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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  Beter new than old - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Jammer - July 20 - 10:14 pm

  I love this truck. I have had an S10 crew cab for 3 years and traded it in as soon as I drove this one. The power is more than enough for a smaller pickup. The truck is not made for large towing but it does handle my 2 ATVs on a trailer just fine. Gas mileage is much superior to my old S10, about a 20% increase, and it isnt even broken in yet. The interior is typical GMC, but I like it simple. Stereo, and interior controls are easy to use and understand. The rear doors give good access to the extended cab which has almost as much room as my old crew cab did! The handling is superb, crisp and the acceleration is miles above my old one. If you like your S10, do yourself a favor and buy a new Canyon.

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  Great truck - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By Jim woods - July 19 - 7:01 pm

  Leased this fine truck in March 2002. When the lease ran out, I was totally prepared to lease my third 4x4 Sonoma, only to find out they discontinued it for a goofy 5 cylinder replacement. So I bought my lease truck with 29,000 miles on it. The only trouble Ive had is needing to replace the instrument cluster at 34,000 miles because both the temperature and fuel guages became intermittant. But,I really love this little 4x4. Its been reliable and tough, with gobs of smooth power. It still gets 19 mpg in town and 23 on the road, not too bad for a big v6, 4x4.This truck has not developed one single rattle or squeak since I first got it. All in all, its a dandy.

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  Great SUV! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By dwhiteley - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Great ride and options!

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  2005 Canyon crew - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By David - July 18 - 10:52 pm

  Seat comfort is substandard. Love the overall design. Gas mileage is to be expected from a 4 wheel drive. Stereo sounds good, but I really hate the auto volume.

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  Nice Vehicle - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By R. A. Pasheilich - July 18 - 12:26 am

  The Envoy is a very comfortable vehicle. I traded in a Ford Explorer with 58,000 miles on the odometer. The Envoy is a much more comfortable ride. The navigation radio is easy to use and the DVD player is great for the kids. The 275HP six is best in class. I considered a new Explorer, but found the features and ride of the GMC to be superior.

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  Gas Guzzler - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Mark - July 17 - 10:04 pm

  Comfortable, quiet ride quality. Strong acceleration. Leans a little too much into turns. Weak brakes, especially when towing a trailer without brakes. Rear seat is a little cramped. Interior materials are cheap, especially the center console. Limited storage within the drivers reach. Rear seat doesnt recline. This should be standand when equipped with a rear DVD entertainment system. 410 gears along with the 4200 engine are a good match. Poor gas mileage. I dont get anywhere near the 15 mpg city to 21 mpg highway as listed on the window sticker. Good stereo system, however, poor sound quality. The BOSE speakers should be standard on all Envoy trim levels.

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  One SUV does it all - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Mrs Karen Bruce - July 16 - 2:05 pm

  We are happy with our Denali, and it has surpassed all our expectations. We will keep buying the GMC Denali. We are a family of 7 children and adults. The ride is wonderful, in the front or back of the SUV. The movies are great, the wireless are the bomb as my grandkids called them. We feel safe on the road, sunshine or rain. A plus, we can pull our boat to the lake. This is one SUV that will do it all.

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  Nice car - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By rob galla - July 16 - 1:32 pm

  This SUV has a great ride and handles more like a car. Moments into the test drive, I knew I would purchase this vehicle. I bought a black one with gray interior. The interior is roomy for the front and rear passengers.The A/C is great front and rear, and the stereo is also prime.

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  Finally, an improved interior - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Family Great - July 16 - 9:33 am

  I have always owned a GMC Jimmy/Yukon, and through the years any issues I have had with one-to-the-next has been improved on, such as the interior. When Yukonss first debuted, the interior seemed to be "not completed" with rough edges, exposed door mounts, and open galleys where it looked like it was meant for something. Now to the warranty, after about 40,000 miles it seems to go to pot. from the computer sensor chips to powertrain problems, this last Yukon has been in service 3 times for the same recall. This is why every three years I trade it in.

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  Much better - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Paul - July 15 - 1:04 pm

  As far as build quality and reliability so far, there is no comparison to my previous 2003 XL, its much better. Some road bumps can be a bit choppy, but that was to be expected on the standard wheel base versus the XL. Handling is gererally very good. The ride is very smooth and exhibits very little body roll when cornering. Ground clearance is quite low for an SUV, so this vehicle is better suited for roughing it out in horrible weather than going off road. With the 5.3L V8 and the short wheel base, performance is better than most vehicles in its class. Also, its just so quiet inside, great sound deadening. Interior and exterior looks are really good. This Envoy is so close to being luxury, nearly!