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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  BEST IN THE EAST - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By CHELLIE 713 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE HAD THREE GMC YUKONS, THIS IS THE FIRST DENALI MODEL. IT IS A FANTASTIC VEHICLE FOR STYLE, COMFORT AND QUALITY OF BODY DESIGN.

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  Envoy XL - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Steve - May 19 - 10:54 am

  The size of the Envoy XL is the main selling point. Third row is large and confortable with still enough room for storage behind the seat. Good pick up and performance.

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  WOW! - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By GMC Lover! - May 17 - 9:43 am

  What a nice big safe knockout of a car!

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  2005 Envoy - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Monti - May 15 - 10:20 am

  After driving sedans for 30 years, I have found the comfort of the Envoy to be superior. I needed comfort and enough room to carry my family of 7 in one vehicle. The kids love the 3rd seat and I like being able to carry items without having to borrow a pickup truck. The XM radio and OnStar is also a plus. Depends on whos riding with as to what we are listening to. My mother is 81 and finds it very easy to get in and out of with the running board. She likes 40s music and sitting up higher than a car. its a plus for her. "I can see things better!"

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  Camper caper - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By thomas - May 14 - 10:20 am

  This GMC drives nice and handles very well on the highway. it has ample interior room for the grandkids and 3 adults, along with enough space for camping gear. When pulling a 28ft camper, its pretty bouncy when empty. The back seat is split, and you can fold one completely down, or both, leaving a lot of space in the back and still room for 3 people in front with the fold down console. It has auto 4wheel drive to take over when roads are snowy, and plenty of power to drive next to the big boys. My wife even likes to drive it. I replaced the muffler with one that makes more noise.That was a mistake. At slower speeds that sound is evident in the cab. I like the truck, but it needs better gas mileage to really make it one to brag about!

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  our denali - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By blakeman - May 14 - 2:00 am

  This sucker is great.

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  Love my Canyon - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By chris - May 13 - 5:15 pm

  I have had this truck for two months now and I love it. The ride is smooth and comfortable. I have had nothing but compliments from everybody thats seen it. The back seat is very roomy considering its a truck.

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  this truck rocks - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By kyle bailey - May 13 - 10:00 am

  this truck is the best vehicle we have ever owned. We tested it without the camper in a little streach and it speed up to 78. We tested it with the camper and it got up to 65.

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  Great choice for larger Family - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Mini- - May 12 - 1:40 pm

  After driving a mini-van for 10 years, we were ready for a new vehicle to fit us and our 4 kids. We looked at the Ford Freestyle, Saturn Outlook, Chrysler Pacifica and accidently ran across the Acadia. It blew them all away. This vehicle has it all. Style, function, power, class, convenience, room for the kids and their stuff. We took it on a long road trip and it handled superb on the highway with minimal road noise and good gas mileage. The ride was smooth and comfortable for everyone! We used OnStar to help with navigation and loved it. GM got it right with the Acadia.

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  Fun to Drive - 2009 GMC Yukon XL
  By Joseph - May 7 - 8:10 am

  Bought our Yukon in Sept. to have another towing vehicle and for family trips. Its been great. We are enjoying the cylinder shut down feature (v8 to v4) as it gets mileage around 17 when warmed up. Comfort and ride are great (go for the autoride). Enjoying the dual row heated seats and the autostart. Would like to see more details for the money (blind spot monitoring or mirrors, pin lights for night time cabin lighting, more cubbies for storage). I too would suggest moving the compass/temp back to the center. The overall fit and finish has been very good with only one problem with a plate cover in the inside the door handle. Vehicle has met our needs for volume, handling and comfort.