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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  Most comfottable velicle Ive ever owned! - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By D.R. Steele - December 4 - 5:25 am

  2016 Models do not have a CD/MP3 player. I listen to a lot of books on CD. Now I have to convert to a thumb drive to listen. However, that is not to say that I dont love this truck. I travel extensively on business and hate airports - so...if its less that 12 hours, I drive. Ive owned Ford Tauruses in the past and I always thought they were a comfortable ride, until the Canyon. No fatigue, and I could drive it a long way without having a sore butt! Even my wife says it is more comfortable than her 2015 Buick Enclave! Im sold on this truck, even though I had wished that Ford had a mid-size! Fords loss!

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  The Works - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By we bought two - December 2 - 10:36 am

  Ive beaten this truck pretty good. It has the off-road package, so I did a little off-roading and the truck took it well. Plenty of clearance, handling is good, and more power than I needed to climb a 33 degree dirt hill with three other big guys in the cab. I have the I5 Vortec engine and a heavy foot my average mileage has been about 18.5. Straight highway is at 22 and city driving has been no worse than 17.5. I have read reviews where people say the interior feels cheap and I understand moving parts might feel that way, however, I think they misinterpret the molded plastic features that have a tight range of movement with little resistence adding to the fun and solid feel of the truck.

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  2002 Sonoma 4wd Ext. cab OK but w/caveat - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By Kent Bryant - December 1 - 3:31 pm

  I have no idea if they made the shell flimsier or not with this year model, but I had two previous Sonomas which did not receive anywhere near the small body dents. Also, the older models actually had better accessories than this new one such as rear defrost and sun visor mirrors. Also, the 4WD switching buttons on the inside console predictable failed at my 3 year ownership mark, so now I am limited to 2-wheel drive even though I own a 4WD truck. Have no idea what it will cost me to get that fixed. It was always troublesome from the beginning. Other than that, pretty reliable vehicle after 4 years.

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  Car Eating Me Out of House and Home - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By fifthavenuegirl - December 1 - 11:11 am

  This car looks really cool but I have only had it a year and it has already cost me $3000 in repair bills. It has been a nightmare and waste of my time waiting in the waiting rooms while it gets fixed. And that doesnt include the $900 for the tires I will have to replace if I keep it. Ive only had it a year and bought it with under 100k miles.

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  The Best Buy SUV - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By BEST BUY EVER - December 1 - 6:26 am

  I got the 2007 Yukon after going thru arbitration on my 05 Envoy. The Envoy had some fatal issues that could not get fixed. The dealer offered a killer deal on the 07 with all the amenities besides NAV. (Which I got on EBAY for half the GMC price) This Yukon turns heads where ever we go. I put some modest 20in rims, and a few chrome items here and there and this Yukon pops. 2007 Yukon has great balance, and drivability for my wife. She does not feel intimidated. Good views all around vehicle, kids love the DVD and I love the NAV, wife loves the Bose system. Power is excellent, thinking about getting the performance muffler from GMC to add a little growl to the mix. Love the color match!

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  Owner - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Ralph - November 30 - 9:30 pm

  An excellent all around vehicle. Very nice ride and very comfortable. Rides like a luxury car

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  Consider this - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By Larry - November 30 - 5:42 pm

  Americans have gotten way too obsessed and spoiled with huge engines and interior options. I wanted a basic truck with adequate power and simple interior appointments. Bigger and more luxurious isnt always better. I have owned other trucks with more cubic inches and a lot more bells and whistles and so far I enjoy this truck more. It reminds me of the first truck I owned, a base Toyota 4WD SR5, only the Canyon now costs a lot less than Toyota....less is more!

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  Nice truck, GPS is abysmal - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By STuck - November 30 - 3:56 am

  This is my first GMC vehicle. I am impressed with the performance and reliability. Very roomy. However, you should be warned that it is always thirsty for gas. I was sold on the GPS and was looking forward to using it. Unfortunately, it is cumbersome to use. I called the dealer for assistance and the technician admitted that it was a waste of money to purchase the GPS and that it was very poor. Hopefully, they improve this substantially.

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  Big rebate did not help----over paid - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By John - November 30 - 12:10 am

  This truck has numerous quality control issues. I wish I did not take the rebate so I could take it back. I found the sticker amusing regarding the price to operate this truck per year is based gas at $1.90 a gallon. Read the little numbers on the mileage because it states "most will get between 11 to 15 per gallon". I must be part of the most crowd.

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  Florida Envoy SLT - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Bill C - November 28 - 8:31 pm

  SLT/2WD has been a great option for 4 years now. Oil and tires changed/rotated every 3000 miles. 48000 now on original tires! Battery went Dixie after 38 months. Trip gas mileage has been respectable with the vehicle loaded at 22-26 MPG. All in all have been very happy with our Envoy!