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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  XUV ENVOY-A RARE ONE - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By william mattingly - July 18 - 11:41 am

  I bought my XUV used w/32000 on the clock. So far, its been a fine one. I used it for hauling things to Goodwill, etc. For road trips, I drive my Bimmer so the XUV doesnt see many freeways. Of course, its no Porsche so I have to take it easy on crooked, hilly streets here in Sou. Cal. Overall, I like it! Also, the used price of $12,000 was fine!

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  2008 Denali Problems - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By Sam Samson - July 18 - 12:33 am

  Ive had problems with the electrical systems (door locks, wipers, Navigation system,) and now worst of all the brakes. I went metal to metal on the rears after 33,000 miles. the calipers are failing to retract properly - thus Pads wearing out totally prematurely. Normally a car goes thru 3 sets of front pads to 1 set of rears. Ive had my car serviced by dealerships only, thus far. When they rotate the tires, I ask them to check the brakes since the wheels are already off. Well At the time of last visit to the dealership, (22,363 miles) All was well-- now 11,000 miles later My right rear roter is shot on the inside only due to a defective caliper. What can I do about it????

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  One truck Ill never sell - 1991 GMC Sonoma
  By Joel - July 16 - 7:43 pm

  This is my fourth pickup and the best Ive ever owned. Shes towed an 18 foot Boston Whaler with a motorcycle in the bed without a problem. I have 193,000 miles on the truck (5 speed) and have never had to do any powertrain work other than change the fluids. Shes had problems here and there but has never left me stranded. I cant count the number of times Id had stuff piled above the cab and had her squatting without a complaint. I even got her to top out at around 130 mph once. Id recommend this truck to anyone looking for a fun-to-drive work truck that doesnt want to go for a full-size.

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  Nice Truck at a Reasonable Price - 2008 GMC Canyon
  By GMC Owner - July 13 - 11:40 am

  I previously owned a 4 cylinder, manual 5-speed S-10 with 118 hp, and it was running perfectly with 180,000 miles when I bought this new GMC. THE S-10 total cost of repair was less than $1,000 during the time I had it, and I hope this GMC can get close to that. The 242 hp of the GMC Canyon is a big improvement, and I dont have to worry about keeping up with traffic on steep freeway hills anymore. The suspension is awesome compared to the S-10. The drastically increased power, and much better braking make the truck fun to drive. I get about 25 mpg highway and about 16 mpg city. In contrast, my S-10 got about 31 highway and 22 city.

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  Not a Honda - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Joe D - July 13 - 11:30 am

  Buttons,too many and too small.Back up sensors,rapid beeping when your 1" away,you might as well hit the object.Sensor lights,too high in rear of truck,you have to bend down to see them,then you cant see out rear view mirror.Windshield wipers,a dial,stupid,should be arm,as on foreign cars,easier to use at night.Controls on steering wheel,too close to wheel hand grips,radio changes when you dont want it too.Worst feature,transmission doesnt downshift quick enough at high speeds.You step on the gas,NOTHING,poor and slow to no response.Worse with AC on.Overall,too many features not though out.

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  Great comfort, not great gas mileage. - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By neal64ss - July 13 - 3:00 am

  Great aesthetic inside and out, super build quality, plenty of power. Without a doubt the quitest vehicle I have ever owned, virtually no highway or engine noise. Powerful engine. The 6-speed transmission sometimes cannot find the best gear between 20 and 45 mph, this may get better with more driving, currently have only 1800 miles. Gas mileage is averageing only about 17 mpg city/hwy combined. This is not anywhere near the advertised mileage. Poor gas mileage my only complaint. Interior has ample room and easy to get in and out of.

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  Super Truck - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Robert - July 11 - 9:00 am

  I have just turned 70k in my 2003 Denali and its been a solid truck. Regular maintenance and I am told by the lube guy that there is a very small fluid leak from the intake. This is common in Vortec engines according too him. I guess overall I have been very impressed I just hope they have used better materials for the interior of newer models. I dont see myself ever replacing my truck it has been a good ride so far.

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  Pretty Damn Nice Car - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Chris Da Greek - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car recently and I looked at the other cars which caught my eyes. Went to Nissan, Ford, Cadillac, and many others. Everything was either too pricy for nothing, or nothing in it. Since i had this car everything has been better for me. The ride is smoother, it didnt put a major hole in my pocket, and it fits me and my friends comfortably. The only downfall is, it drinks a good amount of gas. Thats the price you have to pay for reliability and a great SUV.

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  very good automobile - 1995 GMC Safari
  By David Peth - July 9 - 1:55 pm

  I bought this vehicel in 1995 it had 13000 miles and has been a great car but now the gas milage is so bad that I need to trade.

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  love these trucks - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By franco - July 6 - 12:48 am

  these trucks are fun and great on gas and easy to work on. simple technology and basic design is what I like about these trucks.