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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  Envoy rating Excellent - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By cbowen - January 16 - 12:03 am

  We have leased our Envoy for 5 months and enjoy the look, ride and the handling. Had a friend of the family ask about our Envoy, after talking to him they have decided on an Envoy later this spring if the price is right! Envoy sales itself! A great SUV. My whole family likes driving in it and riding it because of the room and all your safety features.

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  Awesome - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Denice - January 14 - 11:00 pm

  This vehicle is the best SUV by far Ive ever owned. It looks great, and performs excellent. We use it to tow our boat, it pulls our boat with ease. It is soooo comfortable to drive.

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  GMC Canyon review - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By wvu_matt - January 13 - 3:12 pm

  Handling is tight and responsive. I was hesitant with the 15" wheels. I have towed cargo trailers with no problem or lack of power. The 5 cyl is great on gas without losing much power. Only problem was the valve springs. These were replaced around 10k miles. Evidently there was a service bulletin but no official recall. If you lose power at highway speeds--have them check valve springs (I think they fixed that on the newer models). Overall, I would buy it again. Great looking (I have black on black offroad package) and plenty of interior room with crew-cab.

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  Great Vehicle - 1997 GMC Yukon
  By NGB - January 13 - 1:58 pm

  I purchased this vehicle new. It has been extremely reliable and is very sound mechanically. The truck has 129,000 miles currently and has not given a minute of trouble. I highly recommend these vehicles for anyone needing a four wheel drive and for anyone needing to haul or move things. We have used this vehicle to move our daughter back and forth to college for four years and into and out of her condo. I cannot say enough good about my Yukon. I love it!!

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  Poor Mileage - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jim - January 13 - 8:13 am

  Getting 16MPG overall and 10MPG city. All the reviews I read prior to purchase had the truck in the overall 19-22 MPG. Dealer keeps telling me to give it time. This is my third GM truck and never previously experienced such terrible mileage. My 2004 gave me 23 MPG on the highway and 17 in town. Other than the mileage issue it is a tremendous truck. The fuel management system does not work--again dealer tells me to give it time.

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  Love my Canyon - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By kygmcfan - January 12 - 8:29 pm

  Been driving a Canyon for about a year, the low end model with an automatic. Plenty of power, good fuel economy, overall acomfortable ride. I dont understand coments about poor build quality, I find this unit to be built far better than any other units I looked at including the Japanese units for a whole lot less money.

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  Kimarys Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By TURNER - January 12 - 10:03 am

  Driving experience has been great. My wife and I love the vehicle, however the gas mileage has only been averaging 13.3 mpg. Had I known that I would have opted for the Suburban and put up with the cylinder shutoff stuff. However it has been a fantastic vehicle and I can only hope GM can keep building vehicles with the quality that this one has.

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  SLT 2500HD 4WD XCAB SB 8.1L ALLISON 5SPD - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By M HILL - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This is one awesome truck. We are appreciative of the creature comforts, all around visibilty, safety/security features and OnStar. I pull a 30 foot 5th wheel, (about 11000 pounds) and have been very impressed with the trucks ability and ease of maneuverability. I regret I didnt wait for a DuraMax, but Im getting along fine without it.

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  Nice truck - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Rgr891 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  The ride quality is excellent and the cabin is very quiet. The rear seats are very spacious and nobody has complained about being uncomfortable. Had to have the "AutoTrac" switch replaced, which the dealer said was a common problem, at about 40000 miles.

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  Solid & reliable - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By Jason - January 10 - 12:15 pm

  Bought used with 46K on it. Knew of problems with 199x-1999 Suburbans and have experienced and replaced them all: Fuel pump, Intake manifold gaskets, battery posts, front brakes [actually adjust rears more frequently]. Did my own work with fore-warning from web BBSs and saved $$$$. At 102K and rolling strong. Added supersprings [helper leaf] for increased towing loads without K2500 weight penalty. Will replace OEM bilsteins soon. Added K&N intake, researching hypertech versus superchips for ECU tuning and will go to Massani or Gibson for exhaust when needed. Truck needs help in the roll area and Helwig and others make increased stiffness sway-bars.