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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  Great Truck - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By Shortyross4 - May 19 - 12:15 am

  My truck is a great one i bought it from my step dad and that was the smartest thing i have done in a while, its been all over the states and i bet it could do it again there hasent been any problems out of it, the only thing i dont like is the fuel mileage i fill it up the first half lasts for a good while but the other half doesnt last but for a couple hundred miles, but i still love her ive raced many vehicles and beat them mine is the v6 vortec it has the power to beat ANY FORD willing to try

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  Exelent Vehicle - 2010 GMC Yukon
  By Bob Whalen - May 17 - 8:08 pm

  The car is amongst the best I have owned. The handling is simply amazing for such a large car, yet its ride is very smooth. Miles on the highway go by like nothing, the seats are so comfortable. The Quality is a little cheap for a 60k car.

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  I love the Envoy so much I bought anothe - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Cynthia Lampkin - May 17 - 3:50 pm

  I owned a white 2003 GMC Envoy and that vehicle was the best suv around. Not only was my vehicle stylish it was very safe. I totaled my 2003Envoy and even thou I hit a concret wall that ruck was so safe that I walked away with jhust bruises. The a-frame was bent but the glass didnt break and because that Truck was so well made it held me in my seat and I didnt get tossed around nor did my truch flip over. I really loved those contour seats and the size, performance made me go out and buy a 2004 GMC Envoy same color. I shopped around for other SUVs but nothing compared to my Envoy. I really enjoy this truck and will purchase another GMC vehicle. I can not say enough about my Envoys

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  LUV IT - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By vonn - May 15 - 12:35 am

  I absolutely love my Terrain. It has all the options of a luxury vehicle, but I got the 4 cyl and was able to afford all the plush options. It is beautiful....the 4 cyl is great for my driving around town 5000 miles per yr. I LOVE IT! It is beautiful!

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  Great New Model - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Dave - May 13 - 7:55 am

  I researched all the SUVs in market and selected GMC Terrain on internet to go test drive and review. Loved the classic look, well built design and interior comfort. Ive put 2,000 miles of local travel so far and no complaints. Sound system nice, red light dash takes a little getting use to, but fun to have. Glad I purchased this model. Selected a 6 cyl off dealer lot w/18" wheel base. Carbon Black color is attractive.

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  SLT-1 3.0 V6 Nice! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By dolisa - May 7 - 9:27 am

  My husband was kind enough to say "I will buy it for you". His money is not wasted, I love my new ride. The red stitching on the leather seats was a nice surprise. The car has a great solid ride. Very little road noise. With the V-6, I was not expecting to get the best mileage, but it does get about 19 mpg. It will probably get a little better. Still, it only takes about 2 gal a day to go back and forth to work. Yeah for me!

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  Great Car, Great Value - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By bw626 - May 7 - 8:28 am

  Purchased the SLT 4X4 2500 Suburban new. Had all the options. I put 230,000 miles on it, wrecked it, fixed it, and put another 50,000 on it. Never did anything other than routine maintenace and brakes. I sold my Suburban after buying a new truck in 2007 for $3500-with a repaired title and 280,000 miles on it. These cars are reliable, comfortable, have incredible towing capacity, and have great resale value. Had plenty of room for passengers and cargo space. If you can find one of these used, buy it. They are wonderful cars.

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  Great Truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Matt - May 5 - 11:38 am

  Great truck for doing things you need to do, without the gas of a full size. Great family car to take to the beach, worth every bit of money.

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  Love My SUV - 1998 GMC Yukon
  By Love My SUV - May 3 - 6:55 pm

  I bought my truck a few years ago, already used, with 100,000 miles already on it. I have been very satisfied with my truck. Very comfortable and roomy. I have had a few front end repairs such as suspension and etc. but no engine or transmission problems to date. I am currently over 200,000 miles and its still going strong. The fixes have been costly but few. I would recommend this truck to anyone who has the money for gas!

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  A Big Little Surprise - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Josh - May 2 - 9:20 pm

  Only off the lot 3 days, my wife and I love our new GMC Terrain. Small enough on the outside that we dont feel like were driving a boat but the inside is a different story altogether. Spacious front and rear seats with all the amenities, not to mention that Im still finding cubbyholes and pockets for storage. Although theres obviously more power than I expected from a 2.4 L engine, it sips gas, it actually gets better mileage than the 04 "Foreign Coupe" we traded! As for the ride, sure it may be bumpy if youre used to riding in the other upscale GM Brand, but if not its a welcome, relaxing trip on some less than forgiving Oklahoma roads. Truly Bold & Beautiful.