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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  Very Pleased - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By stacey32 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I am very pleased with my new Envoy. Having driven a car prior to this I feel much safer - yet I did not have to lose the sportiness and handling that I had liked in my car. I receive many compliments on my vehicle and I love having so much room to haul everything around. Great job on this GMC!

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  Road Tested - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By JR in PA - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle when it first arrived to the showroom. The styling and extras were what caught my attention but now, 3 years later, I am pleasently surprised by the reliability I have had with the vehicle. Over 70,000 miles and no problems. Only routine maintanence and I just recently replaced the original tires. GMC made a truly nice midsize SUV that will last.

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  Impressed - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Kimbrough - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Since purchasing our Envoy, I have been very impressed how quiet the SUV is in the city as well as on the highway. Plus, with a chrome grill guard and PIAA lights, its a great looking ride.

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  Just Another GM - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Old Stan - August 15 - 4:30 pm

  Too much plastic. Window gears gave up at 2100. Soft as a truck and hard as a sedan - pick one and stay with it if youre GM. Gave it back to corporate HQ before 3500 miles. Got myself another Taurus!

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  Bad News for GMC - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By dave - August 15 - 2:20 pm

  5.3 motor burns oil as in 4qt. in 2000 miles and dealer didnt do nothing. Had a 2004 GMC with lots of issues of its own,any thing from the tailgate falling down at random to to the windshield leaking from day two i could go on and on with this pickup at 21,000 miles and the front axle went out for the second time I traded it off on the 2007. 11,000 miles to the day i got rid of it it was on an oil consumption(spelling) test. when you pay the money that you do for a car/truck I dont feel you need headaches like this. This was and will be the last gm for a long time

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  Best LuxuryTruck/ SierraDenali AWD 6.2 L - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By X. Joseph - August 13 - 9:56 am

  Just bought this incredible machine. I bought it for the engine even though gas prices are high. It gets decent mileage for its powerhouse 403hp 6.2 liter engine. Best stock V8 horsepower of any brand and you still can chip it to 500hp +. The interior is refined and classy. It looks like my BMW 5 series inside. You can buy a regular fully loaded 4X4 crew and pay the same price. I feel this is the best deal in luxury trucks.approx. 40-45k depending on options. The cadillac escalade has become synonomous with bling bling and hip hop.- it is a little to showy for me. This Denali is not so showy and has a beautiful interior. So far no problems as I am babying it until 1000 miles. Super quality.

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  blah - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By indigocanyon04 - August 13 - 2:00 am

  i love my truck!!!

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  Yukon works for me - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By cardinal - August 13 - 2:00 am

  This has been a surprise. Didnt expect to want as large of a vehicle, but it is a joy to drive. Looks great and tows my boat with ease. No contest vs imitators. Worth the upcharge for Denali... Didnt see anything like it when shopping.

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  gmc - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Juan Rodrigez - August 12 - 10:00 am

  When I bought my sierra i wasnt sure if I would like it. But after Isaw it from the inside I changed my mind about the ford fi50. the GMC Sierra was much more confertable than the f 150 rear seats. that was the reason I bought it.

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  Had the 03 4Runner and the 04 Emvoy WINS - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By fdw - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased for the wife in July $9000 off MSRP what a deal, only wished we werent upside down in 4Runner. My wife loves her NEW 04 Envoy and hasent looked back at the 4Runner "sorry Toyota". The ride is so much better "sorry Toyota"