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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  7 months later and still happy - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By TLCollins - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the SLT with all of the bells and whistles. 15,000 miles later, and I am still whistling! I have extremely satisfied with my Envoy. The only repairs (other than routine) were to replace the pump in the load leveling suspension. The bad pump was replaced in a day, and I was on my way. Smooth ride, expected fuel mileage, lots of extras....looks great!

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  Awesome Vehicle!! - 1998 GMC Envoy
  By horseygirl - March 14 - 2:00 am

  This Envoy has been one very nice vehicle. Very versatile, nice lines, high intensity headlamps are awesome! The vehicle is loaded with many fine features. Programmable buttons for the garage door and security gate are a nice extra. All leather interior is standard and there are lots of plugins for all sorts of gadgets (cell phone charger, fuzz buster, etc), air compressor in the rear is also very convenient. I would definitely buy another!! This vehicle comes equipped with every feature imaginable and thats standard!

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  Yukon or nothing! - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Troy A. Kost - March 12 - 10:00 am

  The GMC Yukon XL is one of the best SUVs on the market, if not the best. This is a far better truck than my best friends Sequoia, and a lot more truck for the money. Its even better on the gas in real world driving (because you dont have to floor it to go like the Toyota). The only problem is that a lot of the people that I give a ride to say "I NEED one of these".

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  Great SUV - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Stanman626 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding engine performance especially in the mid range. Interior and seating are comfortable for someone my size (6’2” – 220). It made its way through our last 8” snow storm with no problems and has handled some light off road snow covered trails with ease. The only improvements would be to have Heads Up Display (HID), which should be on every GM product with a base price over 28,000 and have the CD options on the steering wheel instead of the HVAC controls. Most drivers change their radio stations and flip through the CD tracks far more often than changing the HVAC settings. GMC Professional Grade?, close but not there yet.

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  gmc - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jose - March 10 - 5:43 pm

  Its a very confortable truck, really impressive in gas mileage, excelent handling, and very quiet. Everything on it is easy to use, from the seats that fold up to the radio controls.

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  XL for empty nesters - 2016 GMC Yukon XL
  By Robert Bob - March 9 - 8:21 pm

  This is a big SUV that doesnt feel big when driving. Easy to park and has a small turning radius. We often have our kids and grandkids with us and routinely haul 7 people in this and love the legroom and cargo room with everyone on board. The ride and quiet cabin are spectacular and the fuel mileage is better than expected. Has tons of torque and we will be pulling a 4,000 boat this summer and expect it to do well. Like the auto leveling rear shocks. My only disappointment in the vehicle is GMs decision to eliminate the ability to pause and rewind live radio that my previous vehicles had. This was available before 2016 but GM eliminated it which is a shame. My 2015 GMC Canyon had this feature but a $70,000 vehicle doesnt. Doesnt make sense!

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  Quality matters - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By retiree - March 8 - 12:36 am

  This 1500 Work is great. Gas economy exceeds sticker rating. Light touch on steering, nicely tuned exhaust for a 4.3L. Standard sound system inc XM is v good. Of all my pickups this one is solid, smooth and a "keeper". Fogs nice touch but not necessary. Ergonomics good.

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  Total Comfort - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By wxb - March 7 - 2:00 am

  We have driven a Ford Explorer for the last 8 years. We recently purchased the GMC Envoy after test driving 10 other models and we have found a winner. The ride is smooth, interior is quite, acceleration is excellent.

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  Greatest car I have owned! - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By Nik - March 6 - 11:56 pm

  This our 3rd Yukon and I have had a great experience with each one! Between carpooling and out of town trips we are in this truck all of the time and it is always comfortable and reliable!!

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  I like it - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Acadia Owner - March 6 - 8:13 am

  I turned in my Infiniti G35 coupe after a 4 year lease and leased the Acadia. I am very pleased with it. I have only owned one other SUV and it was an Infiniti which I also liked a lot. I am enjoying the configuration of my Acadia (I have 2 rows of bucket seats and a bench seat), the ease of handling, the amenities, and the great interior. I am very pleased with my car/truck and I think it will pass the test of time.