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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  Our pick of many - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Anne P. McLaughlin - May 17 - 12:16 am

  At first the vehicle seemed a little big after getting out of our Honda van. It was not long before it was a pleasure to get in and drive away. Mileage however is not the best brag. Even with gas as high as it is today the Acadia is staying right here at home, mileage or no mileage. We have found it to be an excellent buy.

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  Great truck - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Tyler - May 16 - 3:13 am

  I work in the oil patch in northern Alberta and this truck really works well here! I have the 8.1 liter gas pig but I dont care about fuel economy because it is so fun to drive! I have no problem keeping up to diesels and some times pass them on big hills. I love the design, the ride is great and it really rips when you want it too. I tow a 10,000 flare stack regularily and this truck doesnt back down at all.

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  I would buy another one tomorrow - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By mtjhiggs - May 16 - 2:00 am

  This truck is exactly what I expected. The people who are complaining about it, obviously bought the wrong vehicle. This vehicle is the perfect mid-size SUV. Performance, ride, gas mileage, and quality are exactly as expected with this vehicle. The selling/ servicing dealer can make all of the difference.If buying one, definately go for the DiamondEdition interior. The comfort is well worth the extra money. Only problems have been, 4x4 switch went bad and fog light had water leaking into it.

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  A great vehicle with over 100k miles - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Bayer - May 14 - 2:23 pm

  I have over 100k miles and still have yet to have the first problem. The tires last to about 50k miles, it tows like a mule and rides very comfortably. It still idles like it was new; you cant tell its running. GM did a good job with this machine!

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  I am comforatable driving this GMC - 1994 GMC Suburban
  By HappyGMC - May 12 - 2:00 am

  This truck is a very dependable ride, I can get into it with confidience that I can get from point A to B like if it was brand new......with over 100K of miles it runs great....It will be a while before I get rid of this nice ride.

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  my toy envoy - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By gtb32 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  iv always drive sedans ,this is my first time in suv ,so its been almost two year"s this june. love to drive it im retired and take all over town.so let me say love to drive .

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  2003 GMC Envoy SLT - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By joy41 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the best suv i have bought. I wanted leather and 4wd . We looked at every mid-size except ford We love this auto

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  "Tippy" ??? That is crazy!!! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Uncle Chuck - May 7 - 2:00 am

  The Envoy is a very stable and safe feeling drive. At no moment have I ever felt it to be "Tippy". Perhaps who ever described it that way was referring to an older model like a 2000. If you are reading this, call Allen GMC in Laguna Niguel, CA for a test drive. Im sure you will agree with me.

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  GMC DENALI - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By BARRY FRANKLIN - May 7 - 2:00 am

  THE GREASTEST TRUCK I EVER OWNED....

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  :) - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By Bart H - May 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck new for less than $10,000 and It has been great. I have used it for work and play. I have 40,000 miles on it now and it still makes me smile even when I make the payments! For the money I give it a 10! - Bye