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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  2004 3500 Duramax 6.6 SLT DRW Crew Cab - 2004 GMC Sierra 3500
  By Pilot - April 9 - 9:00 am

  Ive had this truck for almost 4 years, and I have nothing but good to say. I have a 37 5th wheel, which when loaded is right at 16300 lbs and it pulls it great. Now Im not going to tell you that I dont know the 5th wheel is back there, but this truck is a joy to drive while pulling. Shell be paid for in a couple of months, and I plan to keep her for a long time.

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  First Time GMC Buyer - 2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid
  By JRW - April 8 - 5:16 pm

  Quiet, comfortable ride. All you would expect from a full size SUV. Getting right at 20mpg, so again for full size SUV, cant complain. Packed with features and absolutely beautiful exterior. Interior moves easily from an executive vehicle to an off the road partner.

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  the worst truck ever made - 2002 GMC Sierra 3500
  By pdiddy - April 7 - 10:00 am

  just doesnt stack up to the ford at all

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  Best value for your money - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By RICK - April 6 - 4:05 pm

  I was very impressed with the comfort and performance of the 2007 Envoy, so I bought it. It drives very smooth and my kids enjoy the ride in the back seat. Even on railroad tracks or on pot holes, you almost do not feel the bumps. I am impressed with the fuel economy even though it has a lot of power. Excellent air conditioning for the hot summers. Great vehicle for the price, you wont get a better deal.

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  HighlyRecommend Envoy - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Orange County Cali - April 5 - 2:37 pm

  I would highly recommend purchasing an Envoy Denali. I test drove a Toyota, Honda, and Nissan and were really dissapointed their quality of exterior styling, ride and handling, and est EPA. I love the 100,000 warranty, XM satellite radio and how quietly it drives with all that power!

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  Nightmare - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Karen Lee - April 5 - 4:50 am

  My 2010 GMC terrain has needed a number of repairs. The auto mechanic said he was disappointed with this vehicle due to the repairs that were needed. I have 60,000 miles and just last month the transmission busted, which cost $3,700. I have read that these SUVs have had many problems with the transmissions. So disappointed.

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  Great Truck - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Frank - April 4 - 3:23 pm

  I have been a Ford truck owner and Ford mechanic for several years, and I found the GMC Sierra Z71 SLT 4-door truck an excellent ride, with impecable styling and lines. When you drive any 4x4, you would expect a rough ride, but not with the Sierra. This truck rides like a luxury car, and the SLT package has all of the bells and whistles. I have remote start, DVD with BOSE speakers, full power everything, wood grain dash, ABS, heated washer fluid, rain sense wipers, power pedals, 2 person seat memory, all leather interior, and much much more that other trucks clearly do not even offer as options.

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  Almost as good as my 99 Suburban - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Vinster - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Great car but is now made of or out off composite and not metal like it used to be. Ths makes for much better gas milage and the chasis is the same but not quite as safe as the 99s . The car looks great and has a great sound system (Bose) but the ride is not quite as good as the older suburbans. I did choose this over my 2002 Caddy (DeVille) i just got rid of.

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  SLT, 5.3, ordered with almost everythin - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Bob Sr - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This 2003 I ordered is magnificently a better vehicle than my 1997 Yukon. The XM satellite radio I LOVE, and may add years to your life! On Star is a nuisance, never used. Get the stabilitrack and the autoride. It doesnt ride as well as my 89 Fleetwood with a 121" wheel base, but its not bad.You dont need the Denali if you get these options, 5.3 engine, and you can save yourself $10,000 and get better mileage. I got the barn doors, and deleted the useless (to me) third seat. Climate system is great. Mirrors that blink left and right are also cool. I really LOVE this truck. It handles well in snow and ice,tows well, and goes like a rrabbit.

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  I Love My Truck! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Nicelilfox - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a 2003 Durango less than a yr old. A gas hog and rode like a tank. I drove and researched SUVs for 3 months. Hands Down this truck takesem ALL :)Its gas mileage is 16-18 city/20- 24 hwy and handles like a charm expecially in deep snow and mud. I havent had any problems and Im looking forward to future models. I can only imagine it gets better from what Ive read so far. YOU GO ENVOY!!!