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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  Not that great - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By p burke - October 21 - 8:02 am

  This truck was in the service center for lots of little things. The problem was, I use the truck for work and and it would stay in dealership 2 days. I owned it one and half years it was in for 9 services. Check engine light, head light assembly fogging up, power window stop working, side molding falling off, rough idle, air bag sensors on. But I will say, when it ran, it ran good. It was reliabilty issues that drove me to Toyota. I put trucks to the test I visit 15 homes every day. A new truck should last a least a year without problems.

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  Love My Acadia!! - 2013 GMC Acadia
  By Kaydee - October 20 - 12:32 am

  Bought in 2013. Love the seating configuration and space inside. Love inside and out. Thinking it might be time for a new one. The only major con I have is the seatbelts. We have a GMC truck and the seat belts are great. This one the latch hitch is extremely hard and bulky. Reminds me of an older model. The part that is secured to the seat will not move hardly at all. It is so stiff that it can cause major damage when accidently sitting on it or trying to crawl through the back. Several gashes on the knees. The head rest curls forward to much. Wish that was a little more adjustable but understand it may be for safety purposes. Overall a great choice!

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  Happy with my Envoy Denali - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Peter - October 16 - 6:12 pm

  Tows my boat and my trailer with no problem. I believe the 6000 lbs load capacity. Originally I wanted a Denali Yukon but the Denali Envoy fits better in my garage - a key purchase decision by the way. Lots of power and with a family of five with two big dogs, the trips to the cottage are easy. Fuel consumption is fine. I get the same mileage as I got on my 2000 Ford Windstar. The DOD works as advertised. I would buy this vehicle again.

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  gmcresalereview - 1999 GMC Sierra Classic 1500
  By scott cavaness - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Good history of running efficiently without breakdown or problems. Look and inside leather has received many compliments with the extended cab allows great 5 seating capability.

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  Good Looks - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Good Looks - October 12 - 8:13 pm

  Would like more hp when accelerating to get onto freeway or pass another vehicle, vehicle is a little sluggish in that area. Fuel economy is o.k., 17 mpg city. Otherwise overall excellent ride so far.

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  Great SUV. Bad Options - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Salex - October 11 - 9:16 am

  You hear all the hype about GMC being "Professional Grade", dont believe it. I purchased an 07 Envoy with a Nav System. This Nav system is a waste of money. It is DVD based like most, but the one thing that GMC did that all other makersdecided not to do was to only allow the in-dash unit to accept one disc at a time! For a $2000 option, dont waste your money if you want to Nav and listen to your CDs! Get the 6-disc in- dash and buy a TomTom or Garvin that rides on the dash. It is cheaper and better that way!

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  2003 Envoy review - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By gord - October 10 - 7:18 pm

  At the end of the warranty, I had the car checked and all was fine. I was told nothing to worry about. 6,000 miles later and after the warranty expired, that same dealer provided me with an estimate of almost $2,000 to repair an oil seal, the links, brakes, etc. The SUV runs well, is a smooth running vehicle, but does not seem to be that reliable. Most of my mileage is highway between Canada and Florida, so we do not travel on rough roads that could affect this vehicle. Except for some trim problems at the beginning, a seat module control that had to be replaced (Cost of this module was (900$, but covered under warranty, and an oil leak, I have had no other problems with this vehicle.

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  Yukon XL - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By rsa240 - October 9 - 12:43 am

  This is the 2nd Yukon XL we bought and they are outstanding. Tried all the competition and they canÂ’t touch the ride quality, especially with Autoride. Good power, nice ride, great utility, good looks, quite, you name it. We have had only minor issues that were covered under warrantee. Both vehicles have gone through multiple batteries and I cannot understand why GM uses the same battery on the Yukon that they us on a Malibu??? I wish they had better seating arrangements. Having to choose the bench seat with more seating or captain chairs that are more comfortable is tough. GM should offer an option to have 3 captain chairs in the middle row like some mini vans. On-Star not worth $.

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  Great ride except for long trips - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Jim - October 2 - 5:01 pm

  I special ordered this vehicle with specific intent to travel with it. To avoid extreme temperature changes, we ordered cloth interior with dual power seats. I have this vehicle over 2 years and have not had one thing go wrong with it, even one rattle. I average 19.5-20MPG with even a little more on long trips. The power reponse and ride is excellent for a truck. My biggest complaint is that the seats are just not comfortable at all. We tried both the leather and cloth and thought the cloth was more comfortable.

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  What did you expect? - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By bman63 - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I have read many reviews about these vehicles. Its great as far as I can see. The brakes are much improved from my former 1999. The interior is upgraded, the fuel economy is much better, improved 2-3 mpg in city and local. people complain about the gas mileage, buy a minivan. They complain about acceleration, buy a Porsche Cayenne. Nothing beats the overall experience of owning and driving a GMC Yukon XL. This is the 4th one have bought. Previously I had a 1995, 1999 and a 2001. They are great vehicles that do not need an excuse.