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:

• 

  Id buy another one - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By mkww33 - May 29 - 2:00 am

  It is absolutely the best vehicle i have ever owned. Its fun to drive, reliable, handles well, does very well in snow and it comfortable. The design is sporty yet you know you are in luxury. GM really did a good job of thinking of the consumer on this one.

• 

  A Superb SUV - Superb - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By jayoh - May 29 - 2:00 am

  GMC Envoy handles like a large sports car. I have no idea what some professional reviewers are complaining about. The car does not lean in turns. The steering is a good blend of smoothness and ease. The seats are the best. The off-road capability of this SUV is on par with the very best off-road vehicles in the world. Highway performance is great, but there is a little wind noise. The six cylinder engine is very powrful and you dont need the eight unless you tow a huge boat. The conveniece package is great and On-Star is the best idea in finding your way around the country. Overall, this is ten. I just wish the sun roof was larger and less noisy.

• 

  GMC Envoy 2004 - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Edbeau - May 28 - 2:00 am

  I have only had the vehicle for one week but I am very satisfied

• 

  Best in its Class - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Simple Truck - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I have been shopping for a crew cab Canyon for about ten months. They are very difficult to get, especially in 4wd. I have owned two S-10s in the past. I also test drove the following crew cab trucks: Dakota, Tacoma, and the Frontier. You will not find a better truck for the money. Do yourself a favor and at least go drive one.

• 

  GMC Envoy SLT-- too sweet! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By lwessel1 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  This is the first vehicle I have purchased, Japanese or American, that didnt require some tinkering from the dealer to get the annoying little bugs out after delivery. There were no bugs! My mileage is better that the EPA figures and hauling people and payload is a breeze. Road trips are a pleasure.

• 

  the gmc wonder - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By big ben - May 26 - 2:00 am

  contrary to maybe popular belief the vehicle is pretty much flawless.and has a very stable ride dont be fooled by consumers magazine.check it for yourself

• 

  Fun & Functional - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By GMeep - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a 2000 Eclipse because we didnt have enough room ever. I thought itd be the end of driving for fun now that I was getting a more "grown-up" vehicle. Was i wrong! The Envoy not only is one of the best looking SUVs on the market but is one the best Ive ever driven. The handling is better than most and with 275HP it can keep up with just about anyone on the road. The interior design is just as nice as those luxury models with having to pay an additional $20k. If youve never driven one, get to a GMC dealership as soon as you can and check one out for a 24 hour test drive!

• 

  Almost 2 years later still a great choice! - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By fieldt - May 24 - 2:21 pm

  Everything still works as advertised. I wish every decision worked so well.

• 

  Second Yukon - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By artie 92 - May 24 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Yukon. the first was a 1997 with 165,000 miles on it. I never had bit of trouble with it other regular maintenence. The 2004 is more that I expected.

• 

  Great Ride - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Dan - May 23 - 8:06 pm

  Great vehicle for golf trips. I load up 5 guys with golf clubs and luggage for a 4 day trip to Myrtle Beach. The ride is great and I use the GPS system all the time. Its great to find golf courses. Its my 5th Suburban, but, my 1st Denali and I love it. There was not enough difference between the Denali and the Escalade to justify the price difference.