towing - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By Driver Don - July 31 - 10:00 am

  The whole family enjoys traveling in this vehicle, lots of room and comfort for long drives. Amazed at how manueverable in parking spots, its better than my smaller Jimmy. We have put on 35,000mi, 5000mi of it pulling a 4000lb boat with our full vehicle. The XL is great for towing, with good range on a tank of gas. Only complaint we have had is when we experienced an icy draft on the passengers legs when up North, we think we have it fixed after two tries, next test will be this Christmas when we head to Canada.

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  Perfect for me - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By 1mortician - July 30 - 5:00 pm

  With all the bad reviews available on any vehicle, it is important to each driver to find/select the best vehicle for their individual needs. This vehicle aptly drives in the snow, moves mulch, hauls frequent loads from Home Depot, and helps move the occasional friend when called upon. My model is a fairly lightly optioned for an SLE packaged as I intended it ,3.5L, automatic, crank windows, manual locks, cruise control, good stereo. Finding a vehicle that is the combination of the right price, the right features and the right size is difficult, and for an all around well suited vehicle for my needs this Canyon delivers perfectly.

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  What a truck - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Bob Reiff - July 30 - 12:50 am

  The Yukon has been flawless since we purchased it a year ago. Yes, the mileage could be better, but thats not the vehicles fault. We knew it wouldnt be great. The ride is comfortable, and the performance has been much better than we expected. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking for this style of ride who isnt squeamish about gas mileage.

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  Big, Bad Dude! - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By aezernack - July 29 - 7:20 pm

  This beast rules the road! I have owned this vehicle for 3 years. It now has 127000+ miles on it and the only repair has been a new fuel pump. I have replaced the brakes and other regular maintenance stuff. The engine runs like the day I bought it and the A/C is arctic. The interior has held up nicely despite 4 kids. The exterior is still in excellent shape. No rust anywhere. I absolutely love this truck and have already bought another 1999 for my wife.

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  Excellent truck for me. - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By William M. Lynch - July 28 - 12:50 pm

  This is by far, one of the best, if not the best truck Ive ever purchased or driven. The interior (seats) are a little stiff (leather), but not an issue overall. The gas mileage is a little rough, but hey...I knew that going into the purchase. I love my truck!!!

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  denali - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By denali lover - July 27 - 5:28 pm

  I love my new 2005 Denali. We looked at the Escalade also, but finally realized that the Denali was an overall better deal. it has all the same features of the Escalde without its significantly higher price.

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  "Love my Jimmy" - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By 1998 GMC SLT SUV - July 26 - 2:08 am

  A good vehicle. It runs smooth, and gets good highway gas mileage. Not great in town. I want another "JIMMY" SLT but I dont see a "Jimmy" on the market. Humm? What to buy next? Maybe Ill just have the engine rebuilt someday on this one.

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  Strongest SUV Ever! - 1998 GMC Suburban
  By Automan - July 25 - 7:09 pm

  Lets start with my truck is the stongest truck I have ever owned. I have the 5.7 V8 4x4 and I tow my 30ft. travel trailer that weighs 7500 dry! It tows it like nothing, sometimes I forget until I look in the rear view mirror. I can tow with it going 65 up steep hills! My Suburban is maroon with tan leather interior. Seats 8 with room for more. We take our friends and their family members everywhere in it. It looks and drives like when I bought it new.

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  Clearly a Winner for GM - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By R. Neall - July 25 - 6:41 pm

  Having owned a Ford Explorer, I have that as a comparison for my new Envoy. To be honest, there is no comparison. The ride is light years smoother, and despite the professionals viewpoint, it handles corners just fine. It is not a sports car. Im very pleased with the interior room, and it has a great sound system. The XM radio is great on trips. My wife is the trucks prime driver, and knowing that she has OnStar puts my mind at ease. I highly recommend this vehicle.