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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  Sweet Ride - 1992 GMC Typhoon
  By Redhawk110 - May 24 - 4:20 pm

  I purchased my 92 Typhoon about a year ago. The vehicle is 14 years old and the rest of the SUVs are just starting to catch up. I have 124,000 miles on mine and the engine, turbo and tranny still run like new. I have one small leak and it certainly doesnt effect performance. This SUV is the ultimate sleeper. The mileage is painful, but then again thats a more than fair exchange for the performance!

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  Marine Can Do Attitude - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Eric - May 20 - 9:27 am

  With full size SUVs costing an arm and a leg and gas prices just as bad. Our family looked to the GMC Envoy XL with 3rd row seating and was sold on it the moment we sat in it. Great interior quality with the leather package. Performance, it is not a race car but can handle any of the riggors found within the city limits with ease. I found no problems with the steering, its just very easy to manuever. This quality has sold me on the Envoy and GMC as a whole and will be looking at them for my next vehicle purchase.

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  What Happened - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Disappointed - May 18 - 1:00 pm

  I have had this vehicle for about 5 weeks with 2000 miles on it already. I have been so happy with the way it drives and handles. Until last night, all of a sudden the transmission would not grab. Engine racing and couldnt go over 30 miles an hour. Not sure if it is the transmission or the computer misreading something. Will find out tomorrow once the dealership looks at it. First time I had bought American and hope I am not going to be sorry. I am on the road all the time and need a car that is reliable. I am very disappointed. Never had this happen with any previous foreign made purchases. Not getting anyway near what they advertise for mileage - getting around 22 mph,

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  2011 Denali Hybrid 4x4 - 2011 GMC Yukon Hybrid
  By txdenalihybrid - May 16 - 9:04 am

  There are lots of things I really love about this truck but also many things that leave you scratching your head. This truck really only seats 5 adults. The third row is totally unusable for adults. And the second row is really only for shorter people. Not having a spare tire is very scary. This thing tows great- No issues towing 9,000 lbs and you really cant even notice you are towing. Hybrid system does not work logically (always kicks off at 12 mph so very little benefit to it at the stop light.) Overall, I love this truck but its exaggerated fuel efficiency, illogical third row of seats, lack of a spare tire (and place to mount a spare tire, almost makes this a no go.

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  One of the best mid-sized SUVs out there - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Sniles32 - May 8 - 2:42 pm

  Had my Envoy less than one month, but thus far it is performing wonderfully. Acceleration is much speedier than expected, and the ride is smooth, particularly when compared to the Jeep I traded in for this. Yes, the gas mileage isnt stellar, but what SUV (excluding hybrids) has great gas mileage? Its right on par with similiar vehicles, so dont let people fool you when they say it gets bad gas mileage. The handling is a bit mushy -- definitely watch it on corners -- and the backseats dont fold completely flat for loading, and there isnt much center console space, but all in all this is an excellent SUV for the money and I look forward to driving it for many years to come.

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  Envoy - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Joe M. - May 1 - 5:47 am

  My Envoy rides and drives great. I owned a Trailblazer before the Envoy. The In-Line 6 cylinder is peppy, not a gas hog and great on the highway.

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  Had my 07 Yukon for a month now. - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Paul Lankarge - April 29 - 12:10 pm

  My last vehicle was an 03 Denali and with the price increases in gas I was happy to end the lease early to get into the SLT version of the Yukon. The new 5.3 liter engine is at least as fast as the 6.0 liter 03 Denali. I like the fact Ill be able to use E85 fuel when it gets to the Northeast, and the ability to use 4 cylinders at cruising speed is a plus. Im getting about 1 mile per gallon better now, but feel that will get better as the truck breaks in. The truck is a head turner. I got silver birch with 20" wheels with the Bridgestone tires and it looks great. I love the Navigation radio as I travel thru the bouroughs of NYC, not worring about getting lost. Its a great truck...

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  Long term plans have changed! - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By Eakin - April 29 - 11:10 am

  It has been a good vehicle for trips with riding comfort, low noise level, and interior room. I had an A/C problem that took a week to fix. I had planned on keeping this vehicle long term until I recently had a brake failure resulting in my crashing into the rear of another vehicle. I have been discussing this problem with GM but without results.

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  2003 GMC Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Patricia - April 28 - 9:12 pm

  I bought this truck new in 2004. It is roomy and comfortable in the front, as well as the rear. Heating and cooling are excellent, with a back vent in the console. 4WD makes it great in the snow. It has a lot of amenities for a truck!

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  Would recommend - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By gpbacker - April 28 - 9:12 am

  Reliable vehicle. Bought used at 50,000 miles. Had to replace brakes at 75000. Would like better fuel economy than current 18 mpg, but the initial cost was low enough that it does not matter.