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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  Love my Sonoma - 2000 GMC Sonoma
  By LAH - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Sonoma for over two and I cant think of much to complain about. The only problem Ive had is at one point, the rubber seal around the windshield started coming off. This was fixed and covered by the warranty and has not been a problem since. No mechanical problems- still runs like new. I definitely recommend opting for the V6. Its a lot of fun to drive but the city gas mileage isnt so great. Overall, I have really enjoyed driving this vehicle.

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  great - 1992 GMC Sonoma
  By bigjohn - August 17 - 2:00 am

  everything is very nice with this vehicle but the bed did rust out. that is the only complaint i have. love it.

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  Consumer - 2002 GMC Safari
  By Tuong Huynh - August 17 - 2:00 am

  You get more for your money.

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  4wheel drive sports car!!!!!!! - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Bagzze - August 12 - 2:00 am

  The Yukon I have came with a 5.3liter not the 4.8 The power is great! The heated seats get very hot, which have three settings. Top notch on the leather seats and the Bose system.

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  EVoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By nickyboy - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I just been driving My 2004 SLT for a month now, Great handling, smooth and quiet, I have lots of comments on the looks, Carbon black, Chrome wheels. The satellite radio is great ,(No commercials,) The radio controls on the steering wheel are great, Good pick up, comfortable ride, The SLT eats gas

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  GMC. A Move To The Future. - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By frederic - August 12 - 2:00 am

  With its powerful inline 6 engine, the Envoy is able to compete with its big V8 brothers. It is a very smooth ride, and aestetically is well above the competition.

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  Envoy - nice purchase - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By pieman - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Nice styling. Good price - with rebates. Quiet ride for an SUV. Plenty of options. Give it a test ride.

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  Great Vehicle - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By paulin - August 11 - 10:00 am

  Best vehicle on the market to travel. Incredible smooth ride, good gas mileage (20 mpg on highway), pleanty of room and very comfortable. Very pleased with this vehicle.

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  My 2002 GMC Sonoma Regular Cab - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By gordon1fan - August 9 - 2:00 am

  At the time that I was writing this, my GMC Sonoma has about 450 miles. My 2002 GMC Sonoma SL Regular Cab features a four-cylinder Vortec 2.2 liter engine with sequential port fuel injection that is powered by producing 120 horsepower and 140 lbs-ft of torque. My vehicle also has Automatic transmission and all-season SBR tires. I really did not get the truck that I wanted. I was shopping around for a extended cab, automatic with a 4.3 liter V6. I had to get what I could afford, so I test drove and bought this 2002 GMC Sonoma SL Regular Cab.

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  Best SUV on Market for the $ - 2000 GMC Yukon
  By solesj - August 8 - 2:00 am

  If you want an SUV that rides like you are on clouds, the power to pull down a house, and the image of a "high roller". You need not look any further than the 2000 Yukon 4X4. I love mine!