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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  Get out your checkbook - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By DLP - February 5 - 9:25 am

  Bought this vehicle as new because of the spacious interior (had third seat option) and ability to pull a boat. Luckily, I purchased and extended warranty. However, I still have a $200 deductible to pay for each repair. Thus far, I have already had to replace the radiator and water pump. The vehicle is back in the shop today for replacement of the back lift gate window hinges, and for an engine rattle. I have also had occasional problems with the "Service 4WD" coming on at random times. In addition to mechanical issues, the highway and air noise when driving is fairly annoying.

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  Almost Perfect! - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Sheepless - February 4 - 2:10 pm

  Before purchasing this vehicle I researched everything about it to the inth degree. I ended up trying to decide b/t the 08 Tundra and the 08 Sierra. I test drove the Tundra and liked it, immediatly following I went and test drove the Sierra and fell in love. MPG is as advertised. I can feel the v8 switch to 4cyl but no one else in the veh can, not a bid geal. My 2 dislikes: the brakes and transmission. Simply put, replace the rear drums with the Tundras disc brakes and replace the 4 speed tranny with a 5 or 6 speed and you have the perfect truck! The 5.3 (w the 4 speed) feels less beefy than you would expect. All in all, I am extremely pleased. I am now a GM man for life.

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  Great car whenit starts! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By cardozatwins - February 4 - 12:52 pm

  I love my Acadia but Id love it a lot more if it was dependable. We bought this car to be the new family ride but 2 weeks after purchasing it, we started having problems. The car wont start at times and we need a jump to get it going. Once started runs fine. This is not a cold start problem and the battery has been replaced, and it still has problems. The dealership has been great trying to solve the problems but the manufacturer rep. and the car itself have been a little difficult. We have named our car "Sybill" and are now considering the "lemon law" to get it replaced.

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  2003xlquadrasteer - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By stack - February 2 - 2:00 am

  great suv, handles great

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  GMC denali 2003 - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By CORVETTEKID - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Gmc Denali is by Far the Best SUV on the Market. You Will not be Disappointed. The 6.0 V8 is awesome.

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  Awesome ride! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By LFerr - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Wow! What a comfortable ride in this SUV! As soon as I test drove (24 hour GM test drive special) the SLT model of the Envoy, I was in love. SLT model had some incredible bells & whistles. Although, we chose the SLE b/c we wanted cloth interior. Have been really impressed w/ the quality of interior & ride. Seats have confort & pleny of room for cargo & kids.

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  Wonderful SUV - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Rbauman - February 2 - 2:00 am

  What a beautiful looking SUV, exterior and interior! Always was a Jeep man, Im so glad I made the switch! Try it, youll love it! RLB

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  Stunning piece of work! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Elphyn - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving only Toyota products since 1980, but I fell in love with this vehicle at first sight (at a 7 Eleven gas pump). So, not to be fooled by a pretty face, I read everything I could find on it. It seemed my American-built vehicle had finally arrivedt. I got the SLT with plenty of options (Bose system, sunroof, polished wheels, etc.) I love the look, the feel, the ride, the leather smell and the entire package. Its the best Ive ever had. I visited a few dealers before I found the exact vehicle I wanted, but none compared to Moore. Everyone, was eager to please and got me in and out in a big hurry, without trying to push anything on me I didnt want.

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  Leaks everything. - 1997 GMC Sonoma
  By Bob - January 31 - 9:02 am

  Has leaked oil, coolant, trans lube, freon since the day I bought it. GM would do nothing. Had to drive a whole year without heat because nobody could figure out why or fix it. Noisy transmission. Mysterious electrical problems. Eats oxygen sensors. Needs new ones every 2 years. Drove about 4 years with the "check engine" light on. Hard to fix since everything is so tightly jammed in the engine compartment. I would not buy GMC again. Yeah, a Sonoma is not a "real" truck. But just because its small is no excuse for bad design and manufacturing. It wasnt a cheap truck.

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  44000 Miles of Fun - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By wsolveson - January 31 - 6:26 am

  I think I bought the first Yukon XL in town. This one was built at the GM plant in Mexico and has had the best quality of any vehicle I have ever owned. Awesome sound system. Trailers my 21 ft. boat smoothly.