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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  For fun buy the Envoy! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Rodney Maerz - February 11 - 12:16 am

  I think this is a good bang for the buck. The outside appearance is classy. Body and frame are well built for a smoothe quiet ride. The interior is the most comfortable of all we test drove (Lexus RX300, Mercedes ML320, BMW X5). The only thing lacking in this vehicle is front seat cup holders (2) and easy to reach storage. Dont let that keep you from owning this magnificent SUV!

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  Solid truck - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Pulls a lot - February 9 - 1:20 pm

  Good solid truck. Looks good going down the road drives even better handles well. The leather interior worth every penney. We us it for our buisiness and pull a trailer often. It pulls like there is nothing behind it. It also pulls our RV agian sometimes I forget I have the trailer hooked up strong truck. I wanted the 6.0 but the dealer could not find one that met my other requirements. Smaller engine pulls well but works hard on grades.Cab is so air tight that I have to roll the windows down to close the doors to keep them from rattling.

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  Best Truck Ive owned! - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Josh Wiese - February 8 - 7:10 pm

  Bought truck approx 5 weeks ago. Every aspect of the truck is as good if not better than I anticipated, no buyers remorse whatsoever. Great city or highway comfort and performance. Needed upgrade to Crew Cab for growing family, they love the new truck. Cant wait to see the full effect of the 20mpg (hwy) mileage, only have 1500 miles on truck so far. Ive owned a 93 Toyota and a 88 GMC, and this new one blows them away with quiet ride, power, great looks, quality, and comfort. Highly recommend it! Great job GMC, keep it up.

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  Great Family Ride - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Desaree - February 6 - 12:26 am

  My husband traded in our 98 Oldsmobile Aurora for this crossover. Its the first SUV we have owned. I am pleasantly surprised at how smooth this vehicle drives. The interior is very well designed and convenient. I havent had any problems to date. I was worried about driving an SUV since I have only owned cars, but I feel absolutely safe and secure in this car. The kids love all the space in the back, and they also enjoy the ablity to play their own music or CDs. The fuel economy is ok I expect it to get better with more miles. I am so happy with my husbands decision to get us a reliable safe car while he is away. I have only owned GM cars, and will never own anything else

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  Greta truck - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Alan - February 5 - 10:30 pm

  This has been a great truck. One person wrote that his wouldnt tow, but he had the 6 cylinder. Why someone would not buy a V8 for towing is beyond me. My 5.3 has been flawless and I often tow a boat, motor, and trailer weighing 7000 lb and the G38 locking differential has allowed me to get up any boat ramp. I added a K&N cold air intake and Gibson cat back exhaust and get 22 MPG on the interstate and and 28 at 55 MPH.

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  Best Large SUV in its class - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By John Mearis - February 3 - 11:40 am

  The comfort and ride is unmatched for its class. The Denali beat out Excurison, and Surband hands down.

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  It Wont Die - 1995 GMC Yukon
  By Georgian - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Prior to my possesion, the trans. just basically collapsed. I had the entire trans. replaced & i havent had any trouble with it since. The space is above and beyond. Recently I went to go pick up a Double-size mattress. I wasnt quite sure if I would fit, but I took the risk, and sure enough, both the box springs and mattress fit perfectly!

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  Great Luxury but Capable SUV - 2017 GMC Yukon
  By JNE - February 1 - 9:40 am

  We did alot research on SUVs and found some challenges with capacity, luxury and a reasonable price. We really liked the Lexus LX 570 but the price 90K+. We looked at the Infiniti QX80 and while it was clearly the most luxurious the exterior was less than desirable. We considered the Cadillac Escalade but found that it had the same capacity and motor as the GMC Yukon Denali at 20K+ dollars more with interior differences. We also considered the Tahoe but when we priced it out with all the options it was the same price as the Denali. All in all the Yukon was the best bang for the buck and quite frankly it just looked better. Our research showed that it was a mix of happiness with owners from 15 and 16 years as these models had alot or recurring issues. We learned that many of the issues were to be resolved in 2017 and decided to lease one. Ours is fully loaded and we really like the technology GM brought to the table. The onstar app and myGMC app are designed well. Our only issue is that sometimes the apple play doest start when connected to the iPhone and we are unsure if it is the USB port or the iPhone cable. It gets great gas mileage as well. We really like the look and the ride and love the fact that is a truck base SUV vs a car base which provides us with more options. If you are looking for a luxury SUV with technology, towing and capacity to seat that is truck base this is your truck.

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  My SUV - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By linda lou - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Handles well, VERY comfortable ride and we desin ged interior.

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  First impressions - 2004 2wd Envoy SLT - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By bocaratonfl - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Took delivery first week in august. All city driving so far. Avg mpg 15+. Rides and handles great. Plenty of gadgets to play with. Will take on first road trip this weekend.