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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  04 GMC Canyon Crew Cab 4wd - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By dwnszer - January 28 - 4:13 pm

  Pretty much what I expected. Had only one problem. Front end was aligned wrong which caused premature wear of the front tires at 17500 miles. Dealer replaced tires and realligned quickly. I have the crew cab with four wheel drive. Works good in our snow filled winters. Rides very smoothly gas mileage not as good as I had hoped.

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  Good workhorse - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By capelt - January 26 - 8:24 pm

  I have been exceedingly satisfied with my Jimmy, having pushed it a bit further than most city dwellers might. It has hauled heavy loads cross-country more than once, and has performed almost as well as a full size truck (and coming from a ranching family, I know trucks). I have been a little disappointed at some of the electrical problems with the gauges. That said, I enjoy driving this truck very much, and it has responded well to every curve Ive thrown it, from rural snow drifts in Maryland, to rocky ranchland in central Texas. Its not a glamorous vehicle, but its a workhorse in true GMC fashion, and I plan to keep my truck for a long time to come.

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  Nice Little Truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Phil - January 26 - 5:53 am

  Overall, a good light-duty truck and I am happy with it. Fuel ecomony is about what the EPA said it would be (23MPG Hwy / 19MPG City). Fun to drive and the I-5 engine with the 3.42 rear end is peppy enough for everyday driving, but the cruise downshifts if you are climbing any significant grade at all - and rather abruptly! Cruise set on 65MPH will indicate 1750 RPM. No mechanical problems so far (6300 mi). I ordered it with leather seats & most of the available toys. No squeaks or rattles and the body is very tight. A good little truck for todays high gas prices!

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  Best SUV yet - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By galen - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had the Envoy for four months. No problems. Ride is excellent and much quieter than the 1999 Bravada traded in. I think the interior design is outstanding compared to the Explorer or the 4Runner.

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  Not too bad - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By Dustin - January 23 - 12:46 pm

  Since owning my Jimmy I have found it a really decent car. There have been a few things that have gone wrong with it, but not major things. When it is cold outside the drivers door buzzer wont go off until the car is heated up. Cost for fixing this problem is too much for me. My Service Engine soon light goes on all too often, and after being checked out, there is nothing wrong. My overhead outside thermometer stopped working, and is apparently expensive to fix, Overall, it is not such a bad car and I am satisfied with it.

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  GMC Canyon review - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By wvu_matt - January 13 - 3:12 pm

  Handling is tight and responsive. I was hesitant with the 15" wheels. I have towed cargo trailers with no problem or lack of power. The 5 cyl is great on gas without losing much power. Only problem was the valve springs. These were replaced around 10k miles. Evidently there was a service bulletin but no official recall. If you lose power at highway speeds--have them check valve springs (I think they fixed that on the newer models). Overall, I would buy it again. Great looking (I have black on black offroad package) and plenty of interior room with crew-cab.

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  Poor Mileage - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jim - January 13 - 8:13 am

  Getting 16MPG overall and 10MPG city. All the reviews I read prior to purchase had the truck in the overall 19-22 MPG. Dealer keeps telling me to give it time. This is my third GM truck and never previously experienced such terrible mileage. My 2004 gave me 23 MPG on the highway and 17 in town. Other than the mileage issue it is a tremendous truck. The fuel management system does not work--again dealer tells me to give it time.

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  Kimarys Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By TURNER - January 12 - 10:03 am

  Driving experience has been great. My wife and I love the vehicle, however the gas mileage has only been averaging 13.3 mpg. Had I known that I would have opted for the Suburban and put up with the cylinder shutoff stuff. However it has been a fantastic vehicle and I can only hope GM can keep building vehicles with the quality that this one has.

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  SLT 2500HD 4WD XCAB SB 8.1L ALLISON 5SPD - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By M HILL - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This is one awesome truck. We are appreciative of the creature comforts, all around visibilty, safety/security features and OnStar. I pull a 30 foot 5th wheel, (about 11000 pounds) and have been very impressed with the trucks ability and ease of maneuverability. I regret I didnt wait for a DuraMax, but Im getting along fine without it.

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  Best Yet! - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By zemog - January 8 - 10:04 pm

  I bought my 04 Yukon brand new in 10/04 and so far it has been the best SUV we have owned. The third row seat access could be better (2nd row seat should fold all the way down rather than stepping on the back of it). It drives great in the snow and ice, so far I have only used the 4WD once this Winter (Jan 06). This SUV is a beast, I only wish it wouldnt burn so much gas and what ever happened to .99 cents per gal, $60 for a full tank and only 310 miles OUCH! I dont drive it too much, time for engine improvement. Overall is great vehile and very dependable and roomy. Kids and mom love it.