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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  Envoy XL - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By ryco - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Every happy with the extra row of seats. Easy to fold seats in all parts of the vechile. V8 makes the truck. Auto-load leveling great when towing.

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  THE LITTLE KILLERS - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By zbobgo - April 3 - 2:00 am

  THE ENVOY HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR MORE LITTLE THAN THE LAST 5 NEW VEHICILES THAT I HAVE OWNED COMBINED. GRAND AUTO IN DENVER WAS THE WORST DEALER TO HAVE BOUGHT THE ENVOY FROM. THIS PAST YEAR THE PAINT BEGAN TO PEEL ON THE FRONT BUMPER. THE DEALER THAT I HAD TAKEN IT TO FOUND THAT THE BUMPER HAD BEEN PREVIOULY DAMAGED AND GRAND AUTO ACTED AS THOUGH THERE HAD NOT BEEN ANY DAMAGE AND REFUSED TO TAKE CARE OF A POOR REPAIR JOB THAT THEY HAD DONE.

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  Built Strong - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By burrningrubber - April 2 - 9:13 pm

  I bought this SUV as my first vehicle with 123,000 mile on it and the only thing to ever go bad was the heater core. The part was only 50 bucks. I installed myself to save money. The 4x4 feature is awesome. Auto 4x4. Great.

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  Review - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By R Coyle - April 2 - 11:33 am

  Bought new in late 2002 truck has been average for comfort and mileage is good. Reliability is not good to many small issue my truck only has 60k and have replaced both front wheel bearings, replaced two power window motors, had to replace sensor for ABS brakes, steering gear box and now the cluster is going bad. GM know the cluster unit is an issue but refused to help on the repair cost. I think I am going to look at the Toyota Tundra for my next truck. GM just need to have a better warranty on the little things that are always going bad on their vechiles.

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  Best mileage for a vehicle this size - 2000 GMC Safari
  By minneapolismarc - March 31 - 11:11 am

  No vehicle that can tow 6000 pounds gets better MPG than this van. I bought the 2 wheel (not AWD) version for the mileage. I drive 75 on the freeway with the cruise on and with the city stop and go I get 19.5 mpg on every tank. Less of course if I tow my boat. I work as a mechanic and did not even bother to inspect the van for more than 10 minutes as the original owner had the maint. paperwork. The only things I have had to do is replace the metal strip that holds on the lower trim between the front and rear wheels cost $125. Plastic line cracked under the hood for heater fan selector- free fix and common problem. Oil cooler lines seep but who cares it is common + cheap fix if you do.

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  My GMC truck - 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
  By John - March 31 - 8:06 am

  This truck is fun and very spacious, kids have no problem riding in back. The chrome package and 20 inch wheels are nice touch. Like the bluetooth and other comforts the truck offers. Pleasant to drive, and easy on eye.

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  Recommend Envoy - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Shuttle Bus - March 30 - 8:15 am

  I would absolutely recommend an Envoy. The guy on the next review who cant figure out the NAV should take a second and read the owners manual. My 8 year old read the manual and figured out the NAV in 10 minutes. I have not had one problem with my Envoy. The quality is outstanding and it drives excellent. Compared to the Toyota, my Envoy is affordable, looks great, and I feel very safe driving it. GMC gives me a 100,000 mile warranty, and sends someone to fix my flat tire, for free! Now thats professional grade.

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  Best vehicle Id had - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By RS - March 29 - 9:13 pm

  So far, we love the Acadia. Fun to drive, comfortable, bells and whistles, and great to look at. Has plenty of power to get on the freeway. Smooth shifting and handles great.

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  The best SUV on the market - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By mikenna - March 29 - 7:35 pm

  There is no competition with these Yukons. Now I know why they are the best selling premium SUV on the market. The American craftsmanship cant be touched. I have driven some others-Toyota and Nissan are cheap compared to these Yukons and Denalis! Ford is not bad though,way to go GMC and Chevy! The Active Fuel Management engine is great on gas. Its a real beauty.

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  So Far, So Good - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By BloodRedHog - March 29 - 7:32 pm

  The Denali with the AutoRide suspension feels tight and has little body roll. You get a 6-speed tranny, 380 hp, 417 torque, and every comfort feature imaginable for under 50k.