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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  GMC Envoy Minor Annoyances - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By driver48 - November 27 - 3:15 pm

  The electronics on the GMC Envoy are not to be trusted. I have had two warranty repairs of the electronic dashbord. The mirrors have been never been right. I have had them in five times an the "curb view" still does not work correctly.

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  Best Choice for Family Travel - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By SCL - November 27 - 3:00 am

  We love our Yukon XL. This is our fourth one. Weve owned a 99, 01, 03 Yukon, and this one - the XL. Traded the shorty two months later for the longer wheel base. It has a smooth, quiet ride. Dependable. It feels safe on the freeways, and handles very well for large vehicle. I wish there was a way to get better "in town" gas mileage - avg 14 mpg. Highway gets 20 mpg. It pulled our RV with little effort - never knew it was there! We love the large cargo area. It hauls luggage, bikes, and anything else you need. I highly recommend SLT model - all the bells and whistles are fantastic.

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  Keeps going - 1990 GMC Vandura
  By Crazylegs - November 26 - 4:14 am

  I have over 390,000 kilometers on my Chevrolet Vandura and its still going strong, not burning any oil. It drives like it always has. The only down side is that I have gone through three transmisions during that time, but the old 350 motor is a workhorse. The van design and cheap good quality parts make it a great all round van that I would recommend to anyone.

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  Great suv , whats not to like about the GMC Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Michael Zappia - November 24 - 7:58 pm

  Its a 4.2 liter V6, has plenty of power the transmission works great , smooth shifts, very attractive , reliable, fun to drive , 4WD works great , The SLE trim model is cloth seats , FM/AM radio, power seats, OnStar, Alloy wheels, The SLt model is a step up with leather heated seats and Bose speakers, Envoy Denali has entertainment system with navigation and bose speakers and comes with a powerful 5.3L V8. I have a 2003 SLE model and it has 235,xxx miles on it and is the best car we have ever owned , its never had any issues and continues to be a great daily driver. The GMC Envoy is a great SUV to buy, you will get more for your money than any other vehicle.

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  My Denali - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By Cliffy - November 24 - 4:57 pm

  Yaaaaaaaay! My 2001 GMC Yukon Denali is grrrrreat. I switched to it from a Chevrolet Camaro and I love the additional room, high vantage point, AWD, and added comfort / features that this truck provides.

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  solid and smooth - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By jrspyglass22 - November 24 - 3:09 am

  this denali has a solid and smooth ride. it accelerates with ease and corners with confidence.combined city and highway after 4000 miles is 14.9mpg......and thats not taking easy with it!!! it brakes well and on a slippery day it handled flawlessly......

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  My first SUV - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Regina Spencer - November 23 - 1:00 pm

  Originally I wasnt looking for an Acadia. I took it for a test drive and fell in love with it. I purchased it the next day. This truck handles like a car. It has a smooth ride and smooth turns. I didnt realize until my 3rd month how well it is with gas mileage. I was only disappointed when my front bumper dislodged partially even though I didnt hit anything. I took it to the body shop and they were able to snap it back into place. I just love this vehicle. I love the spacious interior. It rides 4 adults very comfortably. I have no complaints about reliability and comfort. I give this truck 4 out of 5 stars.

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  2000 GMC Sierra Z71 - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Brad - November 20 - 10:13 pm

  Overall, I love the truck. It fires up every morning. I have had it for almost four years. I drive 30,000 miles a year with my job and it holds up great. The biggest repair I had to make was to have the intake manifold gaskets replaced a few years ago. The Gen III LS-based engines are notorious for that. I get about 15-17MPG no matter what kind of driving I do. Piddly things are starting to fail like lights on the radio & HVAC, lumbar support, and the console lid, but mechanically, its as Professional Grade as ever! Someday Ill trade it in on a new Sierra/Silverado, but right now it does what I need it to do.

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  Better than I expected - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By H. Gleeksman - November 20 - 7:10 am

  It has turned out to be a better vehicle than I expected. Very decent ride quality. Plenty of get up and go consiering it has the small V-8 engine. My biggest complaint is the lousy turning radius- takes much too much space to get in and out of parking spaces or to make a U turn. Nice fit and finish. It is holding up very well. Am not generally a GM fan, but this is a very nice vehicle.

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  Good but could be better! - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Jose Galvan - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Thus far its proven to be what was expected. I do like the pick up power and acceleration power, the turning radius needs to be inproved. Another plus would be to install a rear window that is fuctional. Heat controls for the rear needs installed. Overall the performance, handling, and appearance are what I expected. Ive named it the HULK, its big, its green and its powerful!