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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  I got a $29k truck for $22k.... - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By DJ - February 10 - 1:03 pm

  I was looking for a crew cab small truck for around $20k. Unfortunately, these days you dont have many options for $20k. Honda Ridgeline was way over priced, scarce to find a low trim model as most of the left Ridgeline was over $40k, Tacoma was also way over priced and the driving experience was horrible. I was left with a used Frontier which is a great small truck until my local GMC dealer had a couple of left over 2016 over stock Canyons that they knock off $7k. So I got a new $29k Canyon for $22k. For the a low trim, it is nicely equipped like electric seat, back up camera, and OnStar. No complain so far.

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  Not too bad - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By EnvoyOwner - February 4 - 6:24 pm

  My Envoy has treated me well. I have put it through hell and it has been treating me like its new. I do have a complaint about the wind noise from the doors and a rattling in the driver door and the back doors creek when you open them. The fuel economy isnt all too impressive either. All in all though, its been a great vehicle and is very reliable. The 4.2 Vortec is almost bulletproof!

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  WHY! Did They Stop Making Them??? - 2001 GMC Safari
  By GMC all the way - February 3 - 12:29 pm

  Just love this Van! This is my second I purchased the first on brand new in 1990 with a high top, swivel seats, TV, VCR... after 156,000 miles I bought a 2001 in 2002 and still have it today. It has 163,000 miles and still going. Im 6-8" tall and 360 lbs. The van is a work horse. I fit like a glove It has gone to Florida and all parts northeast. I used it to move my tools and merchandise in both of my businesses. Why oh Why did they stop making this creature of love!!! I will miss you and will with all my heart try to keep what I have for as long as it will run. I have replaced many components, but that OK I want to keep it for a long time. Long Live the Astro and Safari Vans...

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  Nice Vehicle - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By K.P. - January 23 - 1:10 pm

  We bought this Vehicle in 2007, because of the design other amenitites it came with. It only had 49,000 miles on it when we bought it. It now has 81,000 miiles and it needs lower ball joints, seals on the motor cause it leaks bad and other minor stuff. We keep the oil changed regularly. Now, we dont drive it at all. When we bought it, it still had a warranty and I took it back to be fixed, of course the warranty doesnt cover any of the things wrong with it. I would like to trade it. I wont buy another one. It has heated seats on both driver and passenger side in the front and memory seats on the driver side. Both of these options were what sold us on it,including leather and other options

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  I love my envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By B cahan - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my envoy for 2 1/2 years and have had no trouble at all from it so far. I would recommend this car to anyone that loves suv type vehicles. The mileage is not great but 19-20 is ok if you are expecting it and not surprised by it. The pickup and is awesome for when you step on the gas it flys.

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  Service Tire Monitor, A/C, Heating - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Disappointed - January 15 - 5:46 am

  This vehicle is not worth the money until they get all the kinks out of the system. Service Tire Monitor is faulty and constantly flashes on the screen. Dale Willey in Lawrence, Ks. states you have to bring it in every time it does this, which is WEEKLY. The air conditioner system is making a loud screeching noise when used (frequently), Dale Willey service department states, this is NORMAL. To date, all I have received for assistance is by the company who sold this vehicle to me is, "sorry, this system is a BAD system?" Wish they would have told me this BEFORE they sold me the vehicle!!!

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  Disappointed - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Pat Martin - January 14 - 11:46 am

  To start out on the positive I love the look and the interior design of the vehichle. However, I am extremely disappointed in the drive. It has problems going up even the smallest of hills without downshifting. When you are trying to pick up speed and merge into traffic you have hesisation and downshifting. I have had it serviced and it improved the hesitation somewhat but the downshifting leads to the worst driving car I have ever owned. The gas mileage is also awful. I am only getting 13.9 around town. For a vehicle with a sticker over $40,000 I think GMC should be ashamed of itself!

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  Love my Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By twilene - January 13 - 2:35 pm

  I think Envoys are the best. I will buy another one after I get out of school. The only real problem I have ever had is that if there is a bump or crack in the road and you hit it too fast the car will feel like it is out of control and the gear shifter nut always comes loose causing the car not to move. I know when it acts up just to crawl under and tighten up the screw. The dealer wanted 200 for the part and I made my own.

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  2009 4WD GMC Envoy SLT - 2009 GMC Envoy
  By RMS - January 8 - 3:38 pm

  I enjoy the upgraded cabin and seating. Controls are very ergonomic, and bluetooth is a real plus for this car. Sound system is top notch. Good acceleration and braking. 4WD is a dream. Broke the SUV in with a 2000 mile trip and initial gas mileage was 18 mpg for city/highway. GM finally got the Envoy/Trailazer right, and they discontinue it. Go figure.

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  Engine Reliable, other parts unreliable - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By cjammerman - January 7 - 11:52 pm

  Engine still running strong at 124,500 miles, but I have gone through front end parts like crazy. 6 wheel hubs, ball joints replaced twice. Fuel pressure sensor and purge valve went out. It has been in the shop a lot for suspension/front end parts and wheel hubs are not cheap. I also have issues with the car shaking/shimmy-ing at low speeds/reverse when in 4WD. Read an information bulletin that there have been complaints on this problem but no recalls.