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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  First SUV - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By USAFmilitary - March 2 - 2:00 am

  My first SUV, took me over 6 months to decide. Test drove:Toyota 4-Runner (2003),Honda Pilot(2003), Infinity (QX4),Nissan Pathfinder, Jeep and Ford Explorer. Envoy.. best buy. Get the SLT (leather,woodgrain,major controls on sterring wheel,driver/passenger temp control etc). Love the way the SUV handles. Family more protected..side airbags and turn signals on the mirrors. DVD entertainment..overpriced. ONSTAR system.. overpriced. Free(yeah) for the first year. I choose to take the phone service in case of emergencies and no towers (reception for celluar phone was poor). Dont really know if I will use the Onstar system after the first free year.

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  Great SUV!! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Happy Driver 4U2C - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this 2003 SLT to replace my 2000 "Exploder" and what a difference between SUVs! The Envoy drives so much smoother with none of the wind or engine noise like the "Exploder". We bought it in Atlanta and drove to Michigan and back, through the snow, and the Traction Control made it handled like a dream, even without 4-wheel-drive. Average gas mileage was over 20 mpg! The heated seats also made it more comfortable!

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  Not so sure - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By not sure - February 29 - 1:55 pm

  My wife loves the car but I am still not sure. I am a large man and I am not very comfortable in the driver seat. It is somewhat cramped and I have to lower it down and slide it all the way back to get any room. There are some issues with the front tire sensors constantly saying check tire pressure or icey roads may occur even when it is warm and tires are inflated properly. Our oldest child has very little room in the third seat and it is not easy to get to the oil filter when servicing. Also a little big for the transmission, seems to shift very frequently or seems to be under a load constanly. A/C is not up to par

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  No buyers remorse here! - 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
  By Tex - February 29 - 12:13 am

  After the Hybrid stickers were removed, my family and I stand back and admire the beauty of this automobile. We had been persuaded away from American-made cars several years ago and went the way of the foreign minivan. We were leery of Government Motors, but are extremely happy with the quality of this vehicle. The ride is smooth, the gas mileage is really 20 mpg, and the cargo room is expansive with the last row of seats out. All our stuff can fit and when the grandparents come to town, everyone has ample room. GM did a great job without sacrificing anything. Its solid and the quality is on par with any Toyota/Honda/Nissan minivan out there!

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  Awesome! Yukon Denali - 2017 GMC Yukon
  By Dennis - February 28 - 5:28 pm

  If you do not mind the price, which is high, but as someone said you get what you pay for. I am over 60 years of age and this vehicle is amazing to drive. It reminds me of my dads 1973 Caprice Classic which had a 454 cubic inch monster. The heads up display is wonderful as is all the technological advances of the automotive industries. I received/took delivery during the end of August 2017. Every time I drive the vehicle i just smile! I have the 22 inch tires and I am actually impressed with the gas mileage, if you can stay off throttle. If you prefer a large SUV, you must give the Yukon Denali a try. I should have tried one years ago, but due to price I never pulled the trigger. I am glad I am able to enjoy the comforts of this Denali. I cannot say enough about this vehicle, just test drive one. You will not be disappointed.

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  worst truck i have ever owned. - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By trucksucks1 - February 28 - 3:14 am

  Truck has 34000 miles on it. Main turn signal switch went out, Door lock switch out, Airbag sensor out, Master window switch out ($400) for a switch! Truck now will not engage the starter, so its in the shop again. Do not buy any GMC or Chevy truck! Going back to Dodge.

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  Garbage Truck - Do not BUY!!!!!!! - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Jeff - February 26 - 8:33 am

  I have had repeated difficulty with the electronics resulting in electric locks going uncontrollably up and down and the vehicle shutting down. I was also disappointed in On-Star. After purchasing turn x turn directions, I learned that the sattellite was not working in my area. They just kept my money until I brought it up after asking for directions and receiving the new of not having sattellite coverage in my area. I tried made in the USA, and I lived to regret it. POOR JOB GM!!!!!

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  GMC Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By ploc36 - February 24 - 12:28 pm

  The ride & handling of this SUV is not as good as my previous SUVs, ie the Honda Pilot or Landrover Disco II, but the interior space & layout more than make up for that. This is an SUV built more for the riders than the driver. The engine is a bit lacking in power due to the weight, & an average of 14 mpg city & 17 mpg on the hwy is a bit disappointing.

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  Buying another GMC Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By buying another - February 24 - 11:45 am

  I am looking now to buy another. Fuel economy 19.7 in town 24.3 on highway. Simply a pleasure to drive and not afraid to move 6/7 people. Have not had one problem with Acadia. Would suggest staying with front wheel drive after driving first winter, no traction problems and better mileage. Quiet ride and have to watch the speed as it likes to get down the highway very good responsiveness.

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  Beast of Burden - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By Eric - February 23 - 11:10 pm

  Bought it new in July 2002. Excellent vehicle, particularly if you do a lot of camping or fishing. GREAT gear space when all seats are in use. Only 1 early problem, parking brake cable stuck under warranty, wearing out parking brake shoes. Only other problem - oxygen sensors went bad at 60,000 miles, too early, perhaps got splashed hard with salt brine or water. Good:The front disc pads lasted 70000 miles, rear disc pads 80000 miles, battery 5 years, changed it when I had the Dexcool coolant changed at 5yrs. Original tires lasted 70000 miles. No problems with A/C or transmission. Overall very reliable. 15mpg city, 14 mpg city when very cold. 20mpg highway at 55-60mph; 18mpg at 70. 17@75.