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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  2004 GMC Yukon SLT XL - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Looram - February 12 - 12:26 pm

  Except for the popping of the exhaust system, which the dealer replaced the vehicle has run great. Lousy gas mileage

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  For fun buy the Envoy! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Rodney Maerz - February 11 - 12:16 am

  I think this is a good bang for the buck. The outside appearance is classy. Body and frame are well built for a smoothe quiet ride. The interior is the most comfortable of all we test drove (Lexus RX300, Mercedes ML320, BMW X5). The only thing lacking in this vehicle is front seat cup holders (2) and easy to reach storage. Dont let that keep you from owning this magnificent SUV!

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  no more gm - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By leo444 - February 10 - 2:00 am

  pitiful, at 45000 the trans went out on hwy, alternator went out,wiper moter out, rear glass activator out, ac compressor out, intake manifold leak, fuel pump out. not to mention all the interior plastics that just

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  Solid truck - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Pulls a lot - February 9 - 1:20 pm

  Good solid truck. Looks good going down the road drives even better handles well. The leather interior worth every penney. We us it for our buisiness and pull a trailer often. It pulls like there is nothing behind it. It also pulls our RV agian sometimes I forget I have the trailer hooked up strong truck. I wanted the 6.0 but the dealer could not find one that met my other requirements. Smaller engine pulls well but works hard on grades.Cab is so air tight that I have to roll the windows down to close the doors to keep them from rattling.

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  Best Truck Ive owned! - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Josh Wiese - February 8 - 7:10 pm

  Bought truck approx 5 weeks ago. Every aspect of the truck is as good if not better than I anticipated, no buyers remorse whatsoever. Great city or highway comfort and performance. Needed upgrade to Crew Cab for growing family, they love the new truck. Cant wait to see the full effect of the 20mpg (hwy) mileage, only have 1500 miles on truck so far. Ive owned a 93 Toyota and a 88 GMC, and this new one blows them away with quiet ride, power, great looks, quality, and comfort. Highly recommend it! Great job GMC, keep it up.

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  Should have bought an import! - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By luis - February 8 - 6:13 pm

  I bought this truck brand new and have been sorry for it. I had it in the shop like 10 times in the first 1.5 years. I would really have to think hard before buying another GM product, even GM customer reps did very little to help resolve my issues. radio replaced, remotes replaced, one speaker blew out ( now another has blown out ), power steering unit replaced, cross member bar repaired, tie rods replaced, motor mount replaced, body mount replaced, steering shaft serviced, something in steering wheel broke, and rear seat was unstitched when bought!

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  GMCEnvoy - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Bosco 39 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Gas tank to small therefore need extra stops at gas stations to refill. Have I known about the gas tank size and miles/gal I probably would have gone to another SUV. I am geting around 18 miles/gal when new I was geting 20 to 21 miles/gal. Have taken it to dealer and he cant solve the problem. Front trim does not have enough fasteners so it makes noise on rough roads.

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  Great Family Ride - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Desaree - February 6 - 12:26 am

  My husband traded in our 98 Oldsmobile Aurora for this crossover. Its the first SUV we have owned. I am pleasantly surprised at how smooth this vehicle drives. The interior is very well designed and convenient. I havent had any problems to date. I was worried about driving an SUV since I have only owned cars, but I feel absolutely safe and secure in this car. The kids love all the space in the back, and they also enjoy the ablity to play their own music or CDs. The fuel economy is ok I expect it to get better with more miles. I am so happy with my husbands decision to get us a reliable safe car while he is away. I have only owned GM cars, and will never own anything else

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  Greta truck - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Alan - February 5 - 10:30 pm

  This has been a great truck. One person wrote that his wouldnt tow, but he had the 6 cylinder. Why someone would not buy a V8 for towing is beyond me. My 5.3 has been flawless and I often tow a boat, motor, and trailer weighing 7000 lb and the G38 locking differential has allowed me to get up any boat ramp. I added a K&N cold air intake and Gibson cat back exhaust and get 22 MPG on the interstate and and 28 at 55 MPH.

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  Gas Mileage Suck, So Suck! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By yz123 - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Inside comfortable, ride as an premium car. But gas mileage 12.1 M/gallon, Sticker says 15-21, what a lie!!! Turn and accelarate sluggish, 4X4 cant back up while turn! But price cant beat. I paid $26800 brand new with leather,sunroof,running board, side airbag,etc. Think twice if you really need a heavy truck like this for your day-to-day life. Then consider budgets.