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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  Running into electrical problems - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By dburch - January 25 - 9:10 am

  We have had our Envoy for about 2.5 years. We started noticing electrical issues last summer. We noticed the lights dimming and blinking and one day completely dead, just a click. They towed it in and replaced the battery. We still had the blinking lights and eventually replaced the alternator after initially telling it was a normal condition? All OK untill this week when it was dead again. We had noticed blinking lights a couple weeks ago, also. The dealer had it 3 days and couldnt find anything wrong. I picked it up last night and in the dealer lot the lights went dim, also this morning. We love the way it rides but reliability? Dealer admitted theyve had lots of problems with these.

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  Wow! GM hit a home run with this truck! - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By E. Minch - January 23 - 4:16 am

  These trucks are all new from the ground up. Everything is improved. No more numb steering feel, no more spongy brakes, no more quirky looking interior and dash. The suspension is a dramatic improvement. Those that hated GM trucks before should take another look. I never knew GM could make such a quality vehicle! This is one comfortable refined truck and will give the F150 a run for the money.

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  Nothing But Headaches - 2001 GMC Safari
  By Steve - January 22 - 6:08 pm

  Should I start with the defective fuel pump that left me stranded in the Interstate or the power window motors that died after 6 months. Dealer took forever to repair. I also had a bad drive shaft that clunked. No wonder they discontinued it

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  Reliable Truck! 4cyl manual - 1996 GMC Sonoma
  By Rob - January 21 - 11:04 am

  No major mechanical problems for over 10 yrs! 138K only regular maintenance. Still running and am ready to trade in for another Sonoma. Bought new at $300 above invoice.

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  great vehicle - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By mr matt s - January 20 - 10:00 am

  the car is fun to drive. it handles like a car that is much smaller.the car easy to park in decks. i average 15mpg.the ride is very smooth and car like.

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  Excellent - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Himalay - January 20 - 10:00 am

  No regrets...great drive...Drives better than our first car (Nissan Maxima). Comfortable Driver and passenger captian seats, with all stering controls. Great agility, proved unbelivable for the size on a perfecr circle of 10 mt diameter at 40 mph.

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  2006 Envoy Denali - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Rathead - January 20 - 8:25 am

  Quiet, fast, and smooth, and good fuel mileage. I have no complaints. This vehicle is so much better than any other competitors, and I expect reliability to be better as well.

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  For family and travel with space - 1996 GMC Savana
  By A Redensek - January 20 - 12:46 am

  Have liked the vehicle very much, lots of space for large family to travel, comfortable, nice ride, good performance, reliable, low maintenance, nice Santa Fe conversion package. Only problem in 10 years, fuel pump went out close to 100,000 miles. Had one transmission pandrop and normal oil changes, on first muffler and no exhaust work. Have to replace brakes more often than ought (not heavy duty enough for the large vehicle) lots to power and drain battery, what is expected w/ TV/VCP, radio/CD/cassette players, lots interior lights? Most wear and tear due to large family, years/high miles-oops mom scraped the running boards-cant see low in rear, careful in reverse, so use side mirrors!

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  So far so good - 2007 GMC Canyon
  By Chris - January 17 - 4:58 pm

  Overall an excellent vehicle. Very fun to drive. I expected a little bit better gas mileage given the 5 cyl. only getting 19 MPG, same as my full size truck got! interior comfortable front seat, wish the passager side seat had the lumbar support like the driver. The interior could have used some courtesy lighting for at night, cant find anything in the dark without having to turn on the dome light. Given the size of the competitors small trucks GM could have given the crew cab a longer bed than the 5 feet. I wish the rear seats had just a little more angle to the backs of the seats just a few degrees too vertical. Overall nice quiet ride. i would reccomend to others

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  Love it - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By El Paso - January 15 - 10:39 pm

  Test drove Ford Expedition, Explorer, Edge along with testing Nissan, Toyota among others. GMC Envoy Denali had the best comfort, get up and go, and look of all the rest. I chose the CD changer and kids love the entertainment system. XM satellite also complements vehicle. Drives nice and quiet.