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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  Great vehicle - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By dave bishop - April 29 - 1:56 pm

  Rides nice, drives easily. Love the XM radio with controls on the steering wheel. The OnStar gives you peace of mind. Lots of storage when back seats are down. It is everything I expected it to be.

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  My Yukon is always in the shop! - 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
  By ahurley - April 28 - 4:30 pm

  The actuators that move the door locks keep burning out, one after the other. I am on my fifth replacement. I will be contacting a lawyer when the next one burns out.

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  Good truck - 1991 GMC Sonoma
  By Capt Phil - April 28 - 2:36 pm

  Bought this Sonoma used, from private party, but was a previous utility company truck. It had about 70,000 miles then, and now has 130,000. Its handy, and has hauled well over a ton(!) in the bed, plus towing a heavy trailer. The 4wd shift lever on the floor is far superior to the later push-button models, which are much more complicated, more expensive to repair, and cannot be shifted on-the-fly, as the floor lever can be (2wd to 4wd hi, only - you have to stop to get it into lo 4wd). All in all, a robust little truck, easy to get into the tight off-road places Ive taken it. I also have a lumber rack, which can put excessive strain on the bed supports. I had mine reinforced.

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  Good Vehicle - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Michael - April 28 - 12:45 pm

  Very spacious and comfortable. I am surprised on how little cargo storage room there is. It has a huge center console but that is it. Gas stinks but ,hey, its a big vehicle. The interior is all plastic and the fake wood finish scratches very easily. Even most chrome accents are plastic underneath.

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  Professional Grade - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Rick - April 28 - 11:00 am

  I have owned my GMC Envoy for over 2 years now. I drive my truck usually on weekends and for road trips. I had only 3 problems so far. The first was the wiring harness going to the left tail light, the center 12 vdc adapter blew a fuse. Thirdly, my gear shifter handle became loose. This will be my last american vehicle that I will buy.

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  Nice Ride - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By Mrs. T - April 28 - 9:51 am

  I know I am not the norm, I had my previous car for 12 years. Yes, 12 years. I only had 106,000 and cried like a baby when I sold it to a friend of mine. I have looked at the Envoy since 2004 and decided this was the year to buy it. (Also the last year they are making them) I love my Silver Mist color, have had many a compliment when out driving. I have a sunroof and the nice stereo. I just put 1000 miles on it this weekend. I am kinda disapointed in the gas mileage but I guess it is to be expected with an SUV. I love the staightline 6 I have, it has a lot of get-up-and-go. So in short, love it!!!

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  worst car ever - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Jocelyne - April 28 - 9:15 am

  Worst car I ever have bought this 2010 terrain in 2014 since I bought this car it being nothing but problem I greatly regretted put my money in this gmc terrain

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  A BIG DISSAPOINTMENT - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By SPRUCEKNOB - April 28 - 7:30 am

  We bought this truck in September 2007 and have had it to the garage 7 times since.We had to replace the speakers,head lights,and turn signals.our local mechanic told us that we would have to rotate the tires after 5,000 miles because this model has had front axel problems. sure enough our tires were wearing out prematurely and consumer reports have labeled this truck as a used vehicle to avoid. we finally gave up dealing with the headaches of this truck and bought a subaru.

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  problems - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By seva - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Im really scared. I bought this vehicle 2 weeks ago. The engine is not turning over until the third attempt. I left it with a GMC dealer 3 days after purchasing this car and the dealer said they could not re-create the problem. The day I picked it up it would not start until the third attempt again. Today, going 5 MPH the car just stalled out and the car following me almost rear-ended me. Please share any info if you have any similar problems!!

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  Goodbye Jimmy, hello Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Marge O - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Unlike its predecessor, Jimmy, I find the Envoy SLT to be all I wanted it to be. Stylish, comfortable, easier flow- like ride, very quiet interior, not noisy like Jimmy. All of its interior components like On Star, XM Satellite radio,sound system, and having the availability of the controls on the wheel is absolutely fabulous. Making turns left/right is made easier to handle. Not rugged like Jimmy. Doesnt feel like Im driving a truck.