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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  GMC Lover - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Brad Largent - June 22 - 10:23 am

  I have owned 7 GMC/Chevy Trucks over the last 25 years. This truck measures up to the others very well. The only real complaint I have about it is the fact that that it is very light in the rear end. I am a disabled veteran and need to be able to move around in the cab quite a bit in order to stay comfortable and find that this truck gives me the freedom to do so very easily. Riding in friends trucks has shown me that I certainly made the correct decision when I chose this vehicle.

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  Loyal Yukon Owner - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By JR - June 21 - 4:56 am

  Best vehicle ever for long trips, most comfortable because of the seats. Great ride when replaced original tires with Michelins cross terrain suvs.

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  awesome - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Sal Ammander - June 21 - 2:00 am

  this is a great little truck

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  Love It - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Armaheadon - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought a used Envoy. After reading reviews, I opted for the 2003 over the 2002. I really love the truck and dont have any complaints. I did get the SLT with all of the extra options. The difference between the SLE and SLT are night and day if you like comfort. I wouldnt have bought the SLE version. Its a truck..not a car-based SUV. With that in mind.. there are only positive things to say about this vehicle. Comfortable, stylish, and very roomy for its class. I average about 20mpg..which isnt great.. but I wouldnt be driving a powerful SUV if that concerned me. Over all I would reccomend the Envoy SLT.

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  2004 Yukon Denali - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By dmsplets - June 18 - 2:00 am

  The engine has great response and good acceleration while towing a boat. The mileage is as good as we had with the 2001 Yukon with a smaller engine.

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  Denali Hauls! - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Black Magic - June 13 - 5:06 pm

  I have driven about 2200 miles in the first month. Half of the miles are towing a 5,500 lb. ski/wakeboard boat. This truck is incredible for towing. The AWD never spins on the ramp or backing up my 13% driveway with the boat. Loaded, the ride is excellent. Unloaded, it is a little choppy compared to my previous Yukon Denali XL. But, hey its a truck. Mileage is better than my 01 DXL at 14mpg average. Again, its a 345HP truck, its for hauling. Great truck. Unloaded, this thing is fast for a truck and fun to drive. No problems so far.

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  Aint that Canyon grand? - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Noble Pelican - June 13 - 2:00 am

  I have to say that the 2004 GMC Canyon is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have had the full sized Jimmy and the smaller Sonoma, but they dont even come close. Its very reliable ( only a quickly fixed battery light ) and drives like a dream. The XM Radio and stereo system are fantastic additions. I can blast out a song or calmly listen to an instrumental one without outside noise interference. The Inline 5 Vortec engine is smooth and does have power. The look of the vehicle from the front has gotten lots of favorable comments and I cant tell you how many times people have stopped in a parking lot to look at it.

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  Wow - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By kenny Bruck - June 12 - 5:20 pm

  What else can I say but wow . What an awsomwe driving experience. This vehicle handles like no other Ive owned. My wife drives this daily and this is the car we load the 4 kids and ourselves in on the weekends. (all kinds of room) The only thing I can say is that my hat is off once again to GMC for coming through with another winner. My family and I thank you.

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  This is a great SUV - 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
  By ransom777 - June 12 - 2:50 am

  I have owned this car for about a month and just love it. It is quiet, comfortable, and great to drive. I am averaging about 18mpg. The nav is great and the back up camera comes in very handy. There is a ton of room in this vehicle and it is a pleasure to drive.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By H3grand - June 12 - 2:00 am

  very good handling vechicle, I like the design better than the Chevrolet which I have had several, also is more luxurious than Chevy, Love my envoy