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 SUV - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By keeganxx55 - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I have wanted one for several years but the price this year was great. It is comfortable and I just love all about it. I am surprised at Edmonds with their review. I cant beleive with the way the Ford Explorer flips that they rate it higher. This one is luxary inside and it is so roomy. I am very pleased with it

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  Great vehicle for the SUV Enthusiast. - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By crypkeypr - September 28 - 12:15 am

  I purchased the vehicle for $8,700 just recently and already have driven it well over 500 miles in a 2 week span. Everything I have looked at so far shows it has almost if not all factory equipment and parts. The 6 disk changer was damaged but with the built in cd player I removed it and wired in a usb device to allow playback over the factory radio. The ride is far more than I expected from such a large vehicle, the engine is perfect for the size. I have had no issues with the interior or exterior giving any aged problems. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a superb SUV that has all the bells and whistles to go with it.

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  Luv it - 2000 GMC Yukon
  By reddogsr4u - September 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought this vehicle on Ebay 5 states away, and it has been an awesome purchase. Rides like a dream, with all the amenities. 15-16 MPG is far lower than I hoped, however it is well within the expected range.

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  Have the editors driven this? - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Brandhoe - September 26 - 2:00 am

  Superior ride off-road, great interior design, great passenger and cargo space. Great power combined with fuel economy rarely seen in vehicles of this size. I dont think the editors that rated this at 6.x have even driven one of these. I think they must be GM-haters, cuz this kicks butt on pretty much everybody else.

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  the supats - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By Richard Supat - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Very satisfied with our SUV. Would like to purchase a new model.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By BradandSusan99 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  With the introduction of kids into my life, I knew I needed my wife and I needed a bigger vehicle. We werent ready to concede to a minivan yet, and the Yukon turned out to be a great choice. We actually got one on the road cheaper than a Tahoe, which at the outset I didnt think would be possible. The ride is great, it is very roomy, and the big V8 pulls the vehicle along well. The only minus is gas mileage, but if you are worried about that, you shouldnt be looking at an SUV anyway.

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  RodeMasters New Yukon - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By RodeMaster - September 23 - 2:00 am

  While looking for a full size SUV--I looked at lots of models. GMCs Yukon not only turned my head, but made me a True Believer. First off, a great looking truck, and in Black, it looks fast standing still. The 4.8 has tons of low end, so quick pullouts into traffic are a breeze. The DVD-Sunroof package is the best invention for long road trips yet. The ability to plug in the XBox makes this entertainment center a winner (the rest of the car can listen to the audio of the DVD, or not--Nice feature).

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  Great Car - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Todd Gluski - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Early on there were some minor issues with the vehicle. Since then this is the best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Awesome - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Paul - September 19 - 11:46 pm

  Traded in Ford, Bought the new 2500HD. The first thing I noticed was the awesome interior, The stock 6.0 with the auto 6 speed was next to put a grin on my face, the big block power out of that little motor is amazing. I say to all who are interested, The new GMC Sierra is an awesome truck, with plenty of power to do what ever you would like!

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  Whats not to like about the new Canyon? - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By greg_mgoblue - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Ordered in Nov. 2003 and it finally arrived in March 2004 but worth the wait. Trading down from an 02 Sierra that ran flawlessly for 95,000 miles in 2 years was a tough decision but with fuel over 2 bucks a gallon and 3 fill- ups a week something had to change. The choice was made easier when I saw pics of the new truck. WOW! 21 MPG with the I-5, plenty of power, holds speed on the mountains here in Northern "Kaaalifornia" (California for the rest of the you)