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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  Why did they stop making the envoy - 2009 GMC Envoy
  By big red - December 31 - 10:08 am

  I have owned new suvs for almost 20 years. Many makes and models. The envoy is the best in its size. Where else can you find a 4x4 that will pull over 5000 pounds and still have all the creature comforts. I was driving a low mileage trail blazer when i found out they were stopping the envoy and trailblazer. I immediately started looking for a 4x4. it took almost a month before the right suv and deal came in. Why GM stopped making it is one of many reasons GM is in trouble. They felt that the Acadia was a replacement...Go drive one and you will find out how bad its visability is and lack of towing.

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  I LOVE MY YUK!!!!!!! - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By AngelaSue - December 29 - 2:00 am

  If you want the Best SUV, the Yukon is for you. It is a safe vehicle for your family yet fun to drive with lots of power!!! I love to outrun Vettes!!! I will never own anything else.

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  My 2003 Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Amy Ouellette - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my Envoy. Wonderfully smooth drive with the most incredible turning radius Ive ever experienced. I have never been more satisfied with a vehicle.

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  Great SUV - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By William Daly - December 28 - 5:46 pm

  Traded in a loaded 2002 Trailblazer LTZ for the loaded Acadia SLT2. As much as I loved the LTZ, this one has it beat in every way (except the LTZ had the rain sensor wipers). Only 4 months old but the milage is better than the LTZ even with AWD. The headsup display is great as are the heated/cooled seats. Enough storage space with the rear seat folded down, but plenty more with the second row captains seats folded down. Really soomth ride with plenty of power. The Nav system is superior to my old Garmin unit. Not crazy about the plastic chrome interior trim. Looks cheap. Could use an upgrade in this area. All in all more than satisfied.

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  Loyal Customer - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Acme - December 27 - 9:00 pm

  Bravo! GMC has finally done it. What a truck. After owning over 30 GM trucks in the last 25 years I decided in 2001 that my next truck would be a Ford. Thought I would try one. After checking for recalls on the Sierra and the 150 I was very sceptical about the Ford. Drove them both. No contest. Boy trucks have really changed in the last few years. The improvements and appointments of this truck are far to numerous to itemize here. GMC has redefined the term, "Base Truck". This is the first truck I have ever owned that I was 100% pleased with. It is a good value, fair price, great truck. Ford is way behind this truck, Dodge is a joke. Bravo GMC!

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  a great SUV - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By miguel - December 21 - 10:03 am

  I traded in my 03 Pathfinder for the Yukon. I havent looked back since i love the way it drives, and the cargo space is 3 times better than the Pathfinder. Gas mileage is about the same as the smaller SUVs 14 city 17- 18 hwy. I have replaced the rear brakes and front brakes, I need to replace the water pump. I do most of the repairs myself, the parts are not expensive they are easy to come by. It can drive thru the snow with no worries. I love the truck and will not get rid of it anytime soon.

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  best yet - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By underpressureinc - December 20 - 7:40 pm

  I bought this truck brand new, actually bought a toyota first but found the mileage and power to lacking for the needs I had. this truck filled the bill alright, she has towed a trailer almost everyday and has been used as a working route truck.I have had not one problem with this truck even the tires have lasted longer than expected for stock run of the mill general tires. I love this truck but its time to move on to a new work truck I think I will do it all over with another short box gmc 1500 ! what a great investment this was for our co.

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  Awesome - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Nick - December 20 - 7:03 pm

  I just bought this vehicle, and it is awesome. Its fun to drive, and everything about it is made for ease of use. I love the usb port for my ipod, and I love the self lifting rear door. Its nice to get up in the morning and have the remote start so its warmed up to go to work. I bought the SLT-2 V6, and it has just the right amount of power and pickup. For those that dont like the red lighting, I think its great. For those that said you couldnt read it, maybe you needed eye correction anyway.

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  Nice!!! - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By justa25thta - December 18 - 10:00 am

  Although I have had the truck less than a week, it is really nice. Nice ride, looks great, gas mileage is already improving (should be about 16 mpg for the first tank and should get better). Big enough for the whole family and groceries in the back. It was this truck or a SUV, like the truck much better. Drove the Ford SuperCrew (Nice interior materials!) and the Nissan Titan. They are both nice, but the GMC had $6000 in rebates! That sealed the deal. Real glad I went with the GM!

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By jaduca - December 12 - 6:09 pm

  Very smooth ride! I also test drove the Equinox Trailblazer and XTerra but the envoy had my vote from the first. Very comfortable very roomy. My dog likes it and he hates road trips. Definitely wouldnt trade it for anything else on the market.