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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  Lovin it! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Mcbill - December 9 - 2:00 am

  After looking at Ford and Jeep SUVs and not liking either I heard about the Envoy. One drive and I was hooked, I had to have it. So I traded in my 2001 F150 and have never looked back. Neither has my Golden Retreiver Tigg. She and I both like the ride and roominess of the Envoy. The performance of this thing with the straight six kicks butt on the Grand Cherokee V8. The performance and styling beats the Explorer hands down. I am most happy with this vehicle. I have always been a Ford man, but the lack of a stylish SUVs drove me to GMC and I couldnt be happier.

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  Great Car, Great Value - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Kim - December 8 - 8:48 am

  I have been looking for a car for several months. We are a family with four children, two in college, two in high school. While we thought we could downsize with two kids out of the house, we found we still need space in a vehicle for when everyone is home, moving into and out of dorm rooms, hauling around friends, etc. This SUV is the perfect size for that...not too big, but with room enough to comfortably seat 6 of us and the dog. I shopped around a lot! Looked at MDX, Volvo, VW, Mercury. The GMC was the best price of all other models I compared to. I love the ease of use of all the controls, visibility is great as well. Not a luxury interior, but practical and well designed. Love it.

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  Pleased - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By M. Fisher - December 7 - 2:00 am

  My GMC is equiped with the 8.1 liter engine and Allison 5 speed transmission. I tow a 26 foot travel trailer and cross the US frequently. The trailer weighs 7500 pounds, loaded. I have had no problems with performance and it has ample power in the mountains (Rockies). The only down side was the difference in the cost of oil changes at GM dealers. High of $32 low $17.

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  Best Truck Ever! - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By HC - December 6 - 12:10 pm

  This is the best truck I have ever owned! It was between this truck or 2007 Tundra crewmax 5.7, Once I test drove both trucks, there was no questions who the winner was. The power on this truck Is awesome, it has a lot of potential, I have an intake, and a superchip added to the truck, Im pulling right now about 450 HP. If you can afford to buy this truck, you should have money for gas. Do not complain about gas mileage. 14 mpgcity. 16mpg hwy

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  Sweet Suburban - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By greg15jon9 - December 6 - 9:25 am

  We have had this vehicle for two years now and it has held up well. I got my permit a few years ago and I love to drive it. A few months ago I had almost got into a wreck I had to jam on the brakes and it stopped with no problem. I also drove to south Florida and a car was merging into my lane, I could not stop so I accelerated. I used the passing gear and it can get up and go, even from 70 mph!

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  Excellent - 1997 GMC Sonoma
  By Desert Sonoma - December 3 - 1:27 pm

  The current Sonoma I drive has been well cared for and has had few major repairs. I received it from my family in 2003, but was purchased in 9/1997. My experience has been that it requires very little maintence and was well built. Except for regular oil and lube, has endured large amounts of travel in the last 3 years has held up very well. The model I have is not the most comfortable, but I am satisfied with design. The a/c performs well as well a the heater.

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  A Lot of Fun - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Karen Veal - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I traded my corvette convertible for the Envoy because it had safety features I needed....now that I am getting older I recognize the value of a safe vehicle. I am very happy with it. It exceeds all my expectations.

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  ENVOY SLE 04 - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Miss Envoy 04 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Great. No problems. Easy quiet drive!

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  GMC ENVOY - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Gregory Kelyl - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I am not going to write a long review, I just want other people to know how much I enjoy driving around in my new Envoy. This car is a great ride, and very stylish.

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  Happy with the Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By DBerkner - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Handles smoothly, takes corners tightly.