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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  my sls - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By screamnchikn - April 28 - 2:00 am

  i love the truck

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  GMC has done it right with Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By bokubux - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Overall good value, comfortable, quiet, solid ride, excellent acceleration. We looked at Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner, and this was as good or better at a more reasonable price. The Toyota was presented as a better built vehicle, but it cost thousands more. However, we have really had no problems with over 24,000 miles driven on the Envoy. At 21,000 miles one wiper blade had to be replaced because it did not clear the windshield well enough after ice built up (cost apprx $10.).

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  Awesome driving experience - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By puckettmarc - April 27 - 10:00 am

  My GMC Yukon Denali is an exhilerating driving experience. I traded in my Lexus and have never looked back. Every time I touch the gas pedal and feel that exhileration of driving a sports car as the 6 liter engine sits me back in my seat, I completely forget that I am in an SUV. The sleek styling ques of the front clip clearly have the "move over" feel when you see it in your rear view mirror. I love my Denali!

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  Only GMCs from here on out... - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jafowac - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Awesome truck! I never thought I would purchase a GMC due to the perceived price premium, but I think I got a great deal. Buy near the end of the month and email offers to the dealerships. I got mine for $27600 after $4250 in rebates...total $29006 out the door. Check out carbuyingtips, they have a very good spreadsheet to help you with your offer. I thought about getting the Denali, but for $5k+ more, you get quadrasteer (which I really wanted), 6.0l engine, full time AWD, a different grill and fake wood interior trim....not worth the price difference to me.

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  Would take this over a Ford any day - 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By JackInDallas - April 27 - 3:53 am

  This is my second GMC HD truck, and the imrpovements are too many to mention. This is by far, the best looking truck on the road. Im averaging around 15 mpg around town and recently got 19 mpg on the highway going 85 with 2800lbs in the bed. GMC builds the best looking, most reliable, most fun to drive pick up trucks on the road.

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  2003 is a great improvement inside. - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By socalteddy - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV, this is my 3rd one over the years and they just keep getting better. 2003 is a very fine year with super interior and performance.

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  Edmonds Doesnt Get It - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By ThumbsUp - April 23 - 2:00 am

  It is strange that the review put forth by Edmonds for the 2002 Envoy was replete with accolades for design, performance, comfort, style, etc. Indeed, it was most deserving of the 2002 SUV of the year award. Their review for the same vehicle in 2003 seems to indicate that it is a much lesser product. Apparently the minor change to the taillight and a 5 HP increase destroyed their vision for 2003. Also contrary to Edmonds opinion, I have had a number of favorable comments on the leather interior. Guess I am just too easy to please.

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  FIRST & LAST GMC - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By mysticknight - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this Jimmy used with only 26000 miles & was in for repair several times. The brake/tail lights failed, weatherstripping popping off, driver door hinge had to be repaired, passenger side ball joint replaced, reverse lights stayed on through all gears & a switch had to be replaced a week after getting it back from the shop. The transmission failed & had to be rebuilt at about 41K miles. The dealer seemed to do everything right the first time & I only had to pay for one repair. They paid for the transmission even though it was out of warranty. I just cant keep a car I never get to drive. This is my first & last GMC.

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  LOVE IT! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By jmiller - April 21 - 9:30 am

  I was worried about going from a Tahoe to a smaller suv but the Terrian sold me. My husband and I love it and so does everyone that sees it. The interior and exterior design is great. I was looking at the Equinox but GMC just looks better. Its no wonder its hard to find one. I am very pleased with it and enjoy driving it everyday!

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  EXCELLENT X 10 - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By Jerome - April 21 - 6:53 am

  I purchased a 99 Denali and had many problems with brakes, batteries, transmission etc. I purchased a 2003 Denali XL on the advice of a friend and the suv is totally awsome, from the engien to the rear end no problems, none for the past three years so I decided to purchase a 2005 Yukon Denali XL same color. I personally dont like the Captain chair in the back so I ordered a bench seat. The car is Off the Hook. (excellent). GMC has repaired all problems since the 99 Denali. I am so impressed that I have convinced 6 clients to purchase the same SUV but in different colors