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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  Built for comfort - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Tart-n-Tiny - June 24 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for comfort this is it! I test drove and sat in every SUV in this class and found that this was by far the most comfortable for me. All of my friends like it too. It has enough power to get me where I need to go and Ive been happy with my Envoy.

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  maddox - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By batman1 - June 24 - 2:00 am

  All is fine with truck. Had a 2001 6-cylindar and did not like the pick up from a slow roll or stopped position. Went to the 5.3 and real happy with performance. Only downside is the tires have been swapped three times due to poor quality. Dealer has not flinched once when complaint registered.

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  GMC Lover - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Brad Largent - June 22 - 10:23 am

  I have owned 7 GMC/Chevy Trucks over the last 25 years. This truck measures up to the others very well. The only real complaint I have about it is the fact that that it is very light in the rear end. I am a disabled veteran and need to be able to move around in the cab quite a bit in order to stay comfortable and find that this truck gives me the freedom to do so very easily. Riding in friends trucks has shown me that I certainly made the correct decision when I chose this vehicle.

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  Loyal Yukon Owner - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By JR - June 21 - 4:56 am

  Best vehicle ever for long trips, most comfortable because of the seats. Great ride when replaced original tires with Michelins cross terrain suvs.

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  awesome - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Sal Ammander - June 21 - 2:00 am

  this is a great little truck

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  100000 mile follow up - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Lance 1 - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I have reached the 100000 mile mark. Still like the Yukon. However, intake manifold gasket replaced, apparently a very prevelent problem on the OEM gasket after the 60000 mile mark hold on to your check book 400-800 dollar repair depend who you call etc., fuel pump a costly 200-315 dollar part depend where bought, water pump, and wiper motor. Rides just as smooth at 50 mph as at 80 mph. Tranmission still no problem. Everything else good.

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  Love It - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Armaheadon - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought a used Envoy. After reading reviews, I opted for the 2003 over the 2002. I really love the truck and dont have any complaints. I did get the SLT with all of the extra options. The difference between the SLE and SLT are night and day if you like comfort. I wouldnt have bought the SLE version. Its a truck..not a car-based SUV. With that in mind.. there are only positive things to say about this vehicle. Comfortable, stylish, and very roomy for its class. I average about 20mpg..which isnt great.. but I wouldnt be driving a powerful SUV if that concerned me. Over all I would reccomend the Envoy SLT.

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  2004 Yukon Denali - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By dmsplets - June 18 - 2:00 am

  The engine has great response and good acceleration while towing a boat. The mileage is as good as we had with the 2001 Yukon with a smaller engine.

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  Fun Truck - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By Keithwilgus - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Very responsive, quick but very rough ride.

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  Joes Denali - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Joe Denali - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle. Third row seating should be an option not standard. AWD is a gas guzzling feature. Should be on demand 4WD. All in all, I love my Denali, plenty of power, room and very comfortable. Gas mileage could be better, getting about 15mpg.