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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  The Best - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By MoniqueC - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Working for GM I am able to drive quite a few diffrent vehicles. This is definately my favorite one so far. I love this truck. The performance on and off road are number one. If your looking to purchase a new truck give this one a chance to win you over. It did me.

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  NIce vehicle for the price - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By mph33 - June 10 - 9:11 pm

  This is the second Envoy we bought. My wife is the primary driver. The last one we had was the 4 wheel drive SLT. Very pleased with the pricing and is an excellent family SUV. The 8 cylinder gives it more power and does not really effect the gas mileage. Much better than the 6 cylinder in our last one.

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  Great SUV - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By walt7873 - June 10 - 12:32 am

  Purchased my Envoy new late in 04. I havent had any major problems with my SUV. The engine was running rough at 40,000 and the dealership repaired no charge. (sensor failure) Other than that it has never been in the shop and we now have almost 60,000 miles. It is very versatile and functional vehicle. I am a homeowner and going to Lowes or Home Depot I can buy almost anything and dont have to think about how I can get it home. I love the back glass opening as it makes it easy to hual my surfboard without having to put it up on racks. When I go golfing I can put transport the whole foursome with clubs and everyone is comfortable. I love my Envoy!

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  The GMC Acadia is Awesome! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Jeff - June 7 - 2:50 pm

  We just picked up our loaded GMC Acadia Friday night and are extremely happy. The vehicle is well built inside and out and is a pleasure to drive. Lots of bells and whistles to keep you occupied in your spare time. Im 62" and I have more than enough room. This vehicle drives so smoothly, it feels like your driving 55 when youre really going 85(oops!). Handling is superior to other vehicles weve owned. Its a real head turner when your driving down the road. I saw numerous Envoy owners trying to catch up with us to get a peak. The Acadia will be a real winner for GMC. The motor has more than enough power to get up and go. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone. Watch out Soccer Moms!

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  A great ride - 1995 GMC Safari
  By Dave - June 5 - 3:56 pm

  This is the second one we have owned, first was an Astro we sold with 265000 miles. This has been extremely reliable. Bought it with 99000 miles, it now has 174000 and runs great. AWD feature is awesome in snow. We did have one problem which people should be aware of as there is no info in the owners manual. Always have the same size tires on all 4 corners. We used the spare after a flat (I use 60 series tires on it) and had to replace the front differential after driving it only 30 miles! $1600 repair. We tow a boat and utility trailer all the time and it works great. Just an excellent product.

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  So disappointed - 2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid
  By alex170 - June 4 - 10:06 pm

  I bought the Yukon new in 09 thinking the hybrid would save me some money on gas, well it did not preform nearly the way it was proclaimed to. It seemed to be cheaply built. The remove-able 3rd row was almost unusable as they were so heavy to put back in that it took two people

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  Dont Bother - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By Ron - June 4 - 12:34 pm

  First 12k was fine, then the head went twice within 200 miles. Truck has 23k on it now and is falling apart. 4th gear grinds (common, parts on back order 2 weeks) and locks out of reverse easily (tsb its so common of a problem) beautiful styling, but falls short on reliability and quality of fit & finish. No more GMs for me, buy a Tacoma, youll be happier. 23k new, 2 years old, worth trade in $9,200. No resale value and I get 19-22 city, 29- 32 highway.

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  2004 GMC Sierra SLE 5.3 litre - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By REber - June 4 - 3:30 am

  The truck is more care like than truck. The suspension is soft and bottoms under heavy load. Ive never attained the fuel economy declaired, only about 13 to 17 at best. Its been recalled once. The brakes have never been grippy enough. GM says the dashboard may go out at 70,000 miles and the stearing column center shaft went out twice. Now the left front wheel bearing is going out. The truck has not been abused!! I want to buy American but the quality needs to improve before that happens again! Most of the miles are highway miles with lite loads. The repairs have been very pricy. I purchased the truck new and there are only 39000 miles on it.

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  Love it - on my second one - 2002 GMC Safari
  By akgirl - June 3 - 1:12 pm

  During the Alaskan winters the side door is great. We all pile in shut the door keep warm and then buckle up. Three kids and friends always fit very comfortable. Lots of room for everyone and their stuff and I can still get groceries.

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  The Envoy is Awesome! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By JWR1996 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  GM has really done a nice job with the Envoy. It seems as thought they are actually taking some of the foreign car interior features and combining them with the old GM American options. I think it has great styling and some really super features.