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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  I LOVE MY ENVOY - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By mary justice - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I had a minivan-Pontiac Montana and Olds Silhouette which I liked but after 5 years, needed a change. I looked around and when I saw the Envoy SLT- extended 7 passenger SUV- I fell in love with it. I have had it about a month now and havent had a complaint yet. I feel great driving it- its a beautiful looking car- great pick-up speed and very comfortable riding. It amazes me that people buy foreign cars when we have something as nice as this car, which i believe stands up to any of the other cars in value, performance and beauty. Thumbs up and cheers to the Envoy and G.M. Thanks for letting me voice my opinion. Mary Justice

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  Excellent power - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By Fdnyems - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle. Handles is great for corerning in those tough areas.

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  A great SUV! - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Midnite Rambler - March 22 - 2:00 am

  I opted for a 4WD SLE with the bi-fuel 5.3L 8cyl engine. I can proudly proclaim this to be the best SUV Ive driven & thus far Ive encountered no problems whatsoever. The automatic 4WD is especially useful in Alaska where road conditions can quickly change in a matter of a few seconds as well as a few feet. The buying experience with my GM dealer was first-rate with no high pressure sales tactics, mind games, etc. As with all new cars, fuel economy improves as time progresses.

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  Great Truck! - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By jwe - March 20 - 2:00 am

  We love this truck! Got a better deal than on Tahoe, and got the loaded version. Drives like a dream on the highway, plenty of power and pickup. It is sometimes a bit "trucky", but has worked great for towing, family trips with the kids, and even impresses business clients and colleagues.

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  Its awesome - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By denaligirl - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Denali since October. Have just over 3000 miles. It is such an improvement over my 2000 Chev Suburban. Got the dark charcoal and it is sharp. People comment all the time.

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  will never buy another type of truck - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By denlai convert - March 19 - 2:00 am

  i test drove alot of trucks and the second i got behind the wheels of a denali there was no turning back.

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  Denali 2004 - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Newman - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. My family is constantly arguing over who gets to drive it(our other car is a Mercedes). This car is definately more comfortable and drives better(smoother) than my E320. As for the gas mileage--it gets better MPG than my brother-in-laws BMW M3. For such a large powerful vehicle the gas mileage is pretty good.

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  2004 Gmc Duramax Allison Auto - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By J. Miller - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought Brand New 3 months ago and now have just under 10K miles. The Duramax is all that and more. Excellent Truck!! Not one problem so far!! Ride Quality is awesome for a 2500HD Truck!

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  heck of a truck - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 2eagles - March 19 - 2:00 am

  A great truck. I had a 1992 Sierra and loved it. I bought this truck and a week later took it on a 2000 mile elk hunting trip to Colorado. It was a long drive made enjoyable thanks to GMC. The snow in the mountains was no problem and the truck was perfect. This truck rides better and is quieter than my wifes 2002 Bonneville SLE.

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  2005 Sierra - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Bill - March 18 - 8:30 pm

  Truck has exellent performance with the 5300 engine. The gas mileage we averaged on an 800 mile trip was 20 miles per gallon which I thought was exellent for a truck of this size. It has plenty of legroom room in the back seats. I considered an F150, but after comparing the two I went with the GMC