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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  GMC Sierra 4x4 - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jack - August 6 - 1:23 am

  Ive had my truck for a year now and have driven it in a wide combination of environments consisting of rain, sand, mud, snow, and ice. The truck has performed flawlessly. I enjoy driving this truck as much today as the day I bought it...I just love it! Reliability has been perfect. One thing that Ill highlight is trucks handling and surefoot nature in snow and on ice. The 4x4 autotrac system is second to none. Ive been driving trucks for over 20 years and this truck is the best that Ive ever driven. Ive had the opportunity to drive all of the new truck releases and when Im done driving the other trucks; I can only say that I look forward to getting back behind the wheel of my GMC.

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  Too expensive to fix - 1998 GMC Envoy
  By frank - August 4 - 2:21 pm

  My Envoy just burned up -- fuel leak. Previously had transmission problem (went dry), but it was covered out-of- warranty because the dealer had just serviced it, and they probably didnt fill it right or left the plug loose. Right headlight went out 3 years ago. Two part light, $375 per part but not sold seperately. Got a junk yard (only one of two in the country at the time) for $500 plus an hour of labor. GM did not help, dealer or corporate. When burned, the left headlight was out, not available in junkyards at the time. I also lost the third brakelight, costing ~$500 and not properly repaired.

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  I Love it! - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Bunnie - August 3 - 4:00 pm

  I am so thankful that I purchased my Denali! I went from a convertible which was fun to drive to an SUV overnight! I compared so many and found it to be priced very well, appointed luxuriously, & easy to drive. I have to admit, I was nervous about the fuel economy, but with the V8 and fuel displacement, it is not bad at all! I drive a lot of miles and this car makes my commute so much nicer.

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  Great Camper Truck - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Doc - August 2 - 7:06 pm

  I purchased my GMC 2500HD SLT 4x4 with the 6.0 engine and locking rear differential to haul my new 8.5 foot slide-in camper. I picked the camper up at the factory and proceeded on a 4500 mile test run. Encountering heavy cross winds in the Dakotas and steep passes in the Rockies had little or no effect on the draiveability of the truck or its performance. The camper weighs 2370 pounds dry and yet the truck responded with little difference than with an empty bed! Mileage on the way to the camper factory in the midwest ran between 14-16,at speed limit empty and 11-14 with the camper loaded.

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  Diamond in the rough - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By BJ - August 2 - 5:07 pm

  Overall, the Jimmy is a good SUV. The main problem encountered with the car was front end repairs and numerous brake replacements. Good performance and average comfort. For the money not a bad buy.

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  Poor gas mileage/repairs under warranty? - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By Linda - August 2 - 9:34 am

  I have a roar in the engine from time to time that sounds like I have shifted to 4 WD when it is definitely in 2WD. Taken in to the dealer and he can never hear that sound. Does not do it all the time but when it does it sounds like the engine is going to come out from under the hood. Been in the shop 5x with shifting problems, shims, water in headlamp, wind noise both front doors, very poor gas mileage empty load or pulling trailor. Would not recommend this truck to anyone.Center console is too small and tight up front. backseat leg area too small. Just me and the dog and still not enough room.Bummer cruise control. Cheap, would have paid the difference for a good cruise controller.

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  08 GMC 3/4 duramax! is it worth it? - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By qoh322 - August 2 - 9:26 am

  This truck drives awesome! Holds the road great and very powerful (duramax). Current gas mileage is only 15.5-16.7 still breaking in. Truck only has 600 miles. Color is sonoma red.

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  Second Review - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By POPO Rivi - July 31 - 3:49 am

  Ive had this Envoy with V6 engine SLE for over 2 years. The ride is still smooth as butter. This vehicle suprisingly, still handles the bumps very well. Like if Ive just purchased her yesterday. Havent had any major problems with her. Being a home owner, Im constantly making trips to Home Depot and Im glad I have the Envoy. The snow is never a problem for the Envoy. The running boards are a big plus to have. Did I mentioned the power...love the power she has. Ive driven other SUVs and so far, none can compare to her power.

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  Love this truck - 2006 GMC Yukon
  By Matthew - July 31 - 1:55 am

  We used to have an 04 Yukon Denali but sold it . We bought one of the last new 06 Yukons Denalis and got the 0 financing. We love this truck. This is loaded with nav, rear DVD, everything.. Im glad we finally got another one. Love OnStar. We just got our first e mail from our Yukon telling us it needs nothing. Thats too cool. Thanks GM for building such great cars and trucks!

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  Vehicle Ownership - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By SteveD - July 30 - 9:48 pm

  I really like my 2003 GMC Envoy. It has a good ride especially with the 17" Michelin tires. I can get sometimes between 22-23 MPG highway driving. Combined city and highway is about 16 MPG. No problems so far with this SUV.