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 Sierra2500 4x4 crew cab - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500
  By rixxster69 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Great truck, still getting used to the new front end grill( I liked 99-02 best) I previously owned a 2000 z71 sierra slt. Just bought 2004 SLT 2500 crew cab 4x4. They dont include under the hood courtesy light, they eliminated one of the cigarette lighter power input. the 2004 has 6l vortec which is a huge pig compared to 5.3 vortec in my old 2000. the new computer stuff is pretty cool. I am getting on average 10mpg on the 6 liter, I used to get 18- 19 on the 5.3 motor. The first thing to go will be the air cleaner swap with an Air aid or K&N type of element. dramatic horsepower and fuel economy increases should be expected.

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  Looks arent everything! - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Hawkman - September 26 - 10:00 am

  SLE Ext Cab, Sportside,5.3, tow, HD suspension. The truck rides like a frikkin wagon train. Absolutely loathe driving iy. I dont understand how everyone says it rides great. Im going to put Bilsteins "comfort" shocks and hope it provides a cure. Other than its ride, the truck is great! Nice, comfortable and roomy inside. Looks fantastic! Reliability has not been an issue. Has more shakes and rattles than I prefer. Gas mileage has been consistent around 16mpg. Contemplating a Radix supercharger. Decent power is not enough. Id recommend buying this truck, but looks alone does not make for lasting love.

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  BUYERS OBSERVATIONS - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By JAMES FARLEY - September 26 - 10:00 am

  DEALERS DONT TREAT HIGH END CUSTOMERS AS WELL AS M/B OR LEXUS ITS A BIG HOLE IN PRODUCT LOVELY TO DRIVE AND OWN , HOWEVER

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  2003 GMC Envoy SLT - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By M Proctor - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The GMC Envoy is responsive to cornering yet offers a very smooth and quiet ride. The engine is strong and carries 5 persons with no problems. We made a 5 hour trip and everyone was comfortable and not fatiqued. Options are well designed and easy to use. It is a big improvement over our last SUV - an Isuzu Trooper. Gas mileage is OK at 19-21 MPG.

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  My Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Teri Cobb - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased this vehicle on Saturday 10-18-2003 and so far I love it!

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  Great Rig! - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Brian Laine - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is a very well designed vehicle. It combines a very comfortable, luxurious driving environment with the ability to tow heavy trailers. Since a lot of stuff is included in the standard package, I got more accessories than I might have bought if they were priced separately. I really like Quadrasteer.

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  Quality for years to come! - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Haus - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had the truck for three weeks and put 1000 miles on it. I was pleased with the dealer, the deal and the truck! Receiving $3000 discount off list, from the GMC factory list gave me alot of extra electronics (Bose speakers,Onstar phone, and the cool XM radio)that I probably would not have bought. GMC gave $2500 incentive discount, and the dealer gave his discount. Dont miss out on these extra incentives. This truck handles like no other truck I have driven. My 1994 Chevy was nice, but the new handling, performance, comfort, creature features are the best. Sierra, to me, is the nicest styling that I have found in a 2004 truck. Get one!

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  Awesome Truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By IIZFISHIN - September 23 - 5:03 pm

  Bought this truck with 14,000 miles on it in July and have 18,000 on it right now. It’s a super truck and pulls the boat and camper just fine. Plenty of power and very roomy inside. Im 62" with plenty of leg room and headroom for me.

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  My 1st GMC truck - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By keven johnson - September 21 - 5:10 pm

  Great sporty truck. It may be a Plain Jane work truck but that allowed me to personalize it. I love this truck!! It is QUIET (with the windows up), comfortable and BIG. The 4 speed auto. transmission with the 4.3 V-6 tends to hunt for a gear during cruse control. But as long as you are over 75 MPH it works well. Just keep your foot in it when the cruise is off. My mileage is a constant 18 MPG no matter how hard or easy I drive it.

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  Nice ride - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By high5rowan - September 21 - 10:23 am

  We were trying to downsize and I glanced over and saw this vehicle. As soon as I found out it seated 8 with center bench I told the dealer to bring it to the house. My wife wasnt sure at first, but after driving it and seeing the Acadia in white she loved it. We ordered one which took 6 weeks but was worth the wait. What a class vehicle. Before buying an import do yourself a favor and check this one out. The only thing we left off was heads up and nav system. I will use a portable nav. Had a Z71 sub and this drives like a Cadillac in comparison.Our first road trip is coming up will keep posted.