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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  First GMC Sierra 1500 - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Sierra2008 - August 5 - 10:00 am

  This Truck has been nothing but problems. Starts out with, 6 door locks being replaced, A new radio, rattles, dir seat broke, steering wheel Bearing went bad. Now no warranty left, Have HVAC issues, it does not start up on the first try dealer told me it’s the fuel pump, which will cost 1000 bucks. I cannot believe GM would even put-out this truck and call it professional grade. What a POS. The transmission shifts terribly, the driveline is noisy with clunks and the engine has oil consumption issues. IF YOU HAVE AN LC9 alum block 5.3L AFM ENGINE OR CREW CAB CHECK THE OIL. You will need new pistons installed and an AFM oil shield after 30,000. Im going back to a FORD F150

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  Great in a number of ways. - 2002 GMC Savana
  By latitude38 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Air-con, excellent, when in SE US. Rear air-con is 3 rows of vents, Dodge and Ford is less. Leg room better than Ford. Noise is low. 155 inch wheel base is nice on the extended 15 passenger van. When not heavily loaded less pressure in rear the rear tires makes passengers more comfortable. Tires that come with the van are very stable for side movements. Break in period before towing is 9,000 or 11,000 miles. Service is low, one change of the rear- end oil, and at oil change the grease points/zerks. The undercarriage is super for this 1-ton vehicle which is one reason I chose this vehicle. The standard engine is a 350 and power wise is great.

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  denali - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By nala - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I got the Denali for my Birthday it drives awesome and looks great too! The gas mileage could be better but other then that I love it.

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  GMC Denali - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Spencer B. - August 5 - 2:00 am

  This is the most wonderful car I have ever bought. I have had a Toyota, a Honda and a Ford, and a Chevrolet, and this GMC woops all of them.

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  Love my Yukon - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By BRD - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Just got the Yukon. Took on trip to Ky. It preformed very well. Gas milage was 20.6 on the interstate. I think it will get better in time.

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  I love the Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Mgadson99 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I am home health professional. I drive more miles than most people. The Envoy is a pleasure to drive. It is quick, quite and has all the toys I love to play with. As I compare it to other SUVs it appears to overshadow them. The style is "All That" and when my Black Envoy is clean! It is a show stopper.

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  True Love :) - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By kaitlyn - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I love it!

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  Best Truck -- needs a few improvements - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Pete1954 - August 4 - 10:03 pm

  I love everything about this truck, except for the upholstery. The charcoal colored cloth picks up lint, dog hair, everything and its quite visible. But whats worse, the nap on the upholstery is starting to flake off with only 14K miles! Quite honestly, if I had realized what a tremendous vehicle this was in every other way, I would have gone with the SLT or Denali trim, had leather and not have the upholstery issue. This is a keeper -- guess I will be looking for an upholstery shop.

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  yukon - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By edmund - August 4 - 2:00 am

  best car ive ever owned

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  Last Time to Purchase a GMC Envoy XL SLT - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By S Livingston - August 4 - 2:00 am

  luv my Envoy, but w/all the problems, Im ready to disown. Liftgate panel broke in wk. Brake knock & let go on roads under construction or uneven. SVS says OK. Feel uneasy when braking, might hit something/someone. Sensor in driver panel had buzzing noise. Took 2X for repair. Rotten mildew odor in the AC. SVS says to turn off recycling however been doing their way & still smells. Looking for another dealership. Lining around the windows are starting to sound like the windows are open, so when driving at 65 mph sound like an open window and you hear that annoying wind sound. I should be picky for the kind of money spent on this vehicle.