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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  Truckillac - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Mike - June 29 - 9:40 am

  Only had this vehicle for a few weeks, but all impressions are great. Always drove Ford F-150s and there is no comparison to this truck. I did a lot of research before purchasing and the GMC rated the highest. This truck is superior in quality, ride and comfort. Have the loaded up SLT with all the options including the 20" wheels. Engine is plenty strong and tranny shifts smooth. My research revealed the GMC is assembled much better than the Chevy. The truck rides like a cadillac as the saying goes. As another rater said of this truck, "Dont waste your time looking at other trucks go to a GMC dealer and purchase the Sierra"! Ill drink to that.

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  Its been a good truck to own - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By RJ - June 28 - 12:05 pm

  I bought it a year old w/ 36k miles for $25k. I wish it had a 3rd row seat available back then. Its time to trade it in for a minivan or Freestyle wagon. Trade in is $8K so it cost me $3400 a year in deperciation. Mechanically truck has held up very well. The fuel pump went out at 100k. Cost $1000 (mainly because we were stranded out of town and could not shop around for repair). ABS doesnt work. There was a recall in Canada, but it doesnt apply to the US. It will cost about $800 to fix. Intake gasket leaked ,causing loss of heat/coolant - cost $800 to fix. Overall Im very happy witht he choice. The truck has become too unreliable for my wife and young kids, so its time for a new car. Id definitely get the 2005 or later Expedition if I got another SUV. Have drivien my dads and brothers on a few trips and they are outstanding

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  Envoy - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Tonya - June 27 - 8:40 pm

  I went from a full size Yukon to the Envoy. I love the car and it performs and handles much better than the larger vehicle. If you have more than one child this car may not be for you.

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  Envoy Envy - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By ed nasrey - June 27 - 7:59 pm

  This is one of the finest vehicles Ive ever driven. The vehicle looks great and handles perfectly. I feel proud driving my Envoy, and it seems I have plenty of other Envoy company on the road as well. The vehicle is sporty, has good design features and is loaded with fine accents.

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  Style, Beauty, Comfort, and Power - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Metallicred Mama - June 27 - 7:32 pm

  The Envoy Denali is an SUV with luxury car performance and style. The car has spacious back rows for taller people, and has well designed folding seats. The rear controls for the air and radio are also a great feature. The Envoy denali is also very powerful. The motor has the power of a sports car for good handling. This is the car for a sports car lover with a family who cares about comfort, safety, and fun.

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  Maddogs ride - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By bannon9 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Very very good ride,comfort and roomy 6.0 liter is very responsive and fast

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  Loaded SUV - 1998 GMC Envoy
  By marl8y - June 26 - 7:13 pm

  A great SUV for family trips. Night time visibility is superb with the high intesity headlamps. I love the interior and Bose sound system! It plows through the snow in 4 wheel drive with no problems. Gas mileage is around 15 in the city and 20-22 on the highway. No mechanical problems so far with 78,000 on the odometer.

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  My First Truck - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By lstpierr - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I was always an F150 fan when it came to small pickups. I couldnt resist the ride the GMC gave, I tested the Dodge, Ford and Toyota, GMC won hands down. I now have the truck for nearly 2 years, with 28k on it. The only issue I had was with GMC service. I had a hard flip toneau cover installed, they soaked me, and put it on incorrectly. Also, a clunking sound from the drive train, that was a known issue released, and theyve replaced the alloy yolk with the new Steel yolk, alls fine. This is a great truck, the only other thing I need to do is replace the Firestone tires and Im golden. I recommend this truck to anyone!

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  I love it! - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By skaylor - June 25 - 4:54 am

  Very fun to drive! Best SUV that I have ever purchased. Great turning radius, sleek design, very comfortable. Only downfall is the gas mileage, but thats to be expected on an XL SUV.

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  151k, so far so good - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By donw - June 22 - 8:21 pm

  I bought this truck 1 year old with 11k miles. Its absolutely dependable. The CD player quit 6 years ago. It needed new brake pads at 18k miles. I switched to NAPA pads, and now am only on the second set since then. The oil cooler line seeps, and has been like this since 50k miles. Its a minor nuisance, and too big of a pain to change due to its location. The engine mounts needed replacement at 150k. Right now Ive still got 4500 miles to a quart of oil. Hazard light switch is absurdly fragile, and its tough to find one in a junk yard. Over all a very dependable vehicle.