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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  Theres nothing like the size of an American SUV - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Chris - May 31 - 4:11 pm

  Overall I am very pleased with this vehicle. The comfort, ride, and features are all way above average. I am 64" and this is one of the few SUVs that gives me the room I need. The stock stereo is excellent. I use the nav all the time. Its not a touch screen, but it works almost flawlessly in my experience. XM radio is well worth the money if you drive far away from big cities. it has a huge engine, tows great, will give you great acceleration for the size, and youll have no trouble merging into traffic. Now for the negative. Poor gas mileage . At 11000 miles, I had a transmission issue. It shifted jack rabbit style into 2nd gear, the engine light came on, and I am still waiting for the warranty repairs from the dealer.

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  Great older ride - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By Grady - May 29 - 1:18 pm

  Had to replace the fuel pump and water pump at 70K miles. Otherwise, a splendid vehicle.

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  Yukon smooth ride - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By jwf - May 29 - 12:50 am

  This is the best riding vehicle I have ever owned. It is smooth, and the engine has lots of power. It comes with nice features and a lot of versatility. I really enjoy it. Like many folks, sometimes I wish the mileage was better, but I didnt buy it for the mileage. Nobody buys SUVs for the mileage! Sometimes people seem to forget that point.

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  My 05 GMC - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Larry Seward - May 27 - 7:13 pm

  Great towing vehicle. Not a luxury ride, but better than most SUVs. it has a very comfortable interior. Comes with all the right options to make it "your car". This is my 4th GMC... they continue to improve. One drawback, there is very little storage space for personal items near the driver (compartments, shelves or pockets). The engine is strong enough for most of us and trouble-free. Back seats are comfortable and roomy. OnStar and XM radio are great and sound system is excellent.

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  Great vehicle all around - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By farrell - May 26 - 3:06 pm

  I have really enjoyed my Yukon so far, although I have only owned it for about 8 months. No major problems so far as the person that owned it before me took really good care of it.

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  Solid SUV - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By kmbsuv - May 25 - 2:57 pm

  I have owned my 2004 GMC Envoy for a little over a year now and Im very pleased with it. The ride quality is great for long trips and I love the exterior styling. Its been fantastic for my many trips to Home Depot. The wide cargo opening is definitely a plus. The dual climate control is great because my wife is always cold and Im always warm. I have brought it back to the dealer a few times for a few problems that were fixed under warranty immediately. The gas mileage could be better, but I knew about that before I bought it. Since I dont drive too much, it hasnt been a problem even with the high gas prices.

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  What an SUV - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By ed and angie - May 24 - 6:51 pm

  This is unlike any SUV I have ever been in or driven. Its great for the money,and I will never drive anything else. My 3 year old son loves it. Everyday he asks me to go for a ride. Everyone who has been in it has wanted it. The sun roof is great. My sister has a Cadillac SUV and is now trading hers in for this. you dont need to spend an arm and a leg for luxury.

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  GMC canyon disapointment - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By pman - May 23 - 1:21 am

  I have a vibration at 48-54 mph, which is considered normal by GMC. Fuel mileage with the 4 cylinder averages 15-19 mpg at best. No adjustmets for the seat backs, no exterior key lock for passenger door. not much help from GMC. Its probably the last GMC vehicle I will buy.

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  Nice used truck - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By andy - May 22 - 2:10 pm

  I bought this vehicle in the midst of the SUV/fuel price crisis meltdown. Had it for 3 months now. Really liking it. Got it cheap for what I would have paid for it 6 months ago but it does drink down the gas in town.13 mpg in town.This is the 2wd model and has the best mileage of the bunch. On the open highway though it is great. Comfortable, safe and good height for vision.60mph/23mpg.65mph/22mpg.70mph/19mpg. This is from measuring fuel, not going by the mpg indicator on the dash which I find overestimates by 0.8 mpg. So,with its great power, size and comfort (and reasonable fuel economy for its size) it makes a great vacation car. Just dont use it as a daily commuter.

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  Big Red - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Tanns - May 22 - 8:30 am

  My 2001 is a real pleasure to drive, getting 15mph on highways, always used regular gasoline. It performs well in the snow and Im sold on Allison transmissions.