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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  black beauty - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By crabpicker - September 15 - 1:20 pm

  excelent sound system,quiet,plenty of power. some wind noise at high speed

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  Like it...... but - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By B-man - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I like my truck and plan on keeping it for a long time. The 4.3 has plenty of power for me although it is a bit thirsty. I havent had any reliability issues at all. My complaints come from GMs classic little things like, Im on my 3rd radio and this one is messing up. (out of warranty now) Wind noise from drivers door weather stripping. (that the dealer couldnt hear when it was under warranty) Intermittent wiper switch slowly faded and is now on a mood basis. Noise from the front right wheel well when I turn left and accelerate hard. Scared to go to the dealer on this one!! Only other complaint is gas milage. Tows plenty, but hauls nothing!

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  Wind Tunnel - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Wind Tunnel - September 15 - 2:00 am

  please NOTE: I have the GMC Envoy XL V8. Plenty of power, smooth V8. There is a wind noise problem. Inside the Envoy it sounds like you are riding in a Wind Tunnel or a convertible with the top down. It starts to get"windy" at 50 mph and by 65 to 70 the wind noise is unbearable. Only the Bose stereo can drown it out and it needs to be "crankin". You can hardly hear yourself talk or think. GM cant fix it. The Dealer has tried a bug deflector, but that did not work. Poor design in and around the windshield area.

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  Best bet for hauling kids & tack - 1996 GMC Suburban
  By big boat - September 14 - 2:00 am

  We needed this because mini vans dont go into the woods deer hunting. This is a mans truck, king of the road. Even when my wife drives it, she is Queen of the road. Stay out of the way or get smashed. It once hit a parked car & held not a mark...poor rear end of the other car was BAD. I recommend this to any one who has boats, jets skis, hauls hunting gear, or just likes to cruise around. Very roomy & string. You wont even know that yourre pulling that huge boat behind you.

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  Professional grade - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By moyedd - September 14 - 2:00 am

  My wife drives above average number of miles each year. It was time to replace her GM vehicle. GM has great customer incentives at this time and the Envoy was a step up for us. The vehicle is really "Professional Grade". James Rivard GMC are outstanding in providing for our transportation needs and wants. The shopping and sales experience was great. Likewise, the service department appreciates us and takes excellent care of us.

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  I love it - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By RochesterNY2004 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is fun to drive and has great performance. It also has a lot of great features on it like programmable settings for two different drivers that get reset depending whose key is used. the xm satelite radio is also a great feature. We bought black exterior with tan leather interior and several people have stopped to compliment us on the car.

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  3rd Denali--Getting Ready for 4th - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Stan Arnold - September 13 - 2:00 am

  My wife was used to driving cars...until I got her into a GMC Denali. Now I cannot get her out of this vehicle! All of the features and benefits. I have sunroof and captains chairs as options. Everything else is standard! No mechanical/warranty problems in the previous 3 I have owned.

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  Great GMC! - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By GMC Fan - September 13 - 2:00 am

  This Yukon has been the best vehicle I have ever owned in terms of functionality and reliability. This is my first vehicle with a DVD system and it has been wonderful. The kids love it! The vehicle has had only one problem (clunk in steering column) which was quickly repaired with some lubricant. The engine and drivetrain are smooth and provide enough power to pull our snowmobiles and camping trailer. The tow/haul mode makes it easy to ensure you are in the correct gear for towing. The seats are easy to configure/remove and it has cup holders that actually work. The turning radius is excellent and parking in tight spaces is no problem. Great SUV.

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  My great new Envoy SLT - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Kimm - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I have had many great times in my Envoy with the rest of my family,we have traveled and the kids loved it, they never want to take anything else when we have to go anywhere.

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  Cool Church Van - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By behemoth - September 12 - 10:00 am

  If Exped, Tahoe/Yukon, Navig, Seq is too small, this is it-If you cant carry people in third seat with their stuff, why even look at these vehicles. Has all basic luxury items (incl Bose), rides well, and gives sense of security. Great deals possib, take adv of www.gmbuypower.com b/c you can locate veh at specific dealers.