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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  2004 Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Fatima - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my 04 GMC Envoy & its great. I work for a rental car company and its far more comfortable and handles better than any other Midsize SUV I have driven.

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  THIS ENVOY IS TIGHT..... - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By S.Fla. Envoy SLT - April 4 - 10:00 am

  I have to admit this is the best, most technologically advanced vehicle I have ever seen GM produce. Black, Dark Pewter leather, 4wd, running boards and 1SK-Professional Technology Package. The factory DVD player is awesome. The Bose system really sounds great. The vehicle handles great with the load leveling system. The quality of this vehicle is first class. Ive owned it since Sept, 2001 with no problems at all. I always look forward to driving it. I get a lot of compliments where ever I go.

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  New owner of 02 Yukon - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By stp1 - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Just bought a 4X4 SLE in storm gray metallic with the 5.3, third row, running boards, trailer tow, and all-season tires. Very impressed with the quietness of the cabin, tight turning radius, and ride. Owned a Toyota Tundra before and this is my first GMC purchase. Overall I am impressed, but shouldnt I be for the money! Hope I get the same reliability!

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  Love the driveability. Quiet cabin. Great ride. - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Fred sanchez - March 30 - 12:58 pm

  So far so great. Driving this for the past month had exceeded my expectations for this truck Ive been getting so many compliments on the looks of this truck. Its a mid size truck but the front end looks so nice. Its just the right size for maneuvering and also hauls wel I really recommend test driving the canyon/Colorado before thinking about the Tacoma. I test drove the Tacoma vs the GMs several times. As far as driveability there was no doubt I had to go with the Canyon. Noise- for a mid size segment this is second to none in noise and quiet cabin. Everyone Ive driven this in has made comments about how nice it drives and comfortable it is for a truck (Note. I plan to update this review later )

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  Great truck - 2000 GMC Yukon
  By truckdriver2000 - March 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned hundreds of cars over the course of my life and I must say, this is the best truck out there. My only complaint is the cheap interior plastics, but it really isnt that bad--besides you can always move up to the Denali or Escalade, but it really isnt worth the price. Gas mileage is surprisingly decent for a truck this size/weight--still at SUV levels though. Keep in mind that all SUVs have the aerodynamics of a brick.

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  Great SUV - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By bbowling - March 29 - 2:00 am

  So far it has been a great vehicle in every aspect

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  Great truck - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By texasenior - March 28 - 11:15 am

  I have had my Sierra for about six months. I have not experienced any problems what so ever. If you are easy on the gas and drive sensibly I get from 18 to 20 MPG around town and usually 25 MPG hiway. My best 25 mile average was 32.5 MPG between Houston & Galveston. Very quit ride, better than my Cadillac and just as smooth. I feel very safe and comfortable in my first truck.

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  Patriot Blue Yukon - 2000 GMC Yukon
  By Yukonman - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Very well thought out great performing SUV. I love everthing about this vechile. Very easy to replace parts if needed. Great in snow!

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  Yukon is it - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By New Daddy - March 27 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV for the family. I drove a small foreign SUV before and it doesnt even come close. My last SUV rode like a tractor in comparison to the Yukon. Great acceleration and comfort.

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  Well Designed Vehicle. Homerun for GM? - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By CarFreak - March 25 - 3:40 am

  After looking at number of different CUVs / SUVs, we chose the Acadia. Partly because it is a new vehicle and American made, but mostly because we felt it was the best vehicle in the category. In case you are wondering, I do consider this vehicle to be in the same category as the XC90, RX350, MDX, 4Runner, and Pilot (all of which we looked at carefully and considered buying). The GMC name certainly does not carry the prestige, but the style, features, and initial quality of this car meets or exceeds them all (although time will tell in the reliability department). This is a great riding vehicle and has outstanding interior space (similar to Tahoe) for its deceptive exterior size.