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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  My 1999 Yukon SLT 4WD - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Gene Valentine - June 16 - 4:47 pm

  Overall, I am satisfied with the vehicle and expect several more years. I do have issues with the following: - Brakes: front set is too small, rears dont automatically adjust, a common problem with this model. The bulbs behind the radio/CD buttons died. The dealer said the entire unit had to be replaced .The CD player is very poor quality, was repaired twice, and I will replace it with a better unit The intake manifold cracks, another too common problem for 99, it should have been subject of a recall. The center console should have come with a lock.

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  No complaints - Great truck - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Brad - June 15 - 11:03 pm

  I looked forward to this truck arriving and havent been disappointed. I like everything about my truck. Size, handling, performance. I am in the process of customizing the truck and theres not a lot I have to do. From four wheeling in the snow to pulling a large trailer to zipping down the highway, this trucks got getup and control. The only complaint I have is that the bottm half of the fuel tank disappears in a hurry, but for a 5.3 its not all that bad. So far Ive only experienced minor adjustments.

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  Test drive for yourself - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Bob Larson - June 15 - 6:26 pm

  Our GMC Envoy is an outstanding vehicle. The ride quality and quiet interior (thanks in part to the power rear glass that separates the cargo area in the XUV) are soothing on the highway. The chassis and steering are more-than-competent in real world driving--this is not a track racer! Amenities are first rate. The new leather seating impresses, the V8 is silky sweet, and the value of OnStar should not be underestimated in comparisons. We like the new touchscreen Nav system and XM radio. Its sad that the XUV roof is being dropped in 06, being a major leap in versatility and beautifully executed. Lovable!

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  2007 GMC Yukon XL - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By jabroni - June 15 - 3:56 am

  I love driving my wifes new Yukon. Overall a really great ride. I drive 2005 Ford Truck and this GMC truck rides like a car. Ford can take a cue.

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  my second Yukon is awesome!!! - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By David Clark - June 15 - 1:31 am

  I previously owned a 2001 GMC Yukon which was very nice and rode very well even with 126,000 miles on it! I decided to buy a 2004 in December since the rebates were very good and I absolutely love it! This vehicle has so many improvements from my original vehicle and have 30,000 miles on it without a single problem. I will continue to purchase GMC Yukons as a work and pleasure vehicle for years to come. Drive one today and you will not be dissapointed!

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  Loyal GMC Guy is back - 2011 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By LoyalGMCGuy - June 14 - 3:03 am

  I owned an early 2001 HD 2500 with an 8.1/Allison. While solid, fuel consumption, oil use, and piston slap made ownership less than desirable. After several years of Toyota and Nissan ownership, I ordered a 2011 GMC Duramax SLT Crew. The 2001 and 2011 are similar in ride and appearance, but power from the 2011 is considerably greater. The Duramax is quiet and interior noise is low. It has impressive electronics, and fit and finish appear excellent. Interior is nice but lacks appointments. Other than the large center console, there is limited storage for small items such as sunglasses. The exterior lacks tie downs and storage. This is my sixth GMC and first one in ten years. Im back!

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  I love my Envoy! - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Lori - June 13 - 8:29 pm

  I absolutely love the GMC Envoy. I shopped for 6 months looking at similar vehichles and am very happy with my choice. The dealer was wonderful and so was GMAC financing. There was a little ping sound with my interior lights, so I just took it in and they fixed it right away, while I waited for free. There are no loopholes in their warranty, unlike my husbands experience with his Ford Explorer a few years ago.

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  Pros and Cons - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By adidas4089 - June 13 - 5:09 pm

  This is an excellent SUV, however with all SUVs there is the drawback of horrible gas mileage. Although the Envoy isnt the worst in its class in terms of gas mileage, it doesnt impress in town. Highway gas mileage on the other hand, is quite bearable. My tank holds about 20 to 22 gallons, and I usually get about 350 miles to the tank on the highway.

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  Best I have ever purchased - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Thomas Gray - June 13 - 4:46 pm

  This midsize SUV has to be one of the smoothest riding American built SUVs of its class. It handles extremely well. Vision of the road is superior as well. The leg room in the front is the best that I test drove. Very happy with it so far.

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  Pretty decent truck - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Mykee - June 13 - 10:00 am

  All around performance is a little above average. Nice two wheel drive.