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 Diesel Truck - 2015 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Tom - July 15 - 12:24 pm

  Bought this SLT model after trading in a 13 2500 HD Denali. Needed to pull a 16000 lb Fiver camper. This Pickup has extreme power and smooth shifting. Thought about getting a single rear tire toner till I realized the only difference was an extra leaf spring is all. I had automatic step sides that come down when you open the door and that made access in and out easy even the wife enjoys it. I have 13000 on it now. I guess I dont see any issue with the headlights seem the same although I did notice at the parts counter upgraded bulbs on the counter so maybe that fixed the issue. I especially like the bright lights in the side mirrors for backing up at night. No problems with the leather or accessories, I did get extended warranty just in case. mileage varies about 8 mph pulling the camper and 17 mpg on the highway not pulling town about 15. Seems like a great pickup more to come.

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  Better Than Expected - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Paul D - July 15 - 12:13 pm

  It was a toss up between the MDX and the Envoy. When GM announced the employee discount, that pushed us over the edge. In the end, we are thrilled with the SUV. We took it on a 2000 mile vacation and loved it. Comfortable, very quiet, powerful, roomy. I truly look forward to driving it.

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  Dream vehicle--(:-) - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By Bulldog Man - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Finally got the vehicle of our dreams. If you are looking for a vehicle that has every feature, along with the quality you are looking for in an SUV, the XL is for you. The great looks, gets everyones attention and this SUV can be decked out with many after market items that make it a real eye catcher. The ride is "sweet" (as long as you get rid of the Firestone tires).

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  Poor reliability - poor service - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By PDuarte - July 13 - 8:33 pm

  A few months after purchasing the SUV new started having transmission problems. Dealer was never able to diognose and fix the problems. I take it back to the dealer and sometimes they work on it but never succesfully. Also had to have both front wheel bearings replaced. I lost confidence on GMs quality of their presumably best products, the dealers ability to diagnose and repair correctly and in good faith.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Nancy Hill - July 10 - 10:49 pm

  I really enjoy driving the Envoy. I feel the handling is great, and it is very quite inside when the windows are up. The ride is smooth, and love the v8 for acceleration. The only faults on the interior are the clock is too small, and its hard to get to the cup holder above the gear shift on the console. I love the room in the back, but I wish the seats folded down a bit flatter. I love the idea of the built in air compressor.

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  Car of the year for 2007 - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Jim - July 9 - 3:50 pm

  I always want a car with style of Lexus, drive like a Infiniti, capacity like a Tahoe, price tag like a Chevy and fuel efficient like a Toyota and Acadia is the closest I can get. Got my Acadia on Feb 17, my whole family just cant have enough of it. Totally in love with the style, size and power. Oh yes, dont under estimate this 3.6L V6 engine. Lot of buttons is true but they are all well placed. Im getting 16.5mpg on my first tank of gas since most of my driving are local. Japanese and European car manufactures, are you scared?

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  Higly Reccommend - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By yar1260 - July 9 - 3:28 pm

  Great overall SUV. Uncompared appearance, a great ride, and a joy to drive. The only thing is the quick response steering is difficult to get used to.

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  2016 Sierra SLT 4WD - 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Russ Vaughn - July 9 - 11:02 am

  I loved this truck ...I say loved because I no longer have it. 2000 miles into ownership I had my first wreck of nearly 40 years of driving. My beautiful truck got T boned by a guy doing about 65 mph. My truck flipped with me in it and all the curtain airbags deployed along with OnStar immediately asking if I was ok. The other driver was taken to the hospital with injurys (Hes doing good now) but I climbed out of the truck without a scratch. I hope that I never need the safety features on the GMC again but I cant say enough about them. btw I am on my way to buy my next GMC now.

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  2010 Terrain FWD 6 cylinder - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By JOE - July 9 - 6:16 am

  Totally blown away by this vehicle, Ride & handling experience, I went all out and fully loaded with, NAV, DVD you name it we got it everything but AWD. GM hit this one out of the park. A real head turner everyone wondering what it is. Macho, masculine, pug nose bulldog Its an ALL TERRAIN-ING experience driving this vehicle. The 6 cylinder is machismo!!! Equinox is sweet but Terrain is sweeter! Well done GM well done !!

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  Great for my bad back! - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By Sean - July 7 - 11:03 pm

  Since back surgery a few years ago, Ive been lucky to be able to sit in a car for more than 3-4 hours. With the Denali, that is a thing of the past! Ive had a couple of 10+ hour days behind the wheel and felt great once arriving to my destination. This alone justifies the cost to me, as I can now visit clients further away more often. And this thing is FUN to drive! You dont really notice all the size except when parking, and the car has a very responsive and solid feeling while on the open road. My favorite car yet. Sad to say, the classic exterior styling of the Denali is gone in favor of a more "Ford" look in the 2007 line.