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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  2008 Envoy Winter Driver - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By phoenixiv - February 25 - 1:01 pm

  Just bought the wife a winter driver because the Toyota Corolla Sport cant even make it out of the driveway if it has 2 inches of snow or more. The Envoy is stable, dependable and with automatic or full time 4 wheel drive it plows through snow and ice covered roads well. Most of the time it turns around in the drive with 5-6 inches of fresh snow without 4 wheel drive engaged. The vehicle has a smooth heavy feel on the highway more like a 1/2 ton truck which we both like but it has a softer ride. Great leg room for me for a change which fits my 6 1" frame better than most of the smaller crossovers or SUVs. The 4.2L inline six has good power and torque at both low and high speeds.

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  Known Issue - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Michael Petti - February 20 - 11:15 am

  I had Leased a 2004 Envoy, mostly highway mileage. Towards the end of the lease had engine code for misfire cylinder4. Vehicle was turned in as the lease expired and I thought nothing of it. Purchased a Pre Owned Certified 2005 GMC Envoy SLT, in 2008. In 2010 had to replace Cam Shaft sensor, (this was early warning of problem to come). A few months ago had misfire cylinder 2, replaced the coil & plug, code cleared engine light off. Problem resolved or so I thought. Last month misfire cylinder 4, replaced coil & plug, still misfire. Had diagnosis done via computer. Low pressure in the cylinder. From the blogs on all the sites cylinder 4 & 5 seem to be issue. GM knows but dosent care

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  Good value overall, happy with switch from full size - 2015 GMC Canyon
  By zeniac - January 26 - 1:52 pm

  Switched from a full sized Silverado with no regrets. Although I have only driven it 400 miles, I know it was the right choice. It is comfortable, quiet, and reasonably appointed.The box is a bit narrower (about 6in), but with the 6.2 ft box, you can still haul quite a bit of stuff. The V-6 is strong, but a bit loud when pushed. I got just over 25mpg on the my first extended highway trip driving at speeds of 70-78mph which was quite impressive for me. The pricing is also quite competitive, and you can get a very well equipped truck around 30K, my sweet spot. I will update once I get more miles on the truck if my opinion changes as I get more miles on it.

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  Be Cautious - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By coltsneck - January 18 - 11:33 am

  Almost all 2015 Yukons/Denalis with AWD are having severe problems with the transmission. Basically, if you used the AUTO setting on the drive selector the trans will lock into 4WD and never come out. GM has no fix for this problem yet. Driving the vehicle like this is unsafe and makes a horrible racket. It might also damage the vehicle. Avoid any Yukon or Tahoe until the fix is found. You can google this problem to read more about it

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  Awesome - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By gm_jeepforlife - January 3 - 6:22 pm

  Very Comfortable for long distance trips and reliable I have had this vehicle since 2006 and it only has 95k miles and will never get rid of it

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  Great Interior EXterior Not So Much On Performance - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By dangerranger48 - December 4 - 12:34 pm

  i have to say i love the design of the terrain inside and out and how it drives and rides but performance could be improved a bit the transmission is sluggish but is good just not geared very good for getting on the interstate the 2.4 is little small for the terrain being a bigger suv

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  Envoy to Enjoy - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By envoyment - December 1 - 1:14 am

  Envoy was my first GMC, got a used 2005 Envoy SLT in 2009 with low mileage (50K) cranberry amazing.. I owned it for 3 years with 93K miles on the ODO, This truck is a hero, minor problems happened like leaking front diff, AC blower and .. that is ... just pay attention to regular oil changes and maintenance and drive it any where you want ... Best thing, you can fix many things by your self and few simple tools, it is incredibly simple

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  Scared to own the Acadia anymore ! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By envoyment - December 1 - 12:57 am

  Got abt 60K on my Acadia 2008, then I sold. During ownership, I liked Acadia, and so did my family, space, comfort, features were irresistible.Never the less, my family did not know how much care and scare this vehicle consumes.It started with sunroof leak, no good fix at the dealer. strange messages like (Check gauges) when hit parking brakes or open glove box! (Service traction) for unknown reason. Engine mounts & front suspension can go easily and quickly on slightly rough roads, I heard many complaints from Acadia owners & seen many on the repair shops but when trany started to hunt for gears on cruze control & AC started to consume more power. I gave up and sold it

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  GMC $129 month! - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By serafino - November 1 - 7:08 am

  $129 a month lease with no money down since I used my GMC points on credit card...bumped up to $3000 plus other incentives such as conquest cash, and change of styling for 2013. So, Ive been driving a the AWD SL model the cheapest model made, but it has the same drivetrain as the Denali $40K+ model. 30 months later not one problem, no squeaks or rattles, great in snow as RWD BMWs couldnt get out of their way. MPG average 17 mix on regular gas. Rides smooth and feels heavy, absorbs potholes. Dislikes: Plastic body works too much. The brakes starting to show wear at 24K feel vibrations. Seats not too comfortable lack support. Steering not precise. $129 cant complain.

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  204k miles & running - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By ztucker - October 4 - 11:08 pm

  I bought my Jimmy 7 years ago with 87k miles on it. Now it has 204k & has lasted pretty well. Id buy another one, but im really curious to how this "fuel efficient" life could be... My mechanic says wow the engine is built so strong. This last year was by far the worst, everything my diagnostic a few years ago told me would go wrong: did. But what do u expect? Main repeat issues: both doors kept breaking hinges. Both seat adjust handles were broken off from the time I bought it & its an impossible to fix, so no reclining my seats for 7 years. Heater stopped working 2 years ago (expensive fix to lift engine & change a $5 part). Engine light always on due to fuel cap being loose.