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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  2003 Yukon Xlnt Ride - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By motorman - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I am very surprised by the smooth ride of this large SUV. (2003) I dont even feel the speed bumps in my neighborhood. It is extremely quite, the AC is cold (I live in AZ). The turning radius is incredibaly small, which is not the case with my Chevy full size pickup. I get about 15 mpg around town. But, I believe that will improve with age, as have all my previous vehicles. Only complaint, the doors dont have that heavy feel or sound when I close them, but thats minor. The high profile view around town is an asset. I would definately buy another one, in fact my wife bought a Tahoe a few weeks after I got the Yukon.

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  Great vehicle - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By saplumr - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I tow a 20 7500lb car trailer throughout east coast and my Denali never misses a beat. Great pulling power over mountains. Fuel mileage is not good, but a trade off I will gladly take. I love this vehicle.

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  Love my Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Telle - October 9 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle. I wasnt even considering an Envoy and my uncle made me look at it. I got in to test drive it and didnt ever want to get out.

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  GMC Duramax - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By chz - October 8 - 10:00 am

  This truck is awesome. We pull a 5th wheel camper and it pulls it like there is nothing there at all. Great truck.

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  excellent - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By davidj - October 8 - 2:00 am

  i loved this vehicle.

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  Pleased owner - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By mear - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Excellent performance with surprising economy given the 6.0 L engine and full-time AWD. Exceptionally quiet down the road even at 70+mph; can caryy on a conversation at normal levels between driver and third-row passengers. Outstanding front and rear A/C and heater system. Great stereo, especially the in-dash 6-CD changer. Great tow vehicle for big or small boats. Onstar is very handy, too.

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  My GMC ENVOY - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By booboo - October 2 - 2:00 am

  This is the only vehicle that I have purchased in my life time that I have bonded with. I love my GMC

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  I Love This Car! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Mycoolride - September 27 - 2:00 am

  We bought this SUV last October when we received an offer in the mail from GMC that we couldnt refuse(Think "The Godfather" lol). GMC would pay our last 5 lease payments on my 2000 Jimmy and there were like $3,000 in rebates. So, we went up to the same salesman/dealership where we leased our Jimmy before the end of the month and took home our new Envoy. It was my first buy after years of leasing. I loved my Jimmy, but I really love my Envoy! The power, the handling, the roominess along with style...awesome!

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  Love My Canyon! - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Robert Dowens - September 24 - 11:43 am

  Very comfortable ride, just like being in a car. Not "trucky" at all. Great visibility a joy to own!

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  Two time owner. . . - 2001 GMC Safari
  By Vikki - September 24 - 2:00 am

  We had a 1991 Safari as our first van and loved it, but only had the SLE. We now have and love the SLT seating and comfort. All the things we wished for in our first Safari van we got in our second Safari van. Now if they would have power door openers for the side and back doors, we would be even more thrilled! We have compared to lots of the SUVs and we like what we have better so far. The milage could be better (and it could be worse too!)