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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  Never buy American Again!!! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Never Again GMC - April 14 - 2:16 pm

  I looked at every make and model of SUVs, and sadly ended up with the Envoy. We did not even have the vehicle 24 hours and the power seats stopped working. Then we had to return to the dealership twice because the engine was leaking oil. Third, the weather stripping in the rear doors fell completely off. Fourth, the cruise control went out. This also caused the tail/brake lights to short out. Finally, we had to take it back because the windows did not seal properly.

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  electrical problems - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By insolation - March 18 - 10:00 am

  In 18 mths the car has died and had to be junped or towed 9 times. Service kept changing parts but could not find the actual problem Went to lemon law arbitration and GM settled to "keep me as a customer" I recently stopped two different people with The Denali version and they love the truck except that both said they had been stuck on numerous occasions When running a great truck.

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  2006 - GMC Yukon XL - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By kingspark33 - February 25 - 11:17 am

  New tranny at 71,000. Now offers a 5 year/100k warranty for all cars 2007 & newer. Did not help me and my $2000 bill. My tranny guy told me last year that these trucks only last till 70,000. He was off by 1k. Merry Christmas. Thanks GMC!

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  Terrible Mileage - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Martin - January 7 - 9:46 am

  Right after purchasing vehicle drove all the way to Cancun, Mexico via Baja California (5,050 miles). Good points: Comfortable ride, lots or room. Two things very bad; First: average mileage was barely 17 miles/gallon. Second: Using cruise control 6th gear only works when highway level. At the slightest incline car shifts into 5th gear hurting overal gas mileage. At altitude (Mexico City) car clearly underpowered.