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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  Denali good car, minor issues - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By DShow - October 24 - 12:44 am

  I purchased the Yukon Denali in May of 2006. The truck rides great. The interior is roomy, the leather & components are sturdy & well built. My traction control light comes on occasionally but go off within minutes. The only major issue Ive had was a switch went out in the transmission causing the car to not recognize neutral & sometimes not go into reverse. This was fixed under warranty & has been problem free for the last year. One great thing is the saftey issue. My car was broad sided by a car running a light at 30 mph. The car was damged but barly felt it. The blue green color looks great changing color in the sun but shows all finger prints & dirt.

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  Its OK to Buy American - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By TJ in Philly - October 23 - 2:00 pm

  This is my first car made by an American company. In the past I owned Honda, Toyota, and most recently a 2005 Acura MDX. Before I purchased the Acadia I test drove a 2008 MDX (did not like the looks of inside/outside) Highlander (nice, but still not there), 2009 Honda Pilot (did not really care for the interior). I finally decided to take a look at GMs offering. Decided to test drive the Acadia first. Once I was in it, there was no looking back. The interior design and comfort of this SUV is amazing. Seats and ride are comfortable. The technology is also top notch, and I am a techie. Please, just because this car is a GMC do not make the mistake of not adding this car to your list.

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  Engine /electrical problems - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By marc - October 23 - 1:06 pm

  After purchase it was noted to have bad water leakage on the passager side under the dash that shorted out the OnStar system and caused the computer to error. Problem was found to be a bad lead seam over the windshield. Computer error causes one of the cylinders to runs rich, crack in exhaust manifold, now getting only 11 mpg. Remote failure also, attempted to open the door with key and found that the tumblers in the door and back gate had been missed keyed. Lots of problems with remote entry system and electrical connectors under vehicle rusting loss of plate lights and other exterior lights. Vehicle only 18 month old and GM providing little help.

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  Not too bad. - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Denali - October 22 - 5:24 pm

  Ive had my Envoy for a little over a year. Definitely the perfect family car for long trips. Smoothest car Ive ever driven. Gas mileage is surprisingly decent for a V8 SUV (highest is 20+ on highway, average is 16) Definitely a smooth smooth ride but a little sluggish accelerating off the line. Stabilitrak is an amazing option in the rain. Downsides: narrow spaces between console and door and the seats. Center console is very sub par and constantly loose or breaking off entirely. Low ground clearance makes it look minivan-esque. Nav system is so so and cant listen to a CD while using it. Slow windows and moonroof when closing. Resale value is awful. Plan to keep this car for a while.

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  Family vehicle - 2000 GMC Yukon Denali
  By Ronald Waldron - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable with lots of room for passengers as well as storage. Great for families especially for vacation trips. Our family vacation to the beach allowed plenty of room for luggage and for the childrens bikes. The four wheel drive performs very well in snowy conditions. We have a steep driveway and it handles it even when it was covered in ice.

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  Critics Hate this vehicle... - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By DRBLUE - October 21 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle could have better mileage, and needs a redesign of the interior, esp. around the driver. I dont have much space to place sunglasses, cellphone,etc. But I like the engine power, optional choice of drives, space for a family of four, and the handling. The handling is surprisingly good, in 2WD or 4WD, esp while cornering or parking. My rear windshield wiper has been replaced, as part of a recall. No other defects were noted.

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  Great Superb Vehicle - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By kjc - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Drives unbelievably well. Votrec has tons of power. Very, very comfortable to drive long distances. Did a 640 mile trip in one day and could have done another 150-200 with major fatigue.

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  Not bad, not bad at all! - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Phil - October 18 - 8:37 pm

  Had been a Grand Cherokee owner for 8 years but needed something with 3 seats (which is outstanding feature) with excellent access. I never was an "off roader" so the Envoy, which is truthfully a street SUV was a good replacement. Terrific smooth, quiet ride on highway. OnStar is a great safety feature, but ditch the XM radio (too expensive). Gas is disappointing, but what do you expect. Dash features (e.g. wiper, speed controls, climate control) not logical and took long time to understand. Excellent storage, even with all seats up although front cup holders very disappointing. Have been thinking about hybrid SUV, but very unimpressive choices in the market today.

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  5 Door Explorer Conversion Flexibility - 2007 GMC Savana
  By A 5 Door Best - October 17 - 3:03 pm

  Good looks abound with chrome wheels, ground effects package and special fade paint exterior with standard roof to enable city garage parking. Easy pop-out center captain seats and electric rear seat converts to queen bed. In this position, with appropriate protection on leather upholstery, its a real work horse to haul 4 X 8 materials, ladders, etc. Excellent towing ability. Best of all, a real comfortable 7 person touring vehicle with ample luggage storage and 22 mpg.

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  Duramax Power - 2004 GMC Sierra 3500
  By BigIron - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I haul a 116" Lance Legend camper and pull a 8x12 trailer with it loaded with ATVs and a motorcycle and the truck does all I want it to. I traded a Powerstroke in and I am pleased that I did. Its quite and rides and handles a lot better then my old Ford. I am getting around 12mpg at freeway speeds with this load.