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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  New Canyon Road Trip - 2015 GMC Canyon
  By azjimc - May 24 - 11:50 pm

  I just completed a 5K mile road trip with new Canyon. Exceeded expectations! Moderate heavy load still averaged 22MPG. Have all the electronic bells and whistles. Amazing Nav screen automatically notes coming traffic problems. Voice tells about road issues ahead. Weather map shows accurate NWS maps with storms clearly shown ahead. Drivers Info Center on dash supports LED screen plus added features. Never used On-Star and did not need it with on board Navigation features. Nav-GPS very accurate. Slightly slower to use than Garmin. Auto-trac a must for bad weather. Very secure feel to driving the truck. Light years away from older F 150 I used.

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  2006 GMC Envoy 4.2 I6 - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Ian Brown - April 12 - 10:31 pm

  I used to have a Jeep Wrangler with the 2.5 liter engine and the AX5 transmission. Tons of fun to drive, but the transmission is not a drivers transmission, I smoked two of them before trading it for my Envoy. The 4.2 I6 feels stronger than what GMC gives it credit for, the Envoy has a tighter turning radius than my old Jeep! And it is absolutely wonderful to drive! It has excellent driving manners, and you can feel vehicle response in your feet and hands with nothing left vague. My cockpit space feels luxurious and my daughter cant quit raving about the lavish wood grain interior, ventilation, leather seats and well appointed use of chrome. I dont miss my jeep in the least.

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  LOVE my Terrain! - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By Cydney Odom - March 31 - 5:27 pm

  I bought a 2011 SLE Terrain with 18000 miles on it. I have had noting negative to say about it thus far. It rides smooth. Getting great gas mileage. Low road noise on the high way. I think the 4 cylinder engine is powerful for what it is. I have a 511" girlfriend and she fits very comfortably in this vehicle. Overall, I am thrilled. Would absolutely purchase one of these again!

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  New Standards set for Full-Size Luxury SUVs - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By firemedic1105 - February 14 - 5:57 pm

  The NEW, GM 2015 model Full-size SUVs indeed set new standards in this segment. I ordered out my Yukon Denali, which currently has about 8000 miles. I have had flawless performance and ZERO recalls or issues. The 6.2L/420HP V-8 is incredible. The fit and finish of this truck is amazing and the list of features is endless. The interior comfort and quietness at highway speed rivals any luxury sedan. I compared the new GMs against the other domestic and import brands in this market. Without any doubts, the structural integrity, interior materials, options and engines were were far superior in the GM lineup. As many predict, I agree that GM will continue to dominate the full-size SUV market!

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  My second Terrain, and I still love it! - 2013 GMC Terrain
  By 2pixel - February 14 - 12:12 pm

  We lease our cars, and I took a chance in 2010 when the Terrain first came out. I was concerned about the 4 cyl engine, but it is just fine, and gets me anywhere I want. The interior is roomy, and the back seat makes it easy for guests to get in and out.

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  What a GREAT truck!!!!! - 2015 GMC Canyon
  By numberguy - January 29 - 8:46 pm

  This truck exceeded my expectations. I was unsure about going from a full-size to a mid-size truck and after driving this truck for a few days I will never go back! The V-6 gives you plenty of power and the transmission has crisp shifts. I have the All-Terrain off-road package which has a surprisingly smooth composed ride. The steering is precise and and handling is top notch! Best of all parking is a breeze!!! The interior materials give a sense of quality and the cabin is well insulated from road noise. GM did their homework when they designed this truck! Lets face it size does matter and the 2015 Canyon is the right size at the right time!

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  Midsize Truck Worth the Money - 2015 GMC Canyon
  By skylandry - January 21 - 4:29 pm

  I have owned multiple Tacomas, Frontiers and Ridgelines. I like the midsize truck. I decided on the Canyon mainly for improved driving comfort on long trips as well as gas mileage. I have 2,628 miles and my lifetime MPG is 22. That is impressive. The best highway mileage on any of the above trucks was 22. I am getting 22 in mixed driving and have gotten over 25 on the highway. The build quality is solid and I love the 6 2" bed. The truck is as long as a full size pickup but 6" narrower which makes all the difference in the world when parking. If you compare it to the 80s and 90s trucks it is just as big but 100% better. It does everything I need and nothing I dont.

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  A Well Built Midsize Pickup - 2015 GMC Canyon
  By 47bblack - December 24 - 3:59 pm

  After much research, I decided on the GMC Canyon over a full size pickup. With 1500+ miles on the Canyon, this is my take on the truck. RIDE, a truck like ride that is smooth, firm and quite. HANDLING, confident and comfortable but a bit heavy at times. ENGINE, strong V6, fuel efficient. TRANSMISSION, shifts smoothly and for the most part predicable. On strong acceleration or downshifting the transmission can have a hard shift at times. FUEL ECONOMY, first two tanks over 22.5 MPG (70% Highway) This is a little better than I expected. BUILD QUALITY, very good fit and finish and build quality over all. VALUE, good, the Chevy Colorado would be a better choice for some concerning value.

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  2012 Acadia SLT-2 AWD (Love it!) - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By grandprixman - December 20 - 10:48 am

  Pretty much every option besides the rear DVD system. Been driving this vehicle for just over 2 years. Ill have to say, its the best riding vehicle that Ive ever owned. Havent had any mechanical issue with the vehicle, and Im over 38,000 miles. There have been a couple minor recalls, but nothing that would prevent me from giving it a great review. Power is pretty good. The only thing I dont like is the gas mileage. It gets what its suppose to, so I cant complain too much. And this thing weights over 6,000 lbs. Smooth ride, great interior, and no mechanical defects. Who could ask for anything more.

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  Best Truck on the Road - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By 04ennyslt - December 11 - 2:24 am

  After reading others reviews of the Envoy, I have a few comments. For people complaining of "knocking underneath, rough shifting" get your front suspension checked (tie rods/hubs...) Im 20, make $10 an hour, These are NOT EXPENSIVE TO FIX (Cheapos, come one, seriously, though.) Not only is this truck WAY better looking than any 4Runner, Explorer, Whatever but it has THE SMOOTHEST ride quality out of any Comparable SUV I have ever Ridden in (Ive ridden in a ton of SUVs). My Envoy has 170,000 miles and I have yet to experience a smoother riding vehicle. If you go to a reliable service center, you will realize this is one of the best late model trucks on the road today.