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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  My first Pickup - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Bill - April 5 - 3:16 am

  Been driving 47 yrs and always wanted a pickup. Am I glad I got the GMC Sierra! Very good gas mileage with the 5.3 L 4/8cyl. Ave ~17-18 local and 21-23 highway. No significant complaints. Great comfort and handing.

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  Beats my wifes F250 - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By DBo;an - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Duramax, had a 2001 f250 figured Id try it. Man let me tell you, quite as a mouse compared to Dodge and Ford and the power surprised me. the leather is no comparison to Fords, (does Dodge have leather?) When we moved from W. Colorado to Central TX I pulled a trailer ( over 8,000 lbs) over those mountians not even much strain, fact had to wait for the Ryder at the top, but no surprise there. My wife wants one now, the ride is like a good sedan and Im not kidding its that good, my fuel varies between 20 - 21 mpg our Ford around 16mpg 4 people who have driven my truck bought one, best vehicle Ive ever had.

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  Great SUV - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Bill and Fran - April 2 - 2:00 am

  This is the most comfortable SUV I have ever driven. It handles smoothly on the highway with plenty of power when needed.

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  Great Truck/Car/SUV ?? - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Gouldani - April 1 - 10:30 am

  Had this SUV for about a month now and already put on 2000 KM. The fuel mileage is about what I expected getting about 25 mpg hwy and 17 mpg city, not too bad. Love the way this vehicle handles and is able to carry lots of stuff.

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  Great Truck - 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Bud H - March 27 - 11:56 pm

  This my first 3/4 ton truck. Now have 9000 miles on the clock. I have owned about ten 1/2 ton trucks over the last 40 years. I have owned mostly Ford trucks. GMC has really done well with this truck. It is the 6.0 gasser. I haul a travel trailer and perform routine around the house hauling. The powertrain and load performance difference between the GMC 1500 5.3 and 2500HD is huge. I get better gas mileage pulling a trailer with this truck vs. my 2008 GM 1500 5.3 gasser. I have been getting 17mpg on the highway without a load. 11 mpg pulling a 7000lb trailer on the highway. I believe the GM HD trucks are the way to go with either 6.0 gasser or the Duramax / Allison combination.

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  GMC ENVOY - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By J. Rauch - March 25 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for a really nice, fun SUV - the ENVOY is for you. My husband and I looked at many comparable SUVs like the 4Runner, Explorer, and the Cherokee, but noticed that they did not have the "nice" and "high-end" look that the ENVOY does. None of the other SUVs listed above had an interior that even comes close to the ENVOY. It is way more classy and stylish too! Another thing that I like about the ENVOY is the fact that it is the only SUV that does not come with a roll-over warning on the visor (which makes me feel a little safer), is has great pick-up on the go, a super quiet engine that you cant really hear and a really smooth ride.

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  Love the Envoy! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By rednekdiva - March 24 - 2:00 am

  This SUV rides better than any other Ive driven in its price range, even better than the Intrigue or Regal! Tons of power. Gas milage is more than I expected, though...about 16-21/gallon. Looks sharp, built tough, and very family friendly.

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  GMC Envoy SLE - Great SUV! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Sportsnut - March 24 - 2:00 am

  I researched over and over again looking for the one SUV I wanted. The Envoy was my first choice and even though my attention would sway to others, this is the one I got. Yea, I also read others have a better resale value like the Toyota 4 Runner but you cant beat the deals GMC is offering. I got a great vehicle $7000 less than the sticker MSRP. Im very happy with my purchase.

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  Great SUV..never lets me down. - 1994 GMC Yukon
  By CFIMuddog - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Yukon used in 97 with 35,000 miles on it. As of today it has just over 238,000 miles on it. I can honestly say it drives like the day I bought it. Great on and off the road. It will carry anything and is just as content blazing down the highway at 80mph as it is in the mud. I have replaced the usual wear out items but the engine and transmission are original are running great. It has all the power and torque I need and still gets 20 mpg on the highway. The highway ride is solid and comfortable and it will pull anything. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a do- it-all SUV that can carry 4 in quiet comfort.

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  Love It - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Rivi - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Not much to say at the moment, only had it for less than a week. What I can say is that it has alot of power.