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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  Great Vehicle - 1997 GMC Yukon
  By YUK Driver - May 20 - 2:00 am

  I have over 122,000 miles on this vehicle and it is still holds VERY strong. I drive the new Yukons all the time for work, and my 97 runs just as strong as the 02. Very little maintaince and a very comfortable ride.

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  Great Yukon! - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By cmcnee - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I have purchase about 10 different vehicles in my lifetime. This has been the best vechicle I have ever driven! The ride is exceptionally smooth. It seems to glide. The interior is extremely roomy. I will never purchase another type or model again!

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  Best SUV or CAR ever awesome wish 4 one - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Laurie Boykin - May 18 - 2:00 am

  wish I had one

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  Poor defroster , could use better cup ho - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Allen Witmer - May 18 - 2:00 am

  The overall performance is not bad, but I feel GM still has room to improve. The foreign auto industry is making a much better SUV overall. The defroster system is poorly designed, during a recent snow storm and cold weather I could not keep my windshield clear of icying up. The defroster vents are only positioned in the center of the windshied, poor design. The cup holders are poor also, this is the second GM product I purchased in the last 4 years where the cup holders were of a poor design and not enough of them. Would I buy another GMC Envoy again, probably not. I will look at other auto makers.

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  great suv - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By scwood16 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased a 03 envoy..great ride...great suv

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  Sierre Style, Ride and Quality No.1 - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By temple62 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  It is no wonder the Sierre is the only truck lists the Kiplinger List top 10. Coming from the Toyota 4Runner and Ford F150 crowds, this beats them both for quality, handling, comfort and style. The 2004 Dodge Ram is a vible competitor but too pricey when you do the comparisons of bang for your bucks.

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  Overall Junk - 1992 GMC Sonoma
  By Eric Russell - May 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck new and it has been the worst experiance of my life. The body is a rust magnet. GMC must have made primer optional, and it missed my truck completly. The interior is a nightmare. The seat is too low, the steering wheel blocks most of the controls, and it squeeks and rattles since new.

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  Totally Awesome - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Acadia - May 15 - 11:16 pm

  I drove the MDX, Pathfinder, Jeep GC, XC90, Tribeca, Tahoe and Explorer. None of them came close to Acadia. The capacious interior was second to none. The amount of interior storage is unsurpassed. I ordered one with everything and a second row bench seat and waited nine weeks. The rearview camera is a must since rearward vision is limited due to a small rear window. The transmission is still somewhat reluctant to downshift.

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  Leaks and squeeks - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By Brucetheman - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Only 40K miles and its leaking all over. Transmission cooler lines replace at 38K. Brakes make noises and noises when turning. Low quality vehicle.

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  BadGMC - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By NoGMC - May 15 - 1:10 am

  Acadia in the shop 4 times in the first month of ownership. Finally got a New Transmission in a 400 mile vehicle. GMC would not buy back or help in any way. Sad b/c its a great concept with lots of room and decent gas milage to go along with its good looks.