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:

• 

  Up-to-date technology in a great ride - 2018 GMC Terrain
  By D Eddy - April 29 - 8:58 am

  I downsized from a medium-sized SUV - so this has less cargo space and passenger capacity. But I rarely used the third row seating in my previous vehicle (rated at 7 passengers - but that counts 3 in the third row which would be difficult to get into and far too cramped) so this 5 passenger compact SUV more tha meets my needs, and with the ability to fold down flat all of the second row, and even the passenger front seat, it will meet all my cargo needs. Also downsized from a 6 cylinder to this 4 cylinder turbo - and with the reduced weight, and extra transmission speeds, dont miss the bigger engine at all - this has even more pickup, and the braking is very good, and the mileage improvement more than offsets the extra cost for premium gas. Start-Stop technology easy to get used to, as is the push-pull transmission selectors. Much improved navigation system; great intuitive controls. Excellent safety features - crash avoidance, parking assist; birdseye view cameras. Excellent sound system and lighting package. Start of the art dash board displays and steering wheel controls. Very comfortable seats.

• 

  I like my truck. - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Jeff - April 29 - 12:14 am

  I like my truck. Havent had any major problems in 40,000 miles. The drivers seat is comfortable for long trips, but the back seat will only hold adults for short trips. The radio is good for stock. This is a good truck. It always starts easily, even in cold weather, but Im not sure I can afford the gas.

• 

  2003 GMC Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Patricia - April 28 - 9:12 pm

  I bought this truck new in 2004. It is roomy and comfortable in the front, as well as the rear. Heating and cooling are excellent, with a back vent in the console. 4WD makes it great in the snow. It has a lot of amenities for a truck!

• 

  Would recommend - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By gpbacker - April 28 - 9:12 am

  Reliable vehicle. Bought used at 50,000 miles. Had to replace brakes at 75000. Would like better fuel economy than current 18 mpg, but the initial cost was low enough that it does not matter.

• 

  My first GM - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By WVU Fan - April 26 - 3:13 pm

  Ive had the car for less than a year and Ive had to reset the computer once and replace the cooling fan (cost $560) Hopefully I wont see anymore problems for a while. Doubt if I ever buy another GM! The Ford I traded was old but it ran great and never had any work done to it!

• 

  Good Truck - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By AdamJ - April 26 - 9:29 am

  Finally bought my first truck in Feb. 2006 and love it. It rides great and is fun to drive. So far I have added a hard lockable tonneau cover and a spray in bed liner. The tonneau cover improved the gas mileage so I would recommend buying one. I have about 3,000 miles on it so far and have been very impressed with everything. I have the I5 3.5 engine and it has plenty of power for a mid-size truck. Have not towed anything yet, but dont foresee any problems. Other options I have is 4WD, auto, power everything and I have not had a problem with anything thus far. I am looking forward to having and enjoying this truck for a very long time. Great product, you get a lot truck for a good price.

• 

  Very Happy - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By WJL - April 26 - 2:00 am

  No problems in 24k. Tows 5500lb trailer well. Very nimble handling for a large vehicle. Outstanding acceleration. Ride is excellent and comfortable. Tremendous difference in ride/handling from 96 & 99 Suburbans. Fuel economy 16-17hwy/12city.

• 

  Lost the Suburban - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By GM GUY - April 24 - 9:53 pm

  Got really freaked last year when gas started towords $3. We had a 99 4WD GMC Suburban (which I loved), but at $132 a tank twice a month, we figured get rid of it while we could. We wanted a Highlander at first but it was major small on the inside. Then because a GM dealer was nearby we popd in to look at the Envoys. After having test drove Highlanders, Hyundai Santa Fes and Pathfinders we were pleasantly surprised by the Envoy. The interior and ride were far superior to all the other SUVs we test drove, and quite! That in addition to the ride and power sold us. Room was an issue after having had a Suburban but we have adapted nicely.

• 

  Wonderful driving experience - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By SandiSanderson - April 24 - 5:43 pm

  I have had several high end Toyotas and Mercedes, this car has been one surprise after another. We get great gas mileage, it is extrememly comfortable (I have ridden in all seats). The performance is equal to our Solara convertable. We have taken several long trips and plan another around Christmas. My husband and I both love driving the car. I am stopped regularly and asked about the car.

• 

  Im buying another one - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Randy - April 24 - 6:18 am

  My wife rarely let me drive it! We sold it due to an overseas job transfer but were returning in July 06 and have already contacted the dealer to get another one. We had some trouble with the A/C however, the dealer fixed it pretty quickly. With the current high fuel costs, Ill get a REAL good deal this year. The 02 SLT was nimble and quick. We averaged 18mpg over 2 years. Not too terrible for a 275hp truck but always room to improve.