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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  Best of Show - Yukon - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By campertom - May 3 - 2:00 am

  Having owned a variety of vehicles and makes (Jeep, Ford, Volvo, Olds, Isuzu, Porsche, VW - and driven most others) Ive been fortunate never to run across a lemon but could always easily produce a "wish" list of what could have been better. This Yukon is near perfection - very comfortable, powerful, and looks great! I cant wait for my next one!

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  GMC ENVOY - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By aeflightnurse - May 3 - 2:00 am

  A joy to drive with many options available. On Star comes standard. Drives much more like a car than a truck or SUV, a quiet, smooth ride.

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  Rays SUV - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Ray Helms - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for two and one half years and have driven it 37000 miles. It has performed exceptionally well in every respect.I have not been disapppointed in any way.

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  Love this Envoy XL - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Marvin Ivey - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Great Vehicle! bought new in Jan 04, have 10,000 mils + already. Outstanding ride! Lots of room, (I got the XL model) very, very quiet. Comfortable, w/good features. Better fuel economy than I expected. Getting from 16 to 19mpg. Have owned numerous vehicles, and so far, I like this vehicle best of any of them. Opted for this Envoy because of potential economy with 6 cylinders, yet plenty of power with a 4.2L. Also when younger (now age 68) I drove a lot of cars & trucks with "straight sixs" and never had a bad one. The Dealer gave me a good deal w/0% financing. Overall Im a happy camper.

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  Envoy LUV - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By mrssmith - April 29 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Envoy for only a month, but I love it! I dont even mind making the payments!

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  damn good truck - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By claycm18 - April 27 - 2:00 am

  i got the 3.5L engine, you should too it is great This is a tough truck

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  I love this SUV! - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By jf - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I love this SUV! My kids and I always loved driving it. The Nav was great and always handy. Spacious in all rows and back storage. Love the truck/stiff suspension. Loved having the mp3 player jack to listen to whatever and however much we wanted on long trips. Didnt get a chance to tow with it. Due to our own budget, had to turn it in before we wanted. Gas mileage for everyday driving wasnt good but thats what you get for a tow vehicle. About $100 to fill the tank at $3 + per gallon. That was the only drawback. Would love to get another one someday, but it would be overkill with the kids getting older and nothing to tow.

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  One Big Truck - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Paul Harrison - April 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my dream truck. 12 MPG City/16 Highway - no better even with Mobil 1. The 6.0L is fine for commuting, racing punks in Civics and hauling stuff from Lowes. It does work hard to tow a 6,000 lb. camper. The 6.0L is a revver not a torquer. If you do more than occasional towing, the Duramax is the choice for you. The 8.1L gets 9 MPG so think carefully before making that choice. It hauls 2 tons, thats right, 2 tons of gravel without squatting or skipping a beat. The OEM Bridgestone tires wore out at 45K and because it has to work to tow a moderate trailer, I gave it a 9. It is a monster to park, especially in a parking garage so Fun to Drive is a 9.

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  I Love my Yukon XL - 2018 GMC Yukon XL
  By Neil Brooks - April 21 - 2:26 pm

  I had a 1996 GMC Suburban for 20 years and thought I would never like the Newer Yukon XL Well I was wrong its a technology filled Beast that is easy to drive and its like sitting in your living room easy chair driving down the highway. The ride is a bit rougher than my Old Suburban because of the 22" wheels but looks sharp and not too much of a sacrifice, I did not think I needed all of the technology but find myself using most of it.

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  MY YUKON XL - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By YUKONRN - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Excellently designed and engineered vehicle