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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  Awesome SUV! - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By rnrwatts - May 8 - 2:00 am

  my husband and i are looking to save money on gas. Everything about this SUV has been wonderful. I did give it a 9 in fuel economy only because its what we expected when we bought a V8 SUV. This car run smoothly, handles accurately and have been a wonderful car for the last 2 years.

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  Gets me anywhere in style - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Yoga skier - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I ski the Colorado Rockies & actually use this SUV for what it was intended. Skiing in the winter, getting to trail heads in the summer. Totally dependable after 2 years & 23k. performance is good considering what kind of vehicle this is. Gas milage is reasonable at 18.5 combined city/mountain, 23 highway. Very comfortable. I am very satisfied and would recommend this truck.

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  moms envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By turbomom22 - May 8 - 2:00 am

  THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE AND THE SIZE MAKE ME FEEL SAFE. THE INTERIOR SPACE IS MORE THAN AMPLE. I LIKE THE RIDE AND THE WAY IT HANDLES. OVERALL, IT HAS BEEN ONE OF THE BETTER VEHICLES IVE OWNED.

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  Fun Ride - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By kc47 - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Very good vehicle, fun to drive, gets lots of good comments

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  1st time truck owner - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By t.gooch - May 7 - 2:06 am

  Ive always been a General Motors man since I can remember being allowed to drive the neighborhood mechanics 65 Fleetwood Brougham deElegance. Man that was sweet. Owned nothing but Cadi since 77. Been wanting a truck for the last 10 yrs. Researched Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Chevy, and GMC, of course GMC won me over. I love this truck. Just in hindsight, wish Id gotten the catback system with duals, chrome grille, the tonneau cover and 20s". Owned since Valentines day, 7,000 miles later, several trips to Memphis, one to Tupelo, I cant even complain about the gas mileage (great for a truck), flex fuel management is great. Thanks GMC you hit this one out of the park.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By mzlaz4602 - May 6 - 2:00 am

  I have nothing to say other than its an awesome SUV and I am glad that I got it!

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  Great Car - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By LHenne - May 5 - 2:00 am

  My husband works for GM, so to say the least we REALLY checked out all the midsize GM SUVs & decided on the Envoy. It has great handling. The interior is very nice. We are extremely please with the Envoy & would recommend it to anyone.

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  Yukon Denali - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Jon Rud - May 4 - 2:00 am

  The Denali has performed great under all conditions. We have driven through 3 blizzards and felt completely comfortable with the traction and handling. Towing a large boat and enclosed trailor are no trouble at all, you would not know that they are there except for the gas gauge moving. Which is my only complant about the truck, and for the power that it has I probably should not complain. I have put on 14,000 so far and it has been exceptional.

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  2004 Yukon - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By ExonicJay - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased my second Yukon. I really like features the 2004 model offers over my older 2000 model.

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  Great Truck. - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By super sonoma - May 3 - 2:00 am

  My experience with this vehicle has proved to be a very reliable one. i have not had one problem with it. GMC, keep up the good work. My Anti-locks have proved to be very reliable as well. If it is in your interest, add a dual exhaust like me for great performance and looks. Mine look great