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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  Envoy of fun - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By ddodd47834@aol.com - November 1 - 2:00 am

  The Envoy is fun to drive with great looks, power and easy to get in and out of.

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  Best ride for an SUV - 2018 GMC Yukon XL
  By John Lentine - October 31 - 4:05 am

  I love love love the GMC Yukon Denali. Smooth quiet and fun to drive

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  Crummy ZR2 - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By Patrick09 - October 31 - 1:00 am

  I have a 01 Sonoma ZR2 with a 4.3 5 speed with just under 50k miles and I have had nothing but trouble with it! The biggest mistake was getting one with California Emmissions, I have had the Airpump go out 3 times on me and the last time wasnt under warranty, it cost me over $300 to fix. Also, the syncros in the transmission are horrid, even after having them replaced under warranty!

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  2004 Envoy SLT 1SD - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By TexasZeus - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Stepped down from a 2002 to a 2004. Cruise unsafe going down hills. Ride has went from good to bad. Suspension not as firm as in 2002. Bose sound system is not worth the extra cost of the option package. Seems GMC is cutting corners for profit.

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  Very comfortable - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Dancer1 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Both my wife and I are senior citizens, have back problems, have long legs and require seats that fit our bodies. I also do a lot of highway driving and need comfortable seating. The Envoy has the longest seat of any midsize suv (21.5 inches) fits our bodies better than any other SUV and is very comfortable. I have logged over 80,000 miles in my Envoy and changed the tires at 63,000, still have the original brakes and have not had to have it tuned. I am now getting ready to trade it in for a new 2004 Envoy SLT.

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  Worst car I ever owned! - 1994 GMC Jimmy
  By aurinia - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Maybe mine was just a lemon, I dont know. Bought it used in 02 w/ 68K on it, body in great shape, no rust, ran great. That didnt last long, tho! W/in the 1 1/2 years I owned it, heres a list of what I had to have replaced: entire front axle, brakes (2x), U- joint, fuel pump, fuel tank, A/C, various motors and belts, entire exhaust system and tires. Oh, & the ABS went out and almost killed me twice nothing like hitting the brake pedal and feeling it NOT MOVE (its especially nice when you have a 4yr old in the car)! At 90K, in the space of a week, the 4WD went out as did the transmission, and the drivers door started coming off the hinges. Had it towed to the dealership to trade it in.

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  RL Denali - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Rodney Lloyd - October 28 - 2:00 am

  A very strong and powerful suv

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  RETIRED - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By peter rachimi - October 28 - 2:00 am

  side mirror poor design i have my mirrors stolen 3 time and each coast $358 more over antenas poor design e-z to steal i live in new york city

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  1997 yukon sle - 1997 GMC Yukon
  By kanderson - October 27 - 2:00 am

  Had minimal problems w/ truck. Loved it but wish it got better mileage.

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  2000 Yukon Denali - 2000 GMC Yukon Denali
  By GLW - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Great ride, but.........Heated seat went out on drivers side about 1.5 years after purchase and to fix, seat has to be pulled apart, a part replaced, and the seat restitched. The process has to be performed at a reupholsterers shop. Time,time, time. Brakes a problem,too. Master cylinder had to be replaced within 6 months. Brakes need to be replaced or serviced about every other time, "because the vehicle is so heavy." Now, appears to be problem with coolant system. Vehicle is about 3.5 years old.( Im looking at a Toyota Sequoia.) Also, the "barn door" configuration in the back takes getting used to. It splits and hinders your vision.