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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  My first GM - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By WVU Fan - April 26 - 3:13 pm

  Ive had the car for less than a year and Ive had to reset the computer once and replace the cooling fan (cost $560) Hopefully I wont see anymore problems for a while. Doubt if I ever buy another GM! The Ford I traded was old but it ran great and never had any work done to it!

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  Lost the Suburban - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By GM GUY - April 24 - 9:53 pm

  Got really freaked last year when gas started towords $3. We had a 99 4WD GMC Suburban (which I loved), but at $132 a tank twice a month, we figured get rid of it while we could. We wanted a Highlander at first but it was major small on the inside. Then because a GM dealer was nearby we popd in to look at the Envoys. After having test drove Highlanders, Hyundai Santa Fes and Pathfinders we were pleasantly surprised by the Envoy. The interior and ride were far superior to all the other SUVs we test drove, and quite! That in addition to the ride and power sold us. Room was an issue after having had a Suburban but we have adapted nicely.

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  Im buying another one - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Randy - April 24 - 6:18 am

  My wife rarely let me drive it! We sold it due to an overseas job transfer but were returning in July 06 and have already contacted the dealer to get another one. We had some trouble with the A/C however, the dealer fixed it pretty quickly. With the current high fuel costs, Ill get a REAL good deal this year. The 02 SLT was nimble and quick. We averaged 18mpg over 2 years. Not too terrible for a 275hp truck but always room to improve.

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  Gas Hog - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By The Wards - April 20 - 4:10 pm

  While the GMC is a sharp looking SUV, the gas consumption is terrible. No where near the quote on the window sticker. And for the amount you pay, youll have to choose between the payment or the gasoline. Just make sure you check out the service dept. of the dealership. All that is promised in the sales pitch isnt necessarily going to be full filled by the service dept.

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  I love this thing! - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By Kirk Galt - April 16 - 6:56 pm

  I really love this vehicle Its comfortable, drives well, and looks great. I had to do all of your basic maintenance, as well as some other stuff, but its well worth it. Ive had the problem with the door hinges, the temperature control actuator failed, and Ive also had the dif rebuilt. Considering that I bought it used, and that its almost seven years old and has over a 100k on it, I think thats pretty good. The motor is strong and runs great, the transmission is good and its a great drive!

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  2006 Yukon - 2006 GMC Yukon
  By Anna - April 11 - 9:47 pm

  An upgrade from a 2001 Trailblazer, this vehicle is great. Since the overall rating of the Yukon was far better than my "guinnea pig year" Trailblazer, peace of mine was definitely a factor in our choice. Handling is very stable (no scary moments arount curves or corners) cargo space (after removing the 3rd row seating) is very spacious the choice of the "bucket style" back seat is a great feature. Although I miss the smaller Trailblazer, my comfort and peace of mind in our Yukon make up for it. No complaints, problems, or quirky nuisances for four months. Gas mileage - during the break-in period average 17 mpg now about 18 mpg (which is less than 1 mpg less than the Trailblazer).

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  Nothing to jump up and down over - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Miller - April 6 - 8:56 am

  Ive had my leased 2017 Acadia for a few months, coming off of a 15 year old vehicle. Build quality is not what I would expect from a 2017 model year. Hood/grille is slightly off-center, gaps between the grille and headlights, trim pieces dont fit flush, rear seats are uneven, and when the seats are folded flat in back, there are a lot of weird humps and bumps in the fabric. These are all kind of nitpicky, but these types of issues should have all gone out in the 90s. Driving the Acadia is a pleasure, it is very comfortable on the highway or in town. It does not feel like a full size SUV at all, much more svelte. All in all, if you can get an SLT-1 for about $35,000, I feel like it would be a good deal, but for something north of $40,000, Id look elsewhere. It feels like GMC spent way too much money on electronics and flashing lights in the cabin, and not enough money on the mechanical quality of the vehicle.

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  What a great MidSize - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Tim - April 3 - 11:52 am

  The Envoy rides incredibly smooth and handles quite well. I read the reviews prior to buying and wasnt expecting much in the way of handling so maybe my expectations were low However,I think the Envoy handles quite well for a vehicle of its size. I am equally impressed with the power. It accelerates very smoothly both from a stop and highway driving. The tranny shifts smoothly and its tough to even feel when it "kicks down" to pass. The interior is roomy, quiet, and comfortable. Controls are easily accesible and the Bose stereo system is flawless. The interior looks very nice, but I can see quality becoming and issue if it is abused, but normal use shouldnt be an issue.

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  Be Careful! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By jch - April 1 - 7:46 am

  The seats on this car, while attractive, are very stiff and not comfortable on long trips. The biggest problem, however, has been the noise - sounds like there is a valve "tapping". Local dealers have claimed that they dont hear the noise and that nothing is wrong. I will be stuck at time to trade/unload! Stereo has been replaced a couple of times. There were 2 recalls from the factory. Seatbelts also stick!

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  Update - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By tgold - March 30 - 5:13 am

  I gave a review earlier loving my GMC Envoy SLE 4WD, I do still love it but after driving it for about 1,200 miles my gas line disconnected while driving on a busy highway. Luckily I pulled over in the breakdown lane. The problem was easily fixed but should never have happened. I consider this pretty serious and hope it is not an indication of other problems. Will keep you updated. Also, rear passenger does not shut as easily as others.