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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  93 SLE 2 door / 4x4 - 1993 GMC Yukon
  By The Big O - May 7 - 10:51 am

  I bought this Yukon from a Mom and Pop shop almost ten years ago with 114000 miles on it. If it was black in color Id keep it and restore it but its two tone silver and teal and the rust is starting to show through so Im thinking off to auction it goes. Its been the most reliable truck Ive ever had but the GMC has had major repair bills over the years. I cant think of anything that hasnt been replaced at least once but the engine and tranny are still original and running strong at 215000. Still, I wonder if the money spent on repairs over the years wouldnt have been better spent on a newer model. Still a great vehicle for the market price of 3 thousand. Hate to see it go.

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  More Storage Please - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By E - April 28 - 11:07 pm

  Just bought the 07 Yukon and it has been great to drive thus far, very big and spacious on the inside. Of course the gas mileage is horrible especially in the city so beware! Also, if you have kids and want storage for stuff this is not the SUV for you because there is no storage, only in the front console. Check it out for yourself.

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  knocking noise and wires - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By primetime - April 26 - 6:13 pm

  within the last year since I hd my sierra around 48,000 miles as I began to accelerate after I had been at a light or stop sign I am been getting a knock or a clunk as if the u joint is bad. also when I took it in for service because the engine light at 35000 miles Dealership told me it was rodent damages. This is an excuse after talking to other sierra owners it was just faulty wires that GM put on trucks. I wont buy another, after 3chevys and a gmc I am going to ford.

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  Safari van - 1999 GMC Safari
  By safariowner - April 24 - 1:59 pm

  I have owned Safaris since 1986, have been reliable vehicles. Good gas mileage for the 1999 unit, no problems except for A/C repair at 65,000 mi and brakes and front idler arms every 35,000 mi.

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  2005 GMC Envoy SLE - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Lori - April 21 - 4:39 pm

  Very bad gas mileage but rides better than a car. Minor mechanical problems that can never be duplicated when taken to the dealership. Great for driving in rain. Handles well.

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  Great all around SUV - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By WJC - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a great mid size SUV. Its just big enough with lots of pick up and go. Very comfortable interior.

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  First Time GMC Buyer - 2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid
  By JRW - April 8 - 5:16 pm

  Quiet, comfortable ride. All you would expect from a full size SUV. Getting right at 20mpg, so again for full size SUV, cant complain. Packed with features and absolutely beautiful exterior. Interior moves easily from an executive vehicle to an off the road partner.

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  SLT, 5.3, ordered with almost everythin - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Bob Sr - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This 2003 I ordered is magnificently a better vehicle than my 1997 Yukon. The XM satellite radio I LOVE, and may add years to your life! On Star is a nuisance, never used. Get the stabilitrack and the autoride. It doesnt ride as well as my 89 Fleetwood with a 121" wheel base, but its not bad.You dont need the Denali if you get these options, 5.3 engine, and you can save yourself $10,000 and get better mileage. I got the barn doors, and deleted the useless (to me) third seat. Climate system is great. Mirrors that blink left and right are also cool. I really LOVE this truck. It handles well in snow and ice,tows well, and goes like a rrabbit.

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  Envoy XL - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By ryco - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Every happy with the extra row of seats. Easy to fold seats in all parts of the vechile. V8 makes the truck. Auto-load leveling great when towing.

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  THE LITTLE KILLERS - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By zbobgo - April 3 - 2:00 am

  THE ENVOY HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR MORE LITTLE THAN THE LAST 5 NEW VEHICILES THAT I HAVE OWNED COMBINED. GRAND AUTO IN DENVER WAS THE WORST DEALER TO HAVE BOUGHT THE ENVOY FROM. THIS PAST YEAR THE PAINT BEGAN TO PEEL ON THE FRONT BUMPER. THE DEALER THAT I HAD TAKEN IT TO FOUND THAT THE BUMPER HAD BEEN PREVIOULY DAMAGED AND GRAND AUTO ACTED AS THOUGH THERE HAD NOT BEEN ANY DAMAGE AND REFUSED TO TAKE CARE OF A POOR REPAIR JOB THAT THEY HAD DONE.