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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  Awesome, Japanese SUVs just suck - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By MikeG50273 - October 9 - 2:00 am

  I had 3 Japanese Suvs, no performance this is a great truck, great towing grat styling just awesome

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  good suv - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By plbldr1 - October 9 - 2:00 am

  the vehicle appears to be well built and sound. The in-line six cylinder engine had a super track record of reliability and supplies plenty of power and acceleration. As a first time GMC buyer I am very happy.

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  Wife and I love it ,kids too - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By NC in Memphis - October 8 - 4:06 am

  Well we got it last Saturday 8/20/08. Its been great. We got a silver 8 seat SLT-1. The ride is awesome plenty of room. I have 3 girls and they love to too. This is our first brand new car in 15 years. We had a 97 mini van and moved into the Acadia. Wow what a difference. I read all the reviews on this site and they were very helpful in making our decision. Were getting about 23 mpg not bad.

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  Interior Suggestions - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By DavidK - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This SUV has been great and the braking system is much improved over our 99 Suburban. The one major flaw we have found is that the front seats DO NOT fully recline. This SUV is used on long trips and we find this to be highly annoying. We dislike this flaw so much that we will not buy another Yukon XL if this has not been changed when we buy another SUV in a couple of years.

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  My retirement truck that I love !! - 2006 GMC Sierra 3500
  By my86gmc - October 6 - 5:40 am

  Best truck I have ever owned, period. Not sure what these other bad reviews are about? I have had no major problems. This truck pulls my 5th wheel better than anything on the road. Many Diesel magazines have given this truck its best in class award, and for good reason. Its a very comfortable truck to drive and loves to be hot rodded around. Im at 45000 miles looking forward to many years of driving and towing with this. I added a Delco navigation unit plus a Delco 6 cd changer, it was well worth the price.

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  GREAT SUV - BEST OF ITS COMPETITORS - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By GM lifer - October 4 - 2:00 am

  No complaints here. I bought the SLT because the difference in comfort and trim level/options was far superior to the SLE. The vehicle has many features and options but is very intuitive. Some of the questions asked on the survey ask questions only appropriate of a sports car and that is the only reason why it did not get a 10 from me. The Envoy is positively the first in class having it all comfort, style, and performance. The gas mileage isnt great, but is good for a truck-based SUV. I would recommend this vehicle to friends/family.

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  Fun, but with a Flaw - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Sam - October 4 - 1:33 am

  All in all a nice truck. 5.3 with flex fuel helps on the highway, but still not getting the 20-25 i wanted. The Flaw is vibration. THe truck was apparently designed to vibrate and bounce when driving on concrete when driving 40-60 mph. GMC has confirmed this and does not seemed concerned about this major safety issue. The ride on asphalt is wonderful, smooth, not a sound to be heard. The engine responds when needed and the interior leaves little to be desired.

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  great SUV - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By keeganxx55 - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I have wanted one for several years but the price this year was great. It is comfortable and I just love all about it. I am surprised at Edmonds with their review. I cant beleive with the way the Ford Explorer flips that they rate it higher. This one is luxary inside and it is so roomy. I am very pleased with it

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  Dont DO IT! - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By MichaelWI - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive bought this thing 5 times over in the cost of repairs! The CRV valve in the exhaust was replaced 4 TIMES! Then the trannie went, then 4x4 problems, hen alternator, then A/C, then interior electrical, and now Ive blown a frost plug - in SEPTEMBER! The plugs are positioned in the bell housing, itll cost me $700 to have it fixed!

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  85 SLE with 5 cylinder Extended Cab. - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By matoby - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Sold my Dakota, got a Canyon. The Canyon is not the truck my Dakota was. Do like the engine/trans combination. 4 doors great. Canyon is smaller and sound more tinnie. Bucket seat were replaced with 60/40 split and no reduction in price. Right side (passenger side) has no key entry on the door handle, this is unsafe if you transport children. No way to enter truck if it is locked without breaking glass if for some reason the drivers door is damaged or obstructed.