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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  Great vehicle - bad mileage - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Alan - August 18 - 2:22 pm

  This is a great vehicle. The gas mileage is bad, but I knew that going in. I have not had any problems with the vehicle. This is a very comfortable ride. With the GMC "you pay what we pay" campaign I was able to finally get the vehicle I wanted. Excellent car, and I highly recommend - just be ready to spend some money on gas.

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  Best full size SUV - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Thai Quach - August 17 - 12:10 am

  Excellent SUV for price/size/features. I am totally satisfied with the ride, handling and power. My wife and kids loves it. I think its mileage is better when compared to other SUVs at the same size.

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  Envoy SLE 2003 - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By SteveTx2554 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Very good ride quality and handling and good gas mileage. Averaged between 23- 24 mpg highway.

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  This is one great truck - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By dmalkire - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I spent the past year looking at trucks before deciding on the GMC Sierra. I havent had it one full day yet, but I can tell you that the wait was well worth it. The truck is comfortable, the ride is solid and quiet. GMC has even managed to eliminate one of the more serious knocks in their 2004 model - the rattling sound that Sierra was infamous for. I have not heard it like I have in previous models I have test driven.

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  Rides great, looks great - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Terry - August 12 - 6:12 pm

  Ive had a number of people ask me about this truck. They love the front end look. Ive added a cap (Century), sunroof (CRL) and upgraded the sound system (Alpine XM) and made this into a great ride for my wife and I on some long trips. Lots of open cab room, leather and heated seat... the only way to go in New England.

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  SLT Review - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Michael Milbourne - August 12 - 3:41 pm

  My wife brought this automobile home from the dealership. At first look I wasnt impressed at all. Then I got in and drove. WOW, I was impressed. Satellite radio, leather, sunroof, adjustable pedals, and nice ride. I had rented a Ford Escape for a recent trip to Fla. and was glad to turn it in when the trip was over, but I really liked the Envoy. I find myself finding excuses to drive it. And the GM incentives (employee pricing) made it a no-brainer. I would buy another tomorrow if something happened to this one.

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  GMC 1500 seat quality - 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
  By John - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I have 2010 GMC 1500 SLE with manual seats. The seat back has extra play consequently starts and stops cause the back of the front seat to move because of a poor fit or extra clearance. The dealer says they are all that way and showed me another truck and it was the same, I find it extremely annoying, I will probably have to find a good upholstery shop and pay to repair a sloppy seat back. Not happy with build quality.

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  Roomy and Fun to Drive - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Amber - August 12 - 9:23 am

  My Acadia drives wonderfully, better than the other 2 SUVs I have owned. I love the body style the the fule mileage is great for the size of the SUV

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  My first 3/4 Ton Truck & Diesel - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Ryan - August 11 - 5:46 pm

  I previously owned a 1999 Silverado 1500 4X4 Extended Cab Standard Bed and a 2007 Sierra 1500 4X4 Extended Cab Standard Bed I wanted to upgrade to something more powerful with more room. While I really dont need it for towing at this point, I can only imagine how great of a towing vehicle this will be. I am very impressed with the power of the Duramax diesel, as well as how quiet it is compared to the Ford Power Stroke and the Cummins in the Dodge. I test drove all 3 brands, and what won me over was the performance and power of the Duramax, as well as how much smoother the Allison Tranny shifted over the transmissions in the Dodge and Ford. The interior is the best of the 3.

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  Minor Problems... - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By carolyn2112 - August 10 - 2:15 pm

  I bought this one straight from the factory. I am a little disapointed in the quality. I have had the passenger door speaker blow out three times on me, as well as the parking brake handle come off and the hood latch break. No major system troubles, but the minor ones still sent it back to the dealer!