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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  Best truck for the money! - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By Vinny - December 10 - 12:05 am

  I have owned my 01 Yukon for about 2 years now and it has been very good to me. I currently have 66k miles and do about 12,000 a year and it gets reasonably good gas mileage for its size. I push the truck a little hard and it still gets 15 mpg(higher if I drive more conservatively). Overall I love the Yukon. It looks great, drives very nice, even with aftermarket 20 wheels and 11 wide tires, and it never has any issues. Just do the average scheduled maintenance and the truck will run forever. 4X4 takes on the New England snow with ease, which is great because I usaully have to leave my house before the roads are plowed. I would definitely buy another GM full-size SUV. The best!

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  Sierra to Yukon - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Brad - December 9 - 9:34 pm

  Traded a nice 2002 Sierra for this fully loaded Yukon and what a step up this is. Only had it a couple of weeks and Im still in awe of just how cool this big SUV is to drive. Took a while to find one with all the goodies without a sunroof (cuts down on head room). Besides, this is Texas. We get in our vehicles to get out of the sun. Im hoping the gas mileage improves, but I didnt buy a full size SUV thinking it would get 30 MPG.

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  Happy Driver - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By love it - December 7 - 12:22 am

  I love my Envoy. For a truck the handling is wonderful. Great pick-up in the 6 cyl and a very comfortable drive. I splurged on top of the line interior and it is well worth it. My biggest complaint is the very noisy air conditioning system. Unless you have it on low it is very noticable and annoying. Also the back windows cannot be opened unless the front are also open or you have a very uncomfortable air compression going on. Small problems to put up with compared to the very positive performance, style and comfort. I love the OnStar feature. Well worth the small cost.

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  Good But. - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Jason - December 5 - 5:02 pm

  For a midsize pickup I have no great complaints. It is great for a light load, and has a slightly larger look to it than the previous S-10. With 30,000 miles on it, I have had no problems.

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  Strong Over Time - 1990 GMC Suburban
  By Hunter - December 4 - 10:20 pm

  A bulletproof machine that was perfected near the end of its design run. Well mannered and still capable 16 years after I bought it. Suprisingly easy to park. Worlds apart from the passenger vehicles GM was dumping on us back then. Only advice- keep your all your engine gasket seals fresh or they will shrink and leak.

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  Excellent Mid-Sized Truck - 2017 GMC Canyon
  By Jon - December 4 - 10:34 am

  This is a base model Canyon, with no real features (were talking manual side mirror adjustments here), aside from the 308-hp V6 and towing package, and very basic convenience option, including cruise control, easy-left tailgate, and a few other basics. The only other option was the gray metallic paint... No navigation, no advanced sound system, no chrome, no leather - but the vehicle is absolutely gorgeous, and performs well as a daily driver that can also tow the boat or load up for a family outing, very pleased...

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  The Best Buy SUV - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By BEST BUY EVER - December 1 - 6:26 am

  I got the 2007 Yukon after going thru arbitration on my 05 Envoy. The Envoy had some fatal issues that could not get fixed. The dealer offered a killer deal on the 07 with all the amenities besides NAV. (Which I got on EBAY for half the GMC price) This Yukon turns heads where ever we go. I put some modest 20in rims, and a few chrome items here and there and this Yukon pops. 2007 Yukon has great balance, and drivability for my wife. She does not feel intimidated. Good views all around vehicle, kids love the DVD and I love the NAV, wife loves the Bose system. Power is excellent, thinking about getting the performance muffler from GMC to add a little growl to the mix. Love the color match!

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  Nice truck, GPS is abysmal - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By STuck - November 30 - 3:56 am

  This is my first GMC vehicle. I am impressed with the performance and reliability. Very roomy. However, you should be warned that it is always thirsty for gas. I was sold on the GPS and was looking forward to using it. Unfortunately, it is cumbersome to use. I called the dealer for assistance and the technician admitted that it was a waste of money to purchase the GPS and that it was very poor. Hopefully, they improve this substantially.

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  Florida Envoy SLT - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Bill C - November 28 - 8:31 pm

  SLT/2WD has been a great option for 4 years now. Oil and tires changed/rotated every 3000 miles. 48000 now on original tires! Battery went Dixie after 38 months. Trip gas mileage has been respectable with the vehicle loaded at 22-26 MPG. All in all have been very happy with our Envoy!

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  Great Truck - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Jeff - November 28 - 2:03 pm

  I bought my 04 Canyon used with 10k miles and now I have over 40k. It has great fuel economy and power. The only problem Ive had is the passenger side heated seat was not working. But its all fixed now and I couldnt have asked for a better truck!