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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  My 2000 Savana Conversion - 2000 GMC Savana
  By Keith Johnson - January 3 - 5:54 pm

  So far so good with this van. It is a big vehicle and sits high off the road. I have the 5.0 ltr motor which gives it decent power. A little noisy when you punch it to merge with fast traffic. Brakes are spongy but work when required. It is great if you have lots of kids. It seats 6 people very nicely. Very roomy and the heater is great. Good handling but tends to pull in high winds. It is a highway cruiser vehicle however, it handles nicely in town. Gas mileage is great. I like it a lot. I am glad I bought it. GMC makes a good quality vehicle which is why I bought this make of van. I have not yet drove it in deep snow which will be the real test for handling.

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  Charming Canyon - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Edwin Feliu - January 3 - 11:06 am

  This truck drives like any of the best Japanese SUVs, roars smoothly like a classic muscle car, the off road package gives you commanding visibility and a smooth ride that lures you for more driving, and the fuel economy is about 19-20 MPH if you stay in the highway. On wet pavement it is a steady stead. GMC successfully created the ideal SUV-truck hybrid: tough like a truck, yet spacious and comfortable like the best SUV. I am very impressed and pleased with the package and final invoice.This vehicle definitely and permanently changed my previous skeptical opinion and dislike for trucks in general.Thank you, GMC engineers, for this remarkable and extraordinary vehicular achievement.

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  Love my Jimmy - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Carol Evans - January 2 - 6:35 pm

  I love the handling in snow and ice, the reliability starting in heat and freezing temperatures. Very responsive handling, good cargo room. I wish the gas mileage was better. This vehicle has a small gas tank just like the Chevy Blazer, and Chevy Trailblazer. This product needs better gas mileage and a larger tank or a hybrid design.

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  Just got it - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By colorado grandparent - January 1 - 6:16 pm

  We just completed our first 250 mile trip. I cannot find a thing to complain about and lots to compliment. We traded in our 02 Envoy with 80,000 miles. The Acadia is much quieter on the highway -about the same gas mileage (22 hwy). We have grandkids visiting and the 7 passenger seating is ideal - the back seat is comfortable. My grandaughter pointed out there is even a 120v outlet in the back seat for laptops and dvd etc. We are very pleased thus far.

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  Denali - 2000 GMC Yukon Denali
  By Glen Amger - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Good power, great handling for a vehicle of this size, AWD helps in this regard in all weather. Power adjustable seat with heat quite the pleasure, along with reclining second row seating for longer trips. Gas milage suffers due to large engine, but much better than previous owned 4x4 Durango. Great ride!

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  Best car I every bought - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Mike - December 30 - 1:26 am

  Just picked up my loaded Denali on X- mas Eve. I had a pathfinder and a grand cherokee before and they dont even compare. The ride is 10x better in this truck than any truck Ive been in. The truck is Awesome, all I want to do is drive.

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  GMC Envoy - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Vern Rinus - December 21 - 8:41 pm

  A very reliable SUV. Comfortable ride, smooth handling, excellent pick-up. Excellent exterior design. Overall fantastic vehicle.

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  On The Road In A Canyon Pickup - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Kent Sherry - December 20 - 8:24 pm

  I like the exterior styling and had several friends remarked how great it looked. Of course there were some extras such as the mud flaps and running board. The first day out of the dealership I took it out on some snow covered mountain roads in Pennsylvania. The 4-WD high range feature came in handy and the change from 2-WD to 4-WD was fast and smooth. I purchased a unit with alot of extras such as an MP3 radio, power windows and side mirrors, and remote locks. The truck has a 6 cyl Vortex Engine that kicks out over 220 hp. It is being set up for towing and I plan to pull an 18 pontoon boat during the summer months.

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  Saved My Familys Life - 1998 GMC Suburban
  By haocamper - December 19 - 5:37 pm

  Our 1998 GMC Suburban was totaled in a wreck. Thank God we were in a Suburban! The vehicle rolled and ended up upside down on the expressway. The camper we were towing flipped on its side causing it and our truck to flip. I have three small children (still in carseats) and we all walked away without a scratch and my husband only had a nasty cut on his arm from the glass. The roof was barely crushed in. My husband is 66" and had plenty of head room in the Suburban - it saved his life. I will never own another vehicle but a Suburban seeing how well it held up in the crash. I only had to make minor maintenance repairs over the three years and 130,000 miles that we had it. We will soon be purchasing another one.

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  Envoy SLT Excellent - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By jan sankey - December 16 - 12:49 pm

  I have been driving my Envoy since August and even though it was used when I bought it, it performs and looks like a new Envoy. It is a delight to drive and the ride is fabulous. I will never buy any other brand of SUV. It is A+++