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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  Good little truck - 1994 GMC Jimmy
  By BuffDriver - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 1994 GMC Jimmy SLS from September of 1998 through May of 2003 and it has been an extremely reliable, powerful little SUV. Ive only had to do routine maintenance and the replacement of the instrument panel. I recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  ok... - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By er - April 7 - 2:00 am

  wow this vehicle had the horsepower of a yukon and the size of a honda it was great and fantastic i coulndt believe this vehicles preformence but i think the milege is horrible

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  Fill it up with Kids! - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Noahsarc - April 6 - 10:00 am

  This truck has lots of room for kids. Much better than a minivan and my wife is not afraid of driving big trucks. The 2003 models came a long way since its new body style in 2000. To much improvements to name. The gas mileage is expected considering its size, but the mileage increases after a couple of oil changes. It handles very well for its size and a smooth comfortable ride. But be careful, you dont realize you are driving 75 mph until you look at the speedometer.

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  GOOD SUV, BUT LACKS FINE TUNNING - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By EPONCE - April 6 - 10:00 am

  SERIOUSLY LACKS POWER ON ENTRANCE TO FREEWAYS. VERY CHOPPY RIDE FOR A 50,000 $ SUV. SUSPENSION LACKS STABILITY. SOME OF THE INTERIOR DASH PARTS FEEL LIKE CHEAP PLASTIC AND WILL PROBABLY BREAK OFF EASILY. LOOKS TO MUCH LIKE ITS COUNTERPARTS THE TAHOE & THE SUBERBAN.

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  GMC Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By sweigand - April 6 - 3:00 am

  The 2003 GMC Envoy is an insuperior product and value in comparison to the competition. The engine has large amounts of vibrations that come through the foot pedals and give your feet a tingling sensation. GMC claims this to fall within specification on the Envoy and cannot eliminate the vibration. The fit and finish on the vehicle is also poor. The average MPG I have been getting with the truck is 14 to 15 MPG which GMC also claims to be within specification. I would highly recommend checking out alternatives to the GMC Envoy when purchasing this class of vehicle.

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  Love my Acadia - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By EP - April 5 - 5:20 pm

  Best vehicle I have ever owned. It is so comfortable especially on a long trip. It handles like a champ. If you want more plush look at Enclave as well. Friend sold his Lexus for Enclave after driving my Acadia and loves his too. No regrets.

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  a good family van - 2001 GMC Safari
  By jenj1971 - April 5 - 2:00 am

  this is a very reliable van for large families. my kids love the rear radio.

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  1998 GMC Jimmy - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By HarP - April 5 - 2:00 am

  Powerful truck with fair gas mileage. However, if you plan on making repair yourself get a different truck. This thing is impossible to work on. As with a lot of American cars, the equipment is STUFFED in. Took 4 hours to replace a leaking oil line. Also very querky. Airbag light is on, dealer could not find a problem. Windshield wipers sometimes work other times dont.

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  2003 Yukon Lover - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By garytee5225 - April 5 - 2:00 am

  The Yukon is such a nice, plush vehicle. It really is fun to drive and extremely comfortable. Lots of power and the interior is nice as well. The interior could use more accents such as wood trim or aluminum, but it still blows away the competition in terms of class and space.

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  GREAT TRUCK/SUV - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By LRLUV2US - April 5 - 2:00 am

  I CAN TELL YOU SO FAR SO GREAT!!!!! :) I LOVE THE WAY MY NEW ENVOY DRIVES I BOUGHT IT A YEAR OLD AND THE PERSON WHO OWNED IT BEFORE ME TOOK CARE OF IT LIKE A BABY.... AND THE DVD/TV IS A GOD SEND WITH KIDS!!!:) THIS CAR IS GREA AND I HAVE BEEN HAPPY WITH IT..