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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  2005 GMC SLT Envoy XL - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Rick Cornwall - July 25 - 3:06 pm

  What a great SUV! Terriffic ride and performance. Gas mileage is about what I would expect (14.4 / 17.2). The interior and exterior are nicely finished. With the 3rd. row of seats down, I can carry all my fishing gear and passengers without a problem.

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  Envoy - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By doc465 - July 25 - 9:27 am

  Great ride and handling. The turn radius is excelent for the size. it has all the bells for fun, but also serious power when needed. Theres safety in size. Suprisingly good gas mileage for size and type.

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  Great Luxury SUV - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By DnTomas - July 22 - 10:57 pm

  Replaced a BMW X5 with an 05 Yukon Denali. Very different vehicle. The BMW was excellent, but lacked space. The Denali has plenty of room and is very luxurious. With the GM family pricing it was a no-brainer. A great choice for anyone looking for room and "stealth" luxury and who is not too concerned with gas mileage. Spring for the sunroof/nav/rear DVD package - its well worth the extra cost.

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  I like this - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By yukonxl2004 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  As a former Ford only vehicle person, I didnt think I would like a GMC, but I do. this truck has a smooth ride, plenty of room, and pretty ok fuel use. But hey when you buy an SUV you know what you are in for, its not a compact car after all, and your going to pay for gas. I had a Ford Excursion, that was a rough ride, HORRIBLE fuel use, and just plain old big. If you have the need for room and SUV use, I would tell anyone to buy this GMC Yukon XL.

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  Beter new than old - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Jammer - July 20 - 10:14 pm

  I love this truck. I have had an S10 crew cab for 3 years and traded it in as soon as I drove this one. The power is more than enough for a smaller pickup. The truck is not made for large towing but it does handle my 2 ATVs on a trailer just fine. Gas mileage is much superior to my old S10, about a 20% increase, and it isnt even broken in yet. The interior is typical GMC, but I like it simple. Stereo, and interior controls are easy to use and understand. The rear doors give good access to the extended cab which has almost as much room as my old crew cab did! The handling is superb, crisp and the acceleration is miles above my old one. If you like your S10, do yourself a favor and buy a new Canyon.

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  Great truck - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By Jim woods - July 19 - 7:01 pm

  Leased this fine truck in March 2002. When the lease ran out, I was totally prepared to lease my third 4x4 Sonoma, only to find out they discontinued it for a goofy 5 cylinder replacement. So I bought my lease truck with 29,000 miles on it. The only trouble Ive had is needing to replace the instrument cluster at 34,000 miles because both the temperature and fuel guages became intermittant. But,I really love this little 4x4. Its been reliable and tough, with gobs of smooth power. It still gets 19 mpg in town and 23 on the road, not too bad for a big v6, 4x4.This truck has not developed one single rattle or squeak since I first got it. All in all, its a dandy.

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  Nice Vehicle - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By R. A. Pasheilich - July 18 - 12:26 am

  The Envoy is a very comfortable vehicle. I traded in a Ford Explorer with 58,000 miles on the odometer. The Envoy is a much more comfortable ride. The navigation radio is easy to use and the DVD player is great for the kids. The 275HP six is best in class. I considered a new Explorer, but found the features and ride of the GMC to be superior.

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  One SUV does it all - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Mrs Karen Bruce - July 16 - 2:05 pm

  We are happy with our Denali, and it has surpassed all our expectations. We will keep buying the GMC Denali. We are a family of 7 children and adults. The ride is wonderful, in the front or back of the SUV. The movies are great, the wireless are the bomb as my grandkids called them. We feel safe on the road, sunshine or rain. A plus, we can pull our boat to the lake. This is one SUV that will do it all.

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  Nice car - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By rob galla - July 16 - 1:32 pm

  This SUV has a great ride and handles more like a car. Moments into the test drive, I knew I would purchase this vehicle. I bought a black one with gray interior. The interior is roomy for the front and rear passengers.The A/C is great front and rear, and the stereo is also prime.

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  Dream vehicle--(:-) - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By Bulldog Man - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Finally got the vehicle of our dreams. If you are looking for a vehicle that has every feature, along with the quality you are looking for in an SUV, the XL is for you. The great looks, gets everyones attention and this SUV can be decked out with many after market items that make it a real eye catcher. The ride is "sweet" (as long as you get rid of the Firestone tires).