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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  2003 is a great improvement inside. - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By socalteddy - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV, this is my 3rd one over the years and they just keep getting better. 2003 is a very fine year with super interior and performance.

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  Edmonds Doesnt Get It - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By ThumbsUp - April 23 - 2:00 am

  It is strange that the review put forth by Edmonds for the 2002 Envoy was replete with accolades for design, performance, comfort, style, etc. Indeed, it was most deserving of the 2002 SUV of the year award. Their review for the same vehicle in 2003 seems to indicate that it is a much lesser product. Apparently the minor change to the taillight and a 5 HP increase destroyed their vision for 2003. Also contrary to Edmonds opinion, I have had a number of favorable comments on the leather interior. Guess I am just too easy to please.

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  LOVE IT! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By jmiller - April 21 - 9:30 am

  I was worried about going from a Tahoe to a smaller suv but the Terrian sold me. My husband and I love it and so does everyone that sees it. The interior and exterior design is great. I was looking at the Equinox but GMC just looks better. Its no wonder its hard to find one. I am very pleased with it and enjoy driving it everyday!

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  EXCELLENT X 10 - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By Jerome - April 21 - 6:53 am

  I purchased a 99 Denali and had many problems with brakes, batteries, transmission etc. I purchased a 2003 Denali XL on the advice of a friend and the suv is totally awsome, from the engien to the rear end no problems, none for the past three years so I decided to purchase a 2005 Yukon Denali XL same color. I personally dont like the Captain chair in the back so I ordered a bench seat. The car is Off the Hook. (excellent). GMC has repaired all problems since the 99 Denali. I am so impressed that I have convinced 6 clients to purchase the same SUV but in different colors

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  Love It - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By GottaLoveIt - April 20 - 5:26 am

  I purchased the SLT-2, AWD, V6 Terrain, and I absolutely love it. I previously drove a GMC Envoy and Ford Explorer, and this SUV is by far my favorite after only 1 month of driving it. The interior is extremely comfortable, and the locations of all of the controls are perfect for me. The Edmunds review says that the ride gets a little rough with the 19" wheels, but I have to disagree. I did get the 19" wheels, and I do not notice a difference in the ride. I am so glad I purchased this vehicle! It has to be my favorite purchase out of the 9 vehicles I have owned so far.

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  Envoy: A Well-Built Performer - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By USCTrojan - April 20 - 2:00 am

  I seriously checked out the Honda, Toyota, and other offerings in the mid-size SUV category. The Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander are like driving heavy, underpowered minivans. I was shocked by their lack of style and quality. They felt like and looked like Fisher- Price. The GMC Envoy is truly a half luxury, half workhorse SUV built by a truck division. My fuel economy is as promised between 15 and 22. Passengers most often compliment the smooth drive. As someone who really studied the mid-size SUV category, the GMC Envoy stands out from the crowd because of its solid performance, stable suspension, upscale styling, and quality build.

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  NEW SLT - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By EDLee - April 20 - 2:00 am

  We have owned SUVs for many years. So far this is one of the best. Lots of power and looks classy. Pewter Metallic with pewter leather interior. Plenty of goodies to play with and Bose system is great. Just got it so time will tell with the reliability issue. Have a 96 Blazer that has been a great vehicle. Traded in a 2000 Tundra, not sorry to see it go. Test drove a Volvo XC70, was not impressed. Volvo dealer was the worst I have experienced to date. GMC dealer outstanding.

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  RAMY - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Ramy AZIEH - April 18 - 2:00 am

  Very powerfull, Reliable, Stiff steering which is better, Quiet ride, and Good braking

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Deborah Wilson - April 17 - 8:30 am

  I tested all of the newer Crossovers out there, and when I drove the Terrain, that was it. The handling and the feel felt like a much larger vehicle, and the room in the back seat is uncomparable. It has plenty of power, cant believe it is a 4 cylinder. This vehicle is great to drive, easy to get in and out, and holds all of my things that I travel around with. Work in outside sales and I just love this vehicle. Hooked up my bluetooth and this is just what I needed. Great job GM.

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  Love it. - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By kh - April 17 - 7:00 am

  After years of driving a Suburban, I am giving this new Acadia a try. So far I love it. I find it so solid with a great ride and its the nicest car I have ever driven (nicer than my husbands Merecedes even). I am happy with the improved gas mileage. I am excited about the fold flat 3rd row.Too many impressive things to list. I hope this works out because I am in love.