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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  A Little Worried - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By a little concerned - October 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car on 10/11/03. I read all the reviews on here and became skeptical after reading stories about how poorly made these trucks are. The discounts and financing deals on the Denali were too good to pass up so I decided on the Denali. I think I may have made a huge mistake. The car has been in the shop for the past 7 days. It has engine noise coming through the speakers. They say they have figured out the problem, but I truly believe I will be back in the shop again very soon. I highly suggest that anyone who is thinking about buying a SUV to buy a foreign SUV. Did I just make a $50,000 mistake?

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  Best car I own - 1992 GMC Yukon
  By S. Bradley - October 23 - 2:00 am

  A perfect "tank" for my teenaged (and now college aged) daughter! It holds ALL her stuff when packed to the gills with a cargo carrier on top. Mileage is surprisingly good (15-16 mpg) with its low gear ratio for towing. Its bright Bahama Blue with a red stripe and its good performance make it the only "sports car" in our family of SUVs. Some maintenance, but no real mechanical trouble compared to my two newer Tahoes. This is more like my trusy old suburban.

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  dont buy this car - 1998 GMC Envoy
  By nperry - October 23 - 2:00 am

  i will never buy a gmc again replaced 1 headlight 900.00 new starter 300 new flywheel 150 new altenator 300 driver side wheel beering 300.00 new brakes and rotors 300.00 ive owned for 2 years seems like its in the shop atleast once a month for something.

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  Best Truck Ever - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Joe K. - October 22 - 11:13 am

  This truck was two years old, with 33,000 miles when I purchased it (Certified Used). I use this pickup on our family farm and to drive to work, resulting in 40K miles each year. This is the best truck, fantastic engine 5.3, great power reasonable fuel economy. No complaints with the 4WD, I use it frequently. Currently, the truck has over 200K miles, the service record is brief: 5 years old replace rear brakes (still have not replaced front brakes),6 years old replace battery just to be on the safe side, Fuel pump replaced at 175K miles, my fault for not ever replacing the fuel filter. At 180K had to replace the front UJoint. Plan to trade the truck in on a similar equipped 2008 model Sierra.

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  Clunks/Knocks - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By jmo/mpls - October 22 - 2:00 am

  The Yukon has alot of good qualities, Handeling ride,power(5.3), appearance. It does however, need serious attention in some areas, Drive train "Clunks" shifting 2/3(see GMC tech Memo), Engine "Knocks" on cold starts (see GMC Tech Memo). Sadly GMC proudly considered these NORMAL. Customer Service is really Non- Existent (Although Polite)

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  Big Burbis a towing animal! - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By White Whale - October 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 4 wheel drive 3/4 ton Burb used and was concerned about the reliability. Fortunately my concerns were unfounded. I frequently tow a heavy Jeep on a full floor metal trailer through the mountains and the 454 ci just growls along. I have not had any mechanical problems whatsoever although it uses alot of brakes and I replaced the factory ones with cryogenically treated slotted rotors and use $120 kevlar/ceramic pads. They dont last long but they stop this behemoth quick and straight. Bottom line is I wouldnt trade my truck for any vehicle. It is a towing animal plus I can haul 6 passengers and a ton of luggage!

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  Great Ride and Comfort - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Pete Montalvo - October 19 - 12:23 pm

  I have about 3k miles on my Acadia and am very happy with it. I usually get about 21-22 mpg on a tank of gas, not too bad for new and I notice the faster I go, the better the mileage. The tranny seems abit sluggish through its changes especially around 45 mph, but even that is improving as I use it. The ride is great!

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  MORE SPACE AND AGILILTY - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By GODUMS - October 19 - 2:00 am

  THE 2003 YUKON DENALI IS BOTH SPACIOUS AND HAS GREAT HIGHWAY AGILITY. HAS BEEN BY FAR THE BEST LARGE SUV I PERSONALLY HAVE DRIVEN YET. SMOOTH AND COMFORT WITH LARGE FAMILIES IN MIND FOR SAFETY IS ONE OF THE SELLING FETURES. THE MAINTENCE THAT IS EXPECTED ALSO HELPS MAKE THIS CAR A EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR THOSE WHO WANT A CAR TO LAST.

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  new envoy 2004 - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By bceledon - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Good exterior looks, interior space, and accessibility. Loose steering and feels top heavy in turns. Poor gas mileage and loud, unrefined engine.

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  LOVE IT - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By POPO - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Cant say much right now. Just bought the Envoy a couple of days ago. What I can say is that so far, I LOVE IT!!! The ride is smooth, the power is there when you need it. The trim level I got is the SLE. There are two cup holders in the front and two for the rear. Mine came with onstar, which at first I really didnt care for it until I first heard how clear the onstar rep sounded. My Envoy came with the V6 Vortec engine. However, it eats up a lot of gas, but I wasnt looking for economy on fuel, so I got over that real quick. My Envoy came with running boards, a big plus with the height of the Envoy. And a power sunroof.