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:

• 

  Good, Comfy, Van - 2002 GMC Safari
  By Kyle Brautigan - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I have owned these vans since they came out in 1985. The are roomier, more powerful, and capable than most other minivans on market. These vans have always been reliable besides for a few minor problems. We had to replace brakes at 15,000 miles and GMC wouldnt cover it under warranty which made me angry and made me wonder what the warranty was for.I like the truck- like sensation and this is no woss minivan. The ride is harsh over rough surfaces and it doesnt handle as well as car-based minivans. The interior is cheap plastic and poorly made. Even in the uplevel SLT it is lacking luxury features.

• 

  Envoy - Great Vehicle - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By JonRein - April 17 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is the best vehicle that we have ever owned. It has great features and good ride with plenty of power. It is loaded with options and is very luxurious.

• 

  Didnt See This Great Truck Coming.. - 1997 GMC Sonoma
  By ZackInTheTruck - April 16 - 2:00 am

  Great truck...had to fix the AC and that is it....

• 

  Love it - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Timsss - April 16 - 2:00 am

  Just a great truck, powerfull.. not probs what so ever.

• 

  Good - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By charlesB - April 16 - 2:00 am

  Rides Good and Handles Great

• 

  GMC has hit a home run with the Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Earl Ryan - April 15 - 9:53 pm

  This is a great vehicle. The ride is smooth as befits a large car. It is responsive, and it is very comfortable in all three rows of seats. Although there are a lot of controls, they are well laid out and intuitive to use. For a large vehicle, it is quite maneuverable and fairly easy to park. The power rear lift gate is surprisingly handy. While gas mileage isnt great, it is pretty good for such a large vehicle. Bottom line: I dont especially enjoy driving, but I actually look forward to driving my new Acadia.

• 

  Power, Comfort & Fun to Drive - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By erika - April 13 - 2:00 am

  This SUV handles like a dream! It is super fun to drive. My first SUV and I love it. Shopped the competition and this was the best overall- power, safety, size, comfort, style, etc. Fuel economy is as is expected with 275 horsepower and TRUE towing ability. So far I love it and look forward to driving it! Handles great! Quiet like a car.

• 

  Great SUV - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By danshaffer - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV, fun to drive, good quality. An overall great SUV to own. Would like to keep it forever.

• 

  steering and alignment suck - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Michael22 - April 12 - 2:00 am

  The steering shaft, alignment, and crossmember keep needing work. I took it in 3 times for alignment because the tires are wearing on the outter side, and the steering shaft has been changed once, and it still makes noises and rattles when i turn, and the crossmember has been changed because it made clicking noises when i turned-- that is the only problem the dealer fixed right the first time.

• 

  Ford Flips GMC awsome AWD - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By Jose & Gilbert - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I recently bought a Ford Explorer with the new independent suspension in the back and it was very unstable. We were on the highway going to a funeral and There was a hole in the highway that we did not see and the independent suspension fell in the hole causing us to flip. We are recoperating from our injuries. Fortunetly the insurance told us we can buy a new car. We decided to buy a GMC Yukon Denali. We took it thorugh the same whole on the highway and we didnt feel it. Thanks to the AutoRide Suspension. Awsome Vortec Power and kicks the Fords ass anyday