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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  Love my Yukon - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By BRD - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Just got the Yukon. Took on trip to Ky. It preformed very well. Gas milage was 20.6 on the interstate. I think it will get better in time.

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  I love the Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Mgadson99 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I am home health professional. I drive more miles than most people. The Envoy is a pleasure to drive. It is quick, quite and has all the toys I love to play with. As I compare it to other SUVs it appears to overshadow them. The style is "All That" and when my Black Envoy is clean! It is a show stopper.

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  True Love :) - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By kaitlyn - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I love it!

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  yukon - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By edmund - August 4 - 2:00 am

  best car ive ever owned

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  Great Vehicle for big people and Family - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By Mr. Bigg - August 3 - 2:00 am

  After the governments CAFE laws torpedoed the manufacturers big cars, we are left with the Suburban - the family sedan, SUV ,cowboymobile all roled up into one vehicle. Big cars are safer, roomier and more metal, steel, glass and car for the money. If you were raised on Caddys and real American cars - this vehicle is probably the last hurrah. We have to keep hoping that some new vehicle designers werent all weaned on imports for the proletariat. Its a great "car" - and that is a heckuva compliment.

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  my review - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By mattdafgda - August 3 - 2:00 am

  it is a really well-built truck, i enjoy driving my truck

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  Great Truck - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By jayhawkjimbo - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Moved up from Ford F150 Super Crew 4x4 the Yukon seats should be in the living- room! GMC rides more luxurious. Only miss the higher torque, but Yukon has sufficient power (5.3L definately recommended). Couldnt be happier - dont know why everyone doesnt drive one of these SUVs. Interior storage compartment space is lacking, but handling more than makes up for this slight flaw.

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  Love this vehicle - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Happy Builder - July 31 - 4:06 am

  Exceptional vehicle. Have owned Suburbans, Yukons and Envoy for the past 20 years. GMC finally got it right with this vehicle. I love the ride and comfort and it has all of the right compartment for driving. Without a doubt the nicest vehicle I have ever owned and the most confortable.

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  Great Vehicle! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Parrot Head - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle & fun to drive!

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  Great SUV - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Revilo - July 31 - 2:00 am

  The Envoy has been ALMOST trouble free. The glovecompartment box fell out onto my wifes legs. The real pinion gear seal developed a lead at 4000 miles, but was repaired on the second visit. Handles and rides great.