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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  Perfect Truck For Me - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By greencobra - September 1 - 2:00 am

  I was hooked after one test drive of the Z71 4x4. Rides and drives more like an SUV than a pickup. Little or no body roll around corners, and back end does not skip all around over rough pavement (or off-road) like my old 94 Silverado Z71. GM was right to sacrifice some towing capacity for better ride and handling. Folks who do serious towing and hauling are going to get a full size truck, anyway. This truck will perform any task most people will ever need, and is as comfortable as a car. I may not see the alleged 23 mpg, but I got a respectable (for 4x4) 19mpg on a recent trip at 75+ mph with air conditioning on, and the engine is not yet broken in.

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  2004 Canyon - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Richard1 - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a Canyon, was driving a Dakota. When I purchased this vehicle I was awhere that the truck was a bit smaller than the Dakota but they told me it was a comparible vehicle to the Dakota now after the purchase they are indicating that it is not a comparible vehicle. This truck is very light, tinny and a rattle can, it does not even come close to a Dakota. I am so sorry that I bought this vehicle but it is to late an now I will have to drive a vehicle that I do not like. The only thing that compares in this vehicle to the Dakota is the price. Are there other complains simliar. Thanks

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  Envoy has no equal - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By mpensing - August 31 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I love our Envoy! Its the sharpest looking SUV on the road and the inline 6 cyl. engine has great power and excellent performance. We tried the Explorer and 4 Runner, and there is really no comparison. The fit and finish on the Envoy is far superior and the interior really sealed the deal for us. Im sure well get another one when the lease runs out.

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  Its Great - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Brian Durocher - August 31 - 2:00 am

  This is my second one, and I like it more than the first. I recommend it highly.

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  So So - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By CG - August 30 - 10:00 am

  My only real complaint with this truck is the power/acceleration. I have the 5.3L Crew Cab with 6-speed AT, and unless I just have a lemon, this truck is a dog when it comes to acceleration. I literally get passed by Honda civics and the like with ease. The transmission sometimes feels like it is going to break apart; there are loud clunking noises quite frequently. It seems like the truck drives differently each and every time that I turn it on. I love everything else about the truck, but I just cant get past the very poor performance of the engine/transmission. This is more than likely due to the limitations that GM puts on the engines/transmissions due to the long warranty period.

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  Traded 4.8L Yukon for Denali - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Mr. "C" - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Denali is a lot more responsive than the other Yukons and actually drives better. The 17" Wheels and extra 500lbs in weight gives better separation from the road. The regular Yukes makes a popping sound when steering hard but not with the Denali.

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  Safari Review - 2005 GMC Safari
  By BCA - August 27 - 2:00 am

  If you want to carry six people with AWD this is the ticket. This is the second Safari weve owned. While the interior could use some work such as larger front leg room, driver side passenger doors and a few more cupholders, the overall functionality of the van is excellent. The larger size more than makes up for these shortcomings. It is great for long (800 mile) road trips with 4 kids. Not only that, it can carry all the gear. The AWD works great in snow and the 4.3 L V-6 has sufficient power. Weve had no major mechanical problems with this van or its predecessor. However, there have been some interior trim issues.

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  Too many problems - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Loyal GM Owner? - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I was a loyal GM owner, but not sure any more. The truck has been into the dealer 8 times in 2 months for a mysterious electrical problem effecting lights and gauges. Ive had 3 computers and 4 electrical switches placed into the truck. Also, the entire truck has been re-ground 3 times and the rear window leak has been fixed twice. Problems still persist. Goods news is GM is buying the car back. I really like the style of the truck so Im thinking about giving GM another shot, but Im not sure.

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  2004 GMC Yukon Denali(shorty) Red/Tan - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By evans1 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven EVERY SUV ever. I bought this vehicle because it is in my opinion the best overall combo for Power, Comfort, Ride Quality, Size, Price and Looks, in that order. It tows a 6000+ lb boat with ease, even when I forget to press the trailer tow button. The bad things, in order again are build quality, handling (turns), and repairs.Warranty repair:Steering gearbox(was squeeky) Mine has a faint rattle/vibration/resonation noise coming from somewhere in the driveline at around 23 MPH and 42 MPH. I will let the dealer attempt repair 2 more times, then go to www.lemon law.com

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  o.k. - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By R.J.L. - August 23 - 2:00 am

  i am a retired carpenter an have a cap on my truck.it serves as a 2rd auto,truck,and a tow vehicle for my 15boat.ilove it.my outer car is a cady.