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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  Good truck - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Sofa3 - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Truck.........Nothing else that I could ask for. Handles great, Drives like a car, but works like a truck.

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  4WD forever - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By DRB - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Great truck with Z71 package. I love the pushbutton 4WD. You can have it in auto 4WD for slippery conditions in snow or hit 4wd Hi or Low and have a full time 4WD with locking differentials. All 4 wheels will drive through mud and sand. Out performs Ford 4WD trucks every time. Fold away mirrors are great for car washes. I have black and looks sharp when clean. The 5.3 Vortec V8 has plenty of power and good gas mileage (18.3 mpg) in town.

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  LOVE MY ENVOY - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By villegas - December 21 - 2:00 am

  I GOT MY ENVOY IN SEPTEMBER 2003. I LOVE DRIVING IT I FEEL VERY SAFE ON THE FREEWAY. I TRAVEL ALOT AND HAVE NO COMPLAINTS. WEVE ALSO WENT UP TO SEQUOIA PARK AND IT WAS GREAT WITH ALL THE TURNS. THE RIDE WAS VERY SMOOTH.

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  Perfect through 10,000 miles - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Bob A. Booey - December 18 - 7:56 pm

  At the 10,000 mile mark, the truck has been perfect. Excellent power, handing, and turning radius make this a great vehicle for hauling the family and friends to basketball, baseball, gymnastics, or wherever we are going. Simply put, this truck has lived up to, and exceeded, all my expectations.

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  Great truck, bad mileage :) - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By dn - December 18 - 7:17 pm

  I bought one of the first 2007 Yukons when they became available in 2006, and over the last 18 months Ive put 28,000 miles on it. Its a marvelous vehicle to drive. Its fun, powerful and easy to steer, and the tight turning radius is extremely helpful in crowded parking lots. The XM radio is better than I thought it would be, and the power-assisted lift gate is actually very useful, addictive almost. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone that can afford to fuel it. In stop and go city driving, youre looking at 10 or 11 mpg (on a good day). For extended highway driving, it is entirely possible to get 18-22 mpg, but the average will be 17-18 mpg

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  Very Satisfied - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By fiftyfour - December 15 - 8:10 pm

  I have always loved full sized American trucks, but leery to buy because of reliablity issues. I finally bought last Feb. and have not regretted it! My Sierra SLE 4 X 4 ext. cab is everything I dreamed it would be. A blast to drive, no problems. Well built and designed. The lift and 35" tires didnt help ride quality, but sure look good. The truck continues to turn heads. It isnt a speed demon, but the engine is strong and the transmission smooth. I chose the basic, no frills interior. I love it. Seems very durable. Even the cheap stereo sounds great. Had one rattle, which the dealer fixed, also "rollover sensor" light came on. Also fixed. This is my dream truck and wouldnt trade it for the world

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  Dons 2500 HD - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Don - December 15 - 7:00 pm

  I had an 04 2500 HD and liked it enough that I traded it for an 06 equipped the same. The employee discount was the reason for the switch. It does have a stiff ride, but then, it is a HD instead of a softer pulling 1500. I can pull my 3,000 lb steel horse trailer with 2 horses with an average weight of 1,000 lbs each, and I do not know it is behind the truck. No matter what type of terrain or road condition, as long as it isnt ice covered. We havnt had snow or ice so I havnt had a chance to put it to the real test as yet, other than pulling the horse trailer.

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  Love my GMC Envoy..but not the gas.. - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By bellasarah - December 15 - 12:44 am

  I love my Envoy, but want to just say that I filled it up to full just two days ago and only put 120 miles on it and am already on a half tank. I just bought this SUV and I knew that the gas wasnt that great, but at this rate I am going to be filling up probably every week just to get to work and back. If GMC came out with a hyrbid Envoy that would be awesome.

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  The Pick Of The Bunch - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Matty In California - December 14 - 9:26 pm

  The Envoy is great ride and good companion for the midern mom with kids. Even though it has it ups and downs.

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  Satisfied Customer - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By Dacius - December 14 - 9:23 pm

  I love this vehicle. It fits my whole family, plus relatives in town, plus all of their luggage. The fuel mileage is better than I expected on a 4wd and the Onstar phone system is very convenient. Most people that see me think I am a football player because of this car. I simply agree and then walk away. If you are in the market then buy this car.