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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  blah - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By indigocanyon04 - August 13 - 2:00 am

  i love my truck!!!

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  Yukon works for me - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By cardinal - August 13 - 2:00 am

  This has been a surprise. Didnt expect to want as large of a vehicle, but it is a joy to drive. Looks great and tows my boat with ease. No contest vs imitators. Worth the upcharge for Denali... Didnt see anything like it when shopping.

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  gmc - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Juan Rodrigez - August 12 - 10:00 am

  When I bought my sierra i wasnt sure if I would like it. But after Isaw it from the inside I changed my mind about the ford fi50. the GMC Sierra was much more confertable than the f 150 rear seats. that was the reason I bought it.

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  Had the 03 4Runner and the 04 Emvoy WINS - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By fdw - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased for the wife in July $9000 off MSRP what a deal, only wished we werent upside down in 4Runner. My wife loves her NEW 04 Envoy and hasent looked back at the 4Runner "sorry Toyota". The ride is so much better "sorry Toyota"

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  Room for the family - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By pleased user - August 9 - 10:00 am

  WE needed a vehicle to move a family of four. This truck does it in comfort! We have plenty of space and the vehicle has been incredible in its ride.

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  LOVE IT! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By KBuchanan - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I just love our new Envoy! This is a great SUV for the price. I compared the 4 Runner, which was easily more expensive and found this to be much more comfortable, especially for longer road trips. The interior feels plush and the exterior is gorgeous. I couldnt be happier about my choice.

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  2003 Satisfied Owner - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Bernard - August 5 - 2:00 am

  My native Floridian 2003 4x2 SLT handled 8" of Green Bay snow without a slip. Traction control works. No rattles or noises after my 3,000 mile trip. Acceleration and steering are at the top of the class. Very quiet and comfortable traveler. I would recommend this vehicle.

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  My Third ZR2 - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By REDI - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Like traveling with room and comfort long distance with your wife? Like to explore and use 4wd to find new trails with your laptop and GPS? Like to carry bicycles and gear? Like traveling remote Nevada dirt roads in 4WD High range at speeds up to 60mph? The extra ZR2 suspension and Bilstein shocks can handle anything. THIS IS THE TRUCK FOR YOU!

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  Encvoy -- a delight to own and drive - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By JP Hoover - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I have owned an Envoy for nearly three years and as a former Bronco and Toyota owner I remain as pleased with it as when we bought it. I has plenty of power, rides like my brothers 03 Cadillac, and handles better than most other 4x4s. Except an inconvienent front cup holder (in front of the shift) and a gas tank that is too small (18 gal), it a treat to drive or ride in on long trips whether on long straight-aways in Arizona and Texas, the rolling hills and curves of Oklahoma and Arkansas, or the twisting mountain roads of Colorado. The GMC Envoy is a definite "two thumbs up" vehicle!!

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  2005 GMC - 2005 GMC Sierra 3500
  By matin - July 25 - 11:56 am

  Good reliable truck, never given me any trouble. Used it for 6 months in hauling 200 pound trailer.