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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  GMC ENVOY - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By J. Rauch - March 25 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for a really nice, fun SUV - the ENVOY is for you. My husband and I looked at many comparable SUVs like the 4Runner, Explorer, and the Cherokee, but noticed that they did not have the "nice" and "high-end" look that the ENVOY does. None of the other SUVs listed above had an interior that even comes close to the ENVOY. It is way more classy and stylish too! Another thing that I like about the ENVOY is the fact that it is the only SUV that does not come with a roll-over warning on the visor (which makes me feel a little safer), is has great pick-up on the go, a super quiet engine that you cant really hear and a really smooth ride.

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  Subpar American made car - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By joed - March 24 - 4:10 pm

  Nice looking car inside and out. Excellent, smooth ride. Brakes OK, not great. While driving, try to accelerate slowly, car doesnt respond. Dashboard buttons, too many, too hard to read, poorly located. You can watch the gas guage drop as you drive. Not as good as my old Honda Pilot. Would not buy this vehicle again.

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  Nice - 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Chris - March 24 - 2:29 pm

  I had a 2011 Sierra SLT. Just got my2016. I kind of miss my real truck feel. This truck while exceedingly nice, does not feel truck like.

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  Love the Envoy! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By rednekdiva - March 24 - 2:00 am

  This SUV rides better than any other Ive driven in its price range, even better than the Intrigue or Regal! Tons of power. Gas milage is more than I expected, though...about 16-21/gallon. Looks sharp, built tough, and very family friendly.

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  GMC Envoy SLE - Great SUV! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Sportsnut - March 24 - 2:00 am

  I researched over and over again looking for the one SUV I wanted. The Envoy was my first choice and even though my attention would sway to others, this is the one I got. Yea, I also read others have a better resale value like the Toyota 4 Runner but you cant beat the deals GMC is offering. I got a great vehicle $7000 less than the sticker MSRP. Im very happy with my purchase.

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  Great SUV..never lets me down. - 1994 GMC Yukon
  By CFIMuddog - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Yukon used in 97 with 35,000 miles on it. As of today it has just over 238,000 miles on it. I can honestly say it drives like the day I bought it. Great on and off the road. It will carry anything and is just as content blazing down the highway at 80mph as it is in the mud. I have replaced the usual wear out items but the engine and transmission are original are running great. It has all the power and torque I need and still gets 20 mpg on the highway. The highway ride is solid and comfortable and it will pull anything. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a do- it-all SUV that can carry 4 in quiet comfort.

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  POOR FUEL ECONOMY - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By B JOHANSON - March 23 - 2:00 am

  WE PURCHASED OUR ENVOY IN JANUARY THINKING WE WOULD GET AT LEAST 15 MI TO THE GALLON CITY AND 19 HIGHWAY. TO DATE WE HAVE ONLY BE ABLE TO GET 11 TO 13 CITY AND 15 HIGHWAY. A COMBINATION CITY AND HIGHWAY YEILDED ONLY 13. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE RATED 15 CITY AND 19 HIGHWAY WAS BASED ON 55 MPH. I HERE TO TELL YOU THAT WE DO NOT ABUSE OUR MPH OR SIGNAL TAKE OFFS AND IT STIL SUCKS ON MILEAGE. NEXT STEP IS BACK TO THE DEALER AGAIN FOR SOME HELP. SO FAR WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS VECHICLE.

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  NEW TRUCK - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By MISTADAN - March 22 - 2:00 am

  GREAT TRUCK TO DRIVE(I DRIVE IN THE CITY EVERY DAY,ALL DAY AND THE TRUCK RUNS FINE AND IS VERY QUIET TO DRIVE.IM GETTING 13 MILES TO THE GALLON.

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  Buy Envoy - you wont be disappointed. - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Steve 90008 - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Traded a 99 Tahoe for the 2004 Envoy. Big improvement in handling. I dont know what the so called experts at Edmunds are complaining about regarding the soft handling. For an SUV handles like a dream. I guess they have to find some reason to justify their recomendations. Only owned it a month but so far I am very impressed. Great dealer - with a purchase gives out gas discount card, unlimited free car washes, free first ding repair, free rental car, discount on movie tickets and other discounts.

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  Love It - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Rivi - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Not much to say at the moment, only had it for less than a week. What I can say is that it has alot of power.