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 Envoy is Awesome!!!! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By igoldberg - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I have dirven my new Envoy for one week now, and could not be happier. Prior to my Envoy I have owned Jeep Grand Cherokees. There is simply no comparison. The ride is smooth, the seats have great support, and the features are extremely well thought out. In fact, to date I have yet to listen to any local radio station because I have been enjoying XM that much. Oddly enough, I havent experienced the windnoise that other reviewers have mentioned. I strongly recommend this vehicle to anyone shopping for an SUV.

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  I Love My 2004 GMC Yukon - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Rebel-Chick - August 21 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 3 Cheverolet Tahoes (1995-1998-2001)and none of them can compare with my new GMC Yukon. Its a littler fancier than my Tahoes with retractable moon roof, 6 CD changer, OnStar, XM Satellite Radio), and it runs like a dream. I wish it didnt have that third row seat, or that it could be retractable like the Ford Expedition. All in all, I love my Yukon and think it is one of the finest vehicles on the road today. It makes my son and I feel safe and secure and it drives excellent.

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  BEST SUV FOR THE BUCK - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By dARBY - August 21 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL SUVS, BEST YET

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  Great SUV! - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Lula - August 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Envoy. Great handling, super comfortable ride, plenty of interior room, and decent gas mileage kept me from buying any other SUV. Lots of extras like woodgrain interior and soft leather seating puts it right up there with the luxury vehicles.

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  A Nice Truck! - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500
  By mark1qhorsey - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Weve driven a 2004 Sierra 2500HD(crew cab)for about 1000 miles. Roomy, excellent fit and finish and performance. I really like the instruments, (XM radio-rocks!) and seat belts. Yes. Its a nice touch to embed the belts into the front seat backs. Gas mileage is average-13.5 mpg here. The instant fuel economy readout helps optimize mpg. We use 88 octaine. GMC convert. Nice Truck!

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  What a great SUV - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Chicop - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive been lucky enough to have owned many new cars in my life but this Denali is the best. Room and power to spare.

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  envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Timothy Lingle - August 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a great SUV for Families of 5. It is not a monster truck so it is easy to reach the 3rd row from the rear door and easy to drive and park if you live in a big city. They put a shelf in the cargo area which doubles the limited space. The seats flip and fold easily the kids can do it themselves. I love the way it drives and the handling is great but the brakes could be a bit tighter. Overall its fun to drive.

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  Very Pleased - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By stacey32 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I am very pleased with my new Envoy. Having driven a car prior to this I feel much safer - yet I did not have to lose the sportiness and handling that I had liked in my car. I receive many compliments on my vehicle and I love having so much room to haul everything around. Great job on this GMC!

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  Impressed - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Kimbrough - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Since purchasing our Envoy, I have been very impressed how quiet the SUV is in the city as well as on the highway. Plus, with a chrome grill guard and PIAA lights, its a great looking ride.

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  Best LuxuryTruck/ SierraDenali AWD 6.2 L - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By X. Joseph - August 13 - 9:56 am

  Just bought this incredible machine. I bought it for the engine even though gas prices are high. It gets decent mileage for its powerhouse 403hp 6.2 liter engine. Best stock V8 horsepower of any brand and you still can chip it to 500hp +. The interior is refined and classy. It looks like my BMW 5 series inside. You can buy a regular fully loaded 4X4 crew and pay the same price. I feel this is the best deal in luxury trucks.approx. 40-45k depending on options. The cadillac escalade has become synonomous with bling bling and hip hop.- it is a little to showy for me. This Denali is not so showy and has a beautiful interior. So far no problems as I am babying it until 1000 miles. Super quality.