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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  Female Point of View - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By DMT - March 3 - 2:36 pm

  As a short female, this vehicle isnt totally adaptable to my size, but it does have great handling abilities. I have owned SUVs for years and this is very comparable to the top of the line Jeep I used to own. It has tricks and gadgets that even fascinate my husband. I am glad I own this vehicle.

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  Overall Review - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Rick Rana - February 22 - 1:10 pm

  This vehicle is very sound, but I am disapointed with the gas mileage. My 05 Yukon got better mileage.

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  My Sixth One - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By Hoover - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Suburbans have evolved from vinyl interiors, industrial-grade paint and truck-like ride. This one almost feels TOO civilized.

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  Good truck!! - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By steve b - February 13 - 9:20 pm

  I bought this truck after driving the Ford, Dodge and Chevy. I had a trade and the dealer offered me the best deal. The P rated tires that came standard with the Z-71 package were junk, so I spent a few more bucks and got the same size 17" BFGs. That dropped the mileage from 22-23-to 18-20 depending on speed but the reliability is much better. The auto transmission does seem weird at times but the all aluminum block V8 with the higher H/P is just fantastic.Overall the trans is good. I tow a light weight camp trailer and I forget its behind me. No problems so far. 12,000 miles through all kinds of weather. For the money, best truck I ever owned and I have had a few. Good looking truck..

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  Why is there no active fuel management? - 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jock Russell - February 12 - 11:10 pm

  Yukons have active fuel management 22 mpg why not the truck truck only gets 17 mpg if lucky this was a poor design

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  I Love My Jimmy!! - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By Britt - February 6 - 2:41 pm

  I love my Jimmy. When I get enough money I want to get an SUV just like it. Maybe a newer Jimmy with not as many miles. I love the ride and the comfort. It doesnt feel big, bulky, or boxy like an Explorer.

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  03 Yukon XL - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Kerry - February 4 - 10:46 pm

  Rides very well. 5.3 is slightly lacking in power, but good enough to tow a 3000 lb boat. Only problem has been tire wear due to previous owner not rotating tires. According to our tire dealer, these wear tires very quickly if not rotated every 6k miles. My wife gets 18 mpg on the highway and 15 in town. I get 16.5 on the highway. Overall, very satisfied.

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  Jimmy - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By bat nedo - February 4 - 10:23 pm

  I bought this GMC Jimmy RWD with manual transmition. Very powerful for its size and also very quick. The 4.3L engine competes very well with many cars and I personaly am very impressed with it. The only thing I dont like about it is that the panels make some noises when going through bumps but I dont mind that.

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  Power at a price - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By notaconservationist - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Wow this car is comfy. Gas mileage is something to be desired. I dont know why you need AWD for highway driving - maybe they should offer a 2WD Denali.

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  Excellent Balance - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By jackjrp - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Not perfect but it dusts the competition. Especially quiet at cruise and a ride that equals/exceeds all competition. Inline six has a nice sound but not as wonderful as all the magazines portend...again, though, better than the competition (though not up to BMW standards).