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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  Better than the rest - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By David Romanyshyn - December 5 - 3:59 pm

  This has been an incredible truck! The engine is smooth and powerful, the suspension soaks up bumps better than my roommates 2001 Accord, there are no rattles anywhere, and everything feels solid and of great quality. I especially love the crisp shifting of my 5-speed Aisin manual. Compared to my fathers 2002 Ranger, this truck is way ahead in all areas. I highly recommend one!

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  Delightful Denali - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Crum - December 5 - 12:31 pm

  Our Yukon Denali has proven to be an extremely practical vehicle. Whether it be for hauling office materials used in our educational consulting business or escorting the grandsons the Denali is always a pleasure to use. The grandsons particularly enjoy the DVD as the view their favorite programs on long trips.

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  Tremendous DENALI Tremendous - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Michael Tornier - December 2 - 6:03 pm

  What an unbelievable surprise. This truck rides better than Germans. More power and computer gadget controls than my so called "high tech BMW 7". Everything actually works like advertised, ride is good, brakes have been worked through very nicely for precise feel. Very proud this GMC is made in America. Would not have purchased otherwise, but very, very glad we did. Oustanding Quality Truck.

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  Canyon - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Cindy Miller - December 1 - 7:02 pm

  I personally think that it is probably the best vehicle on the road.I would recomend it to the whole world.

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  Homerun - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Chad - December 1 - 6:36 pm

  I was looking at the Terrain over the past month as we comparison shopped. We look strongly at the Toyota Venza, Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Edge and CR-V. But these couldnt match the standard features, comfort, ride and looks that the Terrain had. I had first taken a new Equinox for a drive and even though it is pretty much the same vehicle, I found the Terrain to have better interior finishes and a more confident stance and feel than its Chevy counterpart. I also preferred the red ambient lighting compared to the blue of the Equinox. Also liked the truck looking front end better. Ended up with the SLE-2 V6 in Mocha Steel.

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  The Family Cruiser - 2000 GMC Savana
  By Carl Mundell - November 30 - 2:32 pm

  We have owned our GMC Savana for almost five years now. The van is always a pleasure to drive. I have a large family and we designed the van to meet our needs. The van was the first extended van the conversion company created. It sets nine, six captain chairs and a fold down bench in the back. The van glides down the highway and has had only one recent mechanical problem. The sending unit in the gas tank went bad. My only interior problem has been the interior panels on the back door staying in place when they are closed. My everyday MPG is about 12.5 and trips are between 14.5 to 16. I believe thats very good for a 1 ton extended van fully loaded with a large cargo carrier on top.

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  2005 is a good year for Envoy - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By dougp - November 30 - 12:06 pm

  Ive only had my Envoy SLT vehicle for a short time, but, am very pleased. I looked at the Explorer (small inside), 4-Runner (rough ride at lower speeds), MDX (nice but very pricey), & Trail Blazer (didnt care for). Maybe its personal preference, but, these other vehicles dont even rate in my eyes. Both luxury & performance in the Envoy are exceptional. Beyond the MDX there is no comparison between the Envoy & the others. If Edmunds feels the interior is cheap or full of plastic then they better go look again. I saw exactly the opposite with my evaluation. The ride (on roads) is very smooth and the vehicle turns quite nicely I dont off-road.

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  Happy I switched to diesel - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By SLC, UT - November 29 - 1:46 am

  I traded in a 2004 F150 4.6L with 25,000 miles to get a 2008 GMC 2500 6.6L diesel. The performance is unreal. I am getting over 13 mpg, which is the same as the 150 on Premium and I get 3 times the power. The ride, fit and finish are as good or better and the information center is a real boon. The shakedown will continue for another six months but for the first 30 days I could not be more pleased.

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  Terrific Vehicle - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Diggers Denali - November 28 - 2:45 am

  I just got the car and it is a blast to drive. The ride is very smooth and yet solid at the same time. The acceleration at any speed is great, it will put you back into your seat. The engine sounds nice at idle and it is barely audible while at speed - perfect! The features that are in this car, such as XM radio, DVD, Navigation, heated seats, power everything, sun roof and soft leather make driving more of an experience than just ride to your destination.

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  Great suv , whats not to like about the GMC Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Michael Zappia - November 24 - 7:58 pm

  Its a 4.2 liter V6, has plenty of power the transmission works great , smooth shifts, very attractive , reliable, fun to drive , 4WD works great , The SLE trim model is cloth seats , FM/AM radio, power seats, OnStar, Alloy wheels, The SLt model is a step up with leather heated seats and Bose speakers, Envoy Denali has entertainment system with navigation and bose speakers and comes with a powerful 5.3L V8. I have a 2003 SLE model and it has 235,xxx miles on it and is the best car we have ever owned , its never had any issues and continues to be a great daily driver. The GMC Envoy is a great SUV to buy, you will get more for your money than any other vehicle.