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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  No regrets - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By JayDee - February 19 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a Ford Expedition for the Envoy - no regrets. The Envoy rides great, is the right size, and is much more comfortable on long trips. We haul lots of "stuff" and a big labrador in the back, and have plenty of room. Unlike some other reviews, I am getting 23 mpg on the highway at 75 mph, compared to 16 mpg for the Expedition. For a 4000 lb. plus car, thats not too bad. So far, no problems with the car. I do think GM builds a "looser" car than Ford or Chrysler, which I think are "tighter". But I had GM products before, so was aware of that up front. All in all, we really like our Envoy, and would recommend it to others.

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  This truck you can take to the opera! - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By lastchanceblogger - February 18 - 5:30 pm

  Amazing truck. It has outstanding acceleration, and the SLT package with OnStar makes it feel like a Cadillac, not a truck. This truck serves two purposes: you can haul drywall, and you can go to the country club.

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  Nice Ride Albeit Thirsty - 1995 GMC Jimmy
  By rbruce - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Some rattles, the doors move in their openings, fuel efficiency is dropping fairly from 7.88 kilometers per liter when bought to 6.54 kpl today. A/C repair was costly and the compressor is still making noices. Right turn signal gets stuck. The under carriage is not protected and vital components are low.

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  Faster Than it Looks - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By 87horizon - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I have the 4.3 V-6 it pulls strong and has been trouble-free, although its starting to develop a leak in the power steering pump at 50,000 miles. The ball-joints had to be replaced at 45,000 miles a part that I feel shouldt be replaced at low mileage. Overall, though, this has been a great little pick-up. GM has always built a good pick-up and this one has been no exception.

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  What happened to the giant G.M.? - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By Rodgersbuck - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I have been a G.M. owner all my life but this vehicle has made me switch! I noticed a ticking sound coming from the engine right after I bought it. I was told it was "piston slap" by the dealer. After almost two years of waiting for G.M. to figure out a fix to the problem, Im now being told they arent going to fix it- that this condition is normal. It appears the problem is too costly for G.M. to fix so they are just going to ignore it!

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  Yukon sle 1500 - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By Robertlong60 - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Great Vehicle for what its designed to be. awesome interior sapce and good comfort.

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  Very nice, but... - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By riverguy - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Last vehicle was a 96 Suburban. Use it to tow a boat. Nice size and handling. Excellent stereo, great climate control in hot weather, rides nice but front seats lack support in our opinion and steering is too light, no road feel. Muffler had to be replaced when heat shield separated. Averaging 13.6 mpg overall.

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  Snow, Rain, Sleet or Mt. Everest - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Bonsoue - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had some nice trucks, but nothing even comes close to this. The power of a pickup and the ride of a lazyboy. My 99 yukon is the strongest most reliable vehicle I have owned yet. The 5.7 vortex 350 out preforms most other trucks. The ride is simmilar to that of a Park Ave. I think i am sold for life on Yukons....

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  Snow, Rain, Sleet or Mt. Everest - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Mt. Man - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had some nice trucks, but nothing even comes close to this. The power of a pickup and the ride of a lazyboy. My 99 yukon is the strongest most reliable vehicle I have owned yet. The 5.7 vortex 350 out preforms most other trucks. The ride is simmilar to that of a Park Ave. I think i am sold for life on Yukons....

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  Im not sure about this one... - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By ZeeGee - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I really wanted to like this truck. The size was right, I liked the I-6 engine config and it seemed as though GM had turned the corner on the quality and design of their products...but it appears they havent. Get the car up to speed (btw, it seemed as if it had 170hp not 270) make a pseudo evasive maneuver and the Envoy falls all over itself, it actually swam side to side when I test drove it! Far worse than the larger Tahoe or Suburban in fact. The brakes are mushy and the small 2nd row seats giggles like a kids amusement toy. The salesman told me they were really discounting this car and now I know why. Too bad.