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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  NEW ENGINE AT 3000 MILES - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By PHANTASM - July 23 - 2:00 am

  I BOUGHT THIS ENVOY IN JULY 2001, THE DEALERSHIP HAS HAD IT IN THEIR GARAGE AS MUCH AS IT HAS BEEN IN MINE. AFTER 6 MONTHS AND 3000 MILES GM FINALLY DECIEDED TO PUT A NEW ENGINE IN AFTER FINDING 2 DEAD CYLINDERS, NOT TO MENTION THE COUNTLESS TIMES IT HAS BEEN IN FOR GAGE PROBLEMS,BUMPER,ELECTRICAL,THE DEALER HAD IT FOR 5 MONTHS WAITING FOR GM TO DECIDE WHAT TO DO! AFTER BEING A LOYAL GM FAN FOR 17 CARS, NO MORE GM. THAT WAS MY LAST ONE!!!!

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  Loven It! - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 1st GM in 30 yrs - July 22 - 10:30 pm

  Bought 3 months ago; now have +10K mis. Love it. Been 30yr Ford guy. 1st GM truck ever considered. Bought the wife an 08 HHR liked it & got me to consider a GM again. Traded my 03 F2504dr 4x4 diesel (loved it) had +180k mis;still miss the big 600#ft torq. Dealer offered me a 2-day GMC test drive! Hated the "luxury" dash; reminded me of dads old gran marque, yuk. Wanted more lux but that dash was a deal-brkr. Added SLE pref + NFL pkg & leather/sunroof. Passengers cant but I can notice fr V4 to V8 pwr surge. No tailgate lock!? Will buy one. Has 3.42 rr gear; hard accel into 2nd gear causes rpms to fall out of pwr-band then comes up. Ctr of hood vibrates continually while driving.

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  Love my Denali! - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jeff C. - July 22 - 10:30 pm

  Power, performance, and FUN to drive! Quadrasteer whips a better U-turn than a Volkswagen! It takes about a lane and a half to cut a tight u-turn. The 6 Liter engine has lots of power, but GUZZLES the gas! (The power is well worth the gas guzzling when you need it.) I change the oil and put in gas. I have had it 1 year TODAY and have 35,900 on it allready! GMPP Warranty was $4K extra! Very pleased with the truck & reliability, but the dealers who fix it work too fast and I have to point out the shoddy repairs. Biggest problem, the factory tonneau cover leaks water into the bed, and is constantly breaking. I have had it replaced TWICE (under warranty) Both times it was re-installed wrong.

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  My GMC - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Tim Webb - July 21 - 4:06 am

  Really like this truck. However, would like to see further advancements in the interior design.

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  gmc - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By Marjie - July 21 - 2:00 am

  this is a great vehicle but looking forward to the release of the GMC Canyon.

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  reliability? - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By robdale/dlandry29 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Envoy since April 2002 and have loved the way it handled and its reliablity. My transmission began making noises a month ago and went totally out the other day leaving me stranded. It was towed to the dealership and they replaced the valve body. I have always felt safe and depended on my Envoy. Now I am considering trading it in on another type SUV all together. My dream SUV has become a potential nightmare!

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  Great Luxury SUV - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Daniel Garcia - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Plenty of room for my 3 girls and their friends. I have the 8 cyl 5300 vortec, and its got plentyof get up and go. Great comfort on long road trips. With optional entertainment in the rear rows for the kids who dont seem to have the same taste in music. Has an eye catching exterior. Very stylish. I am very pleased with my new SUV and feel comfortable that my girls are safe.

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  Torquey little gem - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By jim - July 20 - 5:52 pm

  Most surprising for this 2.8L diesel was just how fun the trans/engine combo is to drive! Really. In town driving requires little more then a feather touch on the gas pedal. The engine just pulls you along strong and the trans gets the gears right without any busy shifting. The interior is very quiet and a smooth ride. Fuel economy is a real world 27 in the city driving and 31 on the highway (I drive 77mph.... at 70 I get 33). I do get a little "wind flutter" from the factory toneau covered bed above 55mph but you only notice it if your listening for it, which I was. I like the style of this truck. Just the right size for my retirement lifestyle. Glad I put up the extra bucks for the diesel option. PS your review form does not offer the Longbox crew cab trim option with a diesel engine.

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  Excellent - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By wontonandrocky - July 20 - 2:00 am

  The perfect SUV for the money. Its like having a luxury car, with lots of extra space for my travels.

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  Color mine yellow - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jack Thomas - July 19 - 10:00 am

  What can I say...bought it in May, 02. In the shop four times by Sept. 1 02. Quality, workmanship, seems like it was just slapped together. GM has been no help.....preparing my lemon paperwork...brakes, cracked exhaust manifold, trans spline sheared off, starter failed, and for some reason the right side headlight has burned out 4 times since I bought it!