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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  Love It! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Envoy Mama - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I searched for a long time to find the perfect replacement for my minivan and I found it! I needed the convienence of the third row seat for carpool,etc but I also wanted to find something that wasnt quite as "mom-mobile" as my van. Needless to say, the sleek looking XL grabbed my attention and won me over when I drove it. There isnt really anything I can complain about. I feel secure, my kids have ample room and the cargo space is generous when all 3 rows are in use. I would have liked arm rests and a larger storage compartment between the seats (which my husband has in his Sierra) but as far as all around looks and function..I am one happy Mama.

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  Best Truck I ever owned! - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Bill - March 1 - 10:26 am

  I have built quite a few cars and trucks over the years, this by far out performs them in an all around sense. I got a pretty basic truck for my buisness so thats why comfort is a marked low. My only complaints are that I didnt go bigger with an extended or crew cab, and we need the 6 speed in the basic trucks too. The motor is the most impressive part of this truck. I have a tool box and tonneau, and now acheive up to 22 mpg. The six speed wouldnt work here. My friends Scion TC only get 25-27 mpg average so Im very very happy.

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  GMC Yukon - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By lcb - March 1 - 2:00 am

  overall a fabulous vehicle. a true highway cruiser. love the climate control. AC somewhat noisy. High- pitched engine noise with acceleration but can put up with that (told that was par for the course with this vehicle). incredible looks. well worth the price - $10,000 cheaper than the sequoia. 3rd row seet is a little cramped.

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  Nice Try - but...... - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Lemon - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Tranny is alreay shot - 3,000 miles on SUV - stalls, lot of money of plastic

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  Awesome but not perfect - 2016 GMC Acadia
  By AJR - February 28 - 6:13 am

  I liked the car a lot. I wish the navigation was not so slow. It needs either more ram in the computer. Adding way points is very awkward as well. I found the Ford sync to be much faster and easier to use. I like viability. No blind spots. I like the large back window compared to the Buick Enclave. I dont seeing myself keeping the car long solely because of the navigation hesitation. I wish the car was a little easier to get in and out of

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  GMC - They are professional grade! - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By fireman bill - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I have the quad door, with the 5.3 engine, and I love it. The Bose stereo rocks, its a nice looking rig, pulls my 21 boat with ease. Im 44 years old, and this is the finest truck Ive ever owned.

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  Great PU Truck - 1991 GMC Sonoma
  By JRR1 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  great AMERICAN truck! Easy to drive, good off the road and good on the freeway. Good Milage for a large V6 about 24 mpg. Dependable.

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  03 Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By skydo - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy driving this Envoy. It looks great and has a Cady ride. I do agree the it is a bit "tippy" feeling when cornering hard but it is a SUV after all. The I-6 power is great and doesnt have a soft spot. The 4WD system is easy to get to when needed.

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  GMC is Tops in the Crossover Market - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Craig Turner - February 25 - 4:50 am

  We spent six months testing and researching all of the so-called top crossovers - Lexus, Hyundai, Honda, Mercedes,Ford Edge, Lincoln, and Mazda. None of them could hold a candle to the Acadia in size, gas mileage, comfort, versatility, driving ease, quiet, and ride. I was really taken by the smoothness and quick acceleration despite being a 5,000 pound vehicle and the ride reminds one of a large luxury sedan but corners exceptionally well and not the least bit sluggish. I strongly recommend the seven passenger configuration as the best option - Like a living room on wheels. Your neighbors will hate you when you pull it into your driveway.

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  Economical/reliable but dull - 1994 GMC Sonoma
  By tuffteach - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Having owned this truck since it was new, I was impressed with the pep (for a four banger) and economy. Still gets 22-26 mpg with more than 110K on the odometer. GM still needs work on their use of plastic parts. Both outside mirrors have fallen off the truck while driving. Replacement parts are inexpensive, widely available. Big picture reliability has been good. Only big part to go out has been A/C system at 50K. Not the most exciting, but dead reliable.