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:

• 

  Great vehicle - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By saplumr - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I tow a 20 7500lb car trailer throughout east coast and my Denali never misses a beat. Great pulling power over mountains. Fuel mileage is not good, but a trade off I will gladly take. I love this vehicle.

• 

  lots of shop time - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Yankee - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Within the past two years and 30,000 miles: Transmission started clunking because of a leak due to a bad seal (repaired). No 4WD due to a bad computer (replaced). No go due to a bad battery (replaced). No go due to a bad starter (replaced). Brake pulsation due to corroded rotors (all four replaced!) Roof rack came loose, door weather seals came loose. Disappointing fuel milage. Hate the front seat belts (they wont release).

• 

  Love my Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Telle - October 9 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle. I wasnt even considering an Envoy and my uncle made me look at it. I got in to test drive it and didnt ever want to get out.

• 

  GMC Duramax - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By chz - October 8 - 10:00 am

  This truck is awesome. We pull a 5th wheel camper and it pulls it like there is nothing there at all. Great truck.

• 

  Better than expected - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By ramped1 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Through four years of service this vehicle has been surprisingly reliable. It has had just two issues (head gasket had to be replaced under warranty, and the alternater went out at about 42,000 miles), which is better than we expected. The interior is well-designed and functional, although the plastics are inferior and have deteriorated in some places. The engine is excellent, plenty of torque and acceleration. Handling is cumbersome and the ride is jiggly over uneven surfaces. The ride is excellent on smooth roads. Overall, this SUV has been an excellent value.

• 

  excellent - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By davidj - October 8 - 2:00 am

  i loved this vehicle.

• 

  Lemon? - 2008 GMC Yukon XL
  By Mom of Many - October 7 - 4:43 am

  After a month, we had to replace the alternator and water pump. Within the first year, we had several electrical problems, including navigation, faulty fuel sensor gauge, turn signal didnt make noise, we were driving the car but it registered to be in Park, we put the car in Park but it kept rolling forward, power seats shuttered as we moved them, power folding 2nd row didnt always work. Additionally, windows shook excessively, brakes made noise after a few thousand miles, the power liftgate made strange loud noises. We got rid of this piece of junk after only 11 months of owning it.

• 

  So Far, So Good - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By - October 6 - 2:00 am

  So far it has been a good vehicle....had it in the shop once for a exhaust problem...was covered under warranty...there is a noise in the steering column, but not enough to drive you mad...overall very pleased with the truck...only wished it got better gas mileage, if I get rid of it, that will be the only reason.

• 

  Pleased owner - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By mear - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Excellent performance with surprising economy given the 6.0 L engine and full-time AWD. Exceptionally quiet down the road even at 70+mph; can caryy on a conversation at normal levels between driver and third-row passengers. Outstanding front and rear A/C and heater system. Great stereo, especially the in-dash 6-CD changer. Great tow vehicle for big or small boats. Onstar is very handy, too.

• 

  GMC builds the best trucks! - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Evan - October 4 - 3:56 pm

  My first automobile was a 1966 Pontiac LeMans which I still have to this day, but I was in need of a truck to haul more around but still have decent power. The body styling on the GMCs does not jump out at you like the Chevys or Fords etc. I have been extremely pleased with my truck especially in the performance category. After adding a Hypertech power programmer to the truck, the engine output has been amazing. Gas mileage has dropped a bit to about 16/20 but my I dont mind that when I enjoy the performance.