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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  3rd Denali--Getting Ready for 4th - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Stan Arnold - September 13 - 2:00 am

  My wife was used to driving cars...until I got her into a GMC Denali. Now I cannot get her out of this vehicle! All of the features and benefits. I have sunroof and captains chairs as options. Everything else is standard! No mechanical/warranty problems in the previous 3 I have owned.

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  Great GMC! - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By GMC Fan - September 13 - 2:00 am

  This Yukon has been the best vehicle I have ever owned in terms of functionality and reliability. This is my first vehicle with a DVD system and it has been wonderful. The kids love it! The vehicle has had only one problem (clunk in steering column) which was quickly repaired with some lubricant. The engine and drivetrain are smooth and provide enough power to pull our snowmobiles and camping trailer. The tow/haul mode makes it easy to ensure you are in the correct gear for towing. The seats are easy to configure/remove and it has cup holders that actually work. The turning radius is excellent and parking in tight spaces is no problem. Great SUV.

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  My great new Envoy SLT - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Kimm - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I have had many great times in my Envoy with the rest of my family,we have traveled and the kids loved it, they never want to take anything else when we have to go anywhere.

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  Fun - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Jackie Woods - September 11 - 2:00 am

  I have really enjoyed this SUV. It is a smooth riding vehicle and I was able to carry 6 people w/ a baby car seat. I love this SUV and I plan to keep it for a long time.

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  Good Car and fun to drive - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Envoyowner - September 11 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. There is alot of room for our three kids (we got the third seat). Very comfortable interior for adults to sit in the rear seats. Only problem is it uses alot of gas, but we expected that.

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  Great Ride - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Dog Lover - September 8 - 2:00 am

  Great combination of Luxury ride and SUV practicality. Didnt plan on getting the stylish Denali, but couldnt leave it on the lot. Gets a lot of looks from others. Nice interior. Well worth the money.

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  Glad I didnt buy a Tundra. - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Cottonmouth - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive put 65,000 miles on it since I drove it off the lot 2.5 years ago and Ive been very happy with it. Feels like driving a car, but performs like a truck. Good gas milage, and Ive had zero problems with it. The 40/20/40 seats give great lumbar support.

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  My new fun vehicle - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By lorene braun - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy driving my envoy very much. I like the feel of being a little higher than someof the other vehicles and I think it handles very well.I have had 3 new pontiac Bonneivilles with all the bells and gadgets. I enjoyed them very much, but there wasnt enough room to take what I needed to with me to winter in Florida. I really feel my Envoy compares with my previous cars very well. I hope I have as good luck with this vehicle as I did with my Bonnevilles. I like this one very much.

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  Perfect Truck For Me - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By greencobra - September 1 - 2:00 am

  I was hooked after one test drive of the Z71 4x4. Rides and drives more like an SUV than a pickup. Little or no body roll around corners, and back end does not skip all around over rough pavement (or off-road) like my old 94 Silverado Z71. GM was right to sacrifice some towing capacity for better ride and handling. Folks who do serious towing and hauling are going to get a full size truck, anyway. This truck will perform any task most people will ever need, and is as comfortable as a car. I may not see the alleged 23 mpg, but I got a respectable (for 4x4) 19mpg on a recent trip at 75+ mph with air conditioning on, and the engine is not yet broken in.

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  Envoy has no equal - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By mpensing - August 31 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I love our Envoy! Its the sharpest looking SUV on the road and the inline 6 cyl. engine has great power and excellent performance. We tried the Explorer and 4 Runner, and there is really no comparison. The fit and finish on the Envoy is far superior and the interior really sealed the deal for us. Im sure well get another one when the lease runs out.