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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  I love this vehicle! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Legaldiva1 - May 21 - 7:36 am

  I really love this vehicle. It has everything I have always wanted. I wanted the room of an SUV, but didnt want a gigantic beast to drive. This is perfect for our family and it looks great. I have had numerous people ask me about it. I feel very much in control of it when I drive. Tons of room!

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  Massive engine failure - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By rondagerk - May 21 - 3:11 am

  I love the way my Envoy handles, but I hate the 15 miles per gallon. I had a massive engine failure at 37,000 miles and had to have new engine put in. I would not buy another, and do not feel like I got my $38,000 worth.

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  dura-maxed - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By workhorse - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my gmc for a short while and am very pleased with the Duramax/Allison combination,I have owned powerstrokes in the past,the difference is amazing, the Duramax power range extends for a much longer time, torque is great.Allison transmission holds gear going down steep grades and the mileage for a full size pickup is awesome (average is 18 mpg, I have gotten as high as 21 mpg)

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  The Dirty Sanchez - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By jlane - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Great ride, who doesnt like a Yukon Denali? Its a tough American ride!

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  Yukon " The only one" - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Missygr21 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I have had many cars and suvs. This Yukon seems to be the best one I have had yet. It is extremely comfortable and super quite on the road. It has plenty of room> I am a parent of twins and can fit all their things plus other passengers. It is overall just a great vechicle. Really fun to drive. Highly recommended.

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  03 denali - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By rick - May 20 - 10:00 am

  best veicle ever owned.....absolute business machine!

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  Danali is the ultimate SUV - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Big Nick - May 20 - 10:00 am

  ALL around great truck. Every ameniety possible on the interior and the exterior turns heads wherever I go.

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  I Drive alot of different vehicles - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By lifofifo - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I drive alot of different SUVS and GM still has the best bang for your buck. My last 2 Suburbans have all had over 250,000 miles on them when I sold them, and are both still running strong.

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  BEST IN THE EAST - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By CHELLIE 713 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE HAD THREE GMC YUKONS, THIS IS THE FIRST DENALI MODEL. IT IS A FANTASTIC VEHICLE FOR STYLE, COMFORT AND QUALITY OF BODY DESIGN.

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  Envoy XL - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Steve - May 19 - 10:54 am

  The size of the Envoy XL is the main selling point. Third row is large and confortable with still enough room for storage behind the seat. Good pick up and performance.