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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  Yukon SLT2 - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By T. BEND - January 12 - 12:46 am

  We now have over 3,000 miles after 3 weeks and really enjoying the ride. Took a Trip from S. Louisiana to Atlanta and got 18.5 MPG even with the rains and traveling 70-75 mph. The 5.3 V8 with the 3.42 rear end helps with the economy.

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  best truck ive ever owned - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By pilaf - January 8 - 3:30 am

  i have never owned a better truck the throttle is firm and reassuring ride quality is great its top speed might only be 98 mph but it gets up the really fast if ferrari made a truck the gmc sierra would be it power and fuel economy in one package strong responsive steering makes it easy to drive this truck likes to cruise@about 90 mph takes corners like an f1 race car!!!!

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  What I think - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Dave - January 7 - 10:52 pm

  The 03 GMC Sonoma 3dr extended cab is a good, well running truck that gets from point A to point B.

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  Finally See the Light - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Yuckon Owner - January 7 - 1:40 pm

  Longtime Honda/Toyota/Nissan car guy with 3 kids. Needed a large SUV with large cargo area and this was/is the only choice so took a chance.

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  Solid SUV - 1998 GMC Suburban
  By I_like_burban - January 5 - 12:55 pm

  I purchased this vehicle with 114000 miles six months ago. Ive needed to patch the A/C lines and replace two U joints. Other than that, the Suburban has been solid. Great on long trips, comfortable, MPG runs 13-14 city and 15-16 hwy. Usable cargo space is excellent with the third row seats out, and I can pack 8 people in when all the seats are installed. Good substitute for a full sized pickup if you dont want to sacrifice seating space. The Suburbans tend to run a couple of thousand dollars less than comparable pickups on the used market as well. If youre buying a Suburban with over 90,000 miles, look for one that has already had the transmission rebuilt.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By kws51359 - January 5 - 12:03 am

  Since I purchased this vehicle it has totally changed my opinion of GM products. This is a very comfortable and smooth riding vehicle

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  A fairly good all round truck - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By quickpickup - January 4 - 6:03 pm

  Bought this truck in Feb 2007 with 86,000 miles. At 89k new fuel pump b/c previous owner did not change fuel filter. At 92k intake gaskets leaking bad enough it wouldnt run on a cool summer morning. 93k discovered the reason behind poor braking was that the front rotors where virtually destroying themselves. Terrible case of piston slap when stone cold. Other than these problems I love my truck. Its quick nimble and fun to drive. It is crazy good looking. I drive it extremely hard about 3/4 of the time and it doesnt miss a beat. K&N filter helps power.

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  05 GMC SLT Crew Cab - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Bob - January 1 - 7:06 pm

  I am handicapped and this truck is very easy for me to operate. Everything is in clear reach, no need for any modifications. My wife, grand- daughter and I took a trip from Texas to Florida after buying the truck with no issues. Gas mileage is fantastic.

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  Great Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Rick - January 1 - 4:00 pm

  We were considering a BMW or Lexus until we drove the Envoy. It is the most soundproof vehicle Ive ever been in. The power train is great, the ride is great, the fuel econcony is great and it just looks good. I would most certainly buy another one.

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  Very Happy - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Steve - December 29 - 2:30 pm

  Bought our Envoy in September and have loved it ever since. It has lots of power and great acceleration, and has no problem towing our boat and snowmobiles. Very comfortable interior with more space than our old Venture in the rear seat. The Envoy seems to be very quiet driving, all though it has a beautifull growl when you really floor it. Auto 4wd is great in the snow. The only problem is that the Envoy is a pig on gas, were only getting approx 14mpg and thats stretching it. Overall we are very happy with our Envoy.