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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  Once the problems were fixed... - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By bigwarranty - May 8 - 2:00 am

  The first 5 month of ownership were hell. The truck had water leaks like you would not believe. They fixed 5 different leaks 4 times, and replaced the rug and jute 3 times because mold from the water getting under the rug made the interior unhealthy to even sit in. LSS, the Division Manager met with me and gave me options. I wanted them to buy back the truck, but they wanted to charge me for miles. No way! In the end, I let them fix this truck "one last time" and I would agree to keep it if they gave me a 7 yr./100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. Once everything was fixed, I fell in love with my truck... and it smells like a new truck should.

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  "Tippy" ??? That is crazy!!! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Uncle Chuck - May 7 - 2:00 am

  The Envoy is a very stable and safe feeling drive. At no moment have I ever felt it to be "Tippy". Perhaps who ever described it that way was referring to an older model like a 2000. If you are reading this, call Allen GMC in Laguna Niguel, CA for a test drive. Im sure you will agree with me.

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  GMC DENALI - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By BARRY FRANKLIN - May 7 - 2:00 am

  THE GREASTEST TRUCK I EVER OWNED....

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  Not Bad - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By jonic911 - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Have had no mechanical problems. Purchased with 40K now have 103K. Fun to drive 4wd works great.

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  :) - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By Bart H - May 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck new for less than $10,000 and It has been great. I have used it for work and play. I have 40,000 miles on it now and it still makes me smile even when I make the payments! For the money I give it a 10! - Bye

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  After 2 Expeditions - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By GMC Convert - May 5 - 2:00 am

  we were converted. Went to look at the latest Eddie Bauer Expedition and felt there was something missing, very plain. However The GMC to load up is more expensive but what a car and far more comfortable. Shame you have to get the 1SD package to get memory seats, which also bumps it up to a 5.3 when the 4.8 was way powerful enough. Get the 2nd row captains chairs they are awesome.

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  Envoy Better take a ride - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By paulmc - May 5 - 2:00 am

  Just a marvelous ride...Everything works and it is truly a great SUV.

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  GM Needs Help - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Michaelv - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Build quality is disgusting for a 2002 model year vehicle. The truck has lots of rattles and squeeks, the dash looks like a "fisher price " snap together toy and the seat fabric looks and feels like mouse fur. The tuck was deliverd with a defective heater blower moter switch - only high speed worked. The pasenger side widow weather stripping would come off when the window was lowerred and then raised.The passenger side inner door liner was improperly attached - broken clips.The transmission quit working at 10,000 miles - the rear seal leaked all the transmison fluid into the tansfer case.

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  Great vehicle ! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By dbriggs - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about this vehicle I have owned it for a year now bought it brand new and I have had no problems with the vehicle its a beautiful suv and I have no complaints other than the gas tank is to small the gas tank is a minor inconvienience but I can live with it !

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  Excellent S.U.V. - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By Chris A. Mann - May 3 - 2:00 am

  Our Yukon is a excellent ride, fun to drive, easy to park in city traffic and the on-star communications system on board is a safe feeling knowing that if your in a severe accident with air bag deployment and can not respond, help will be coming. G.M.C. may want to consider replacing the engine cooling fans with electric fans to assist with better fuel milage.