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:

• 

  I love my Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By MIkeOrangeman - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Unquestionably the best new vehicle Ive owned. The Envoy has ample power and great maneuverability. Id put this vehicle up against anything a competitor has to offer. Its very solidly built and Im very pleased with it. Bravo GMC!

• 

  Good SUV - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By GAD - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is Comfortable with the leather option. Ride is good and interior quiet for an SUV on a truck frame. The Handling is good and doesnt feel like it will roolover in turns like its sister the Trailerbazer.

• 

  Good Truck!!! - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By Jennylm313 - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, nice on gas!! affordable and a very nice looking truck.

• 

  Excellent truck - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By aa2003 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Its the best! The gas mileage leaves something to be desired, but overall the Yukon is tops. A must have.

• 

  02 Envoy SLT - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By dane - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Great truck, most riders compare it to the MB and BMW X5.

• 

  GMC Z-71 4x4 All Terrain - 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
  By usapatrick - March 28 - 9:35 am

  We traded in a 2000 Chevy 4X4 ext cab, 5.3 loaded with over 128K trouble free miles. This truck was the obvious replacement. Better looking than the new Chevrolet, now are priced the same with higher resale value. We did not bother with Ford since their warranty and 4 more engines changes showed us instability from within. This truck now has 5000 miles and is up to 16 mpg in town, 20+ mpg hgwy. We got it loaded with leather, buckets etc except sun roof and NAV. The Z-71 4X4 All Terrain package is a bargain. The new 5.3 V8 with the 6 speed automatic is much better than the old power train. We had the dealer put in the wheel well liners, Ziebart and more chrome. Look no further, buy one!

• 

  Great ride for outdoor sports - 1995 GMC Safari
  By Genius - March 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1995 Safari just because I could fit my 10-foot surfboard IN the vehicle AND lock the doors under the seats. For a van, its pretty peppy. Rear AC and Dutch doors are cool. Middle and rear seats make the cargo space versatile. My girlfriend complained that the shotgun seat has no foot room. I dont drive from there so, it never bothered me. At 80k miles, fuel injection system died. Spendy ($1k), but worth it. At 116k, the tranny died. The $2k to replace it just wasn’t worth it, had to trade it in.

• 

  awsome truck - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By lanceyukon - March 26 - 2:00 am

  real nice truck, smooth ride, great handling, brake system is top notch.

• 

  Best SUV I have ever owned! - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By RealmsManiac - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had several SUVs and I must say that the GMC Yukon is the best one so far. Reliability, comfort, durability and driving pleasure all wrapped into one truck.

• 

  I love my Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By teacher - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I am very impressed with my Envoy.....We took it on a trip the week after we got it and had no trouble at all....My husband nneded loud music to stay awake, beside it is so smooth and quiet.....