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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  Could be better - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By moondawg - September 9 - 1:29 am

  The drive is fair. I love the power of the 4.2 AWD. Brakes are mushy, drinks a lot of gas. The ride is so so. I had a Buick Rendezvous with a much better ride

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  New Owner - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By JIMMY - September 7 - 1:04 pm

  Fun to drive in the short period Ive had it. Easy to park, good vision. I wish the seat would fold flat.

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  Good comfortable transportation - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By roadrunner1722 - September 5 - 7:46 pm

  Very pleased after about 1 month. Much more comfortable than the 2000 Sonoma x cab that it replaced. Back seats comfortable, 2.8 engine has more pep than the 2.2 and gets about the same gas mileage. I would like a bed a little larger though.

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  Nice truck but gettin up there in age - 1993 GMC Jimmy
  By Wes - September 2 - 3:59 pm

  This little truck is so much fun I only wish it didnt cost so much to maintain it, as it gets older the 165k miles start to take their toll. But its still a great truck, that vortec v6 really packs a punch. The ride quality is bouncy, unrully, heavy, loosey-goosey, and a blast! Sadly the electrical problems, oil leaks, various other leaks, suspension problems, and generaly just wearing out are forcing me to replace it. If i had the money or was a master mechanic, I would keep it just for fun.

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  Lots of room and a good tow vehicle - 2000 GMC Safari
  By Darren - September 2 - 3:21 am

  We bought the van new and had it for 5 years. It always had enough power and plenty of room for our family of 5. We camp a lot and tow a boat. It did have an annoying habit of little things breaking. Power window motors, power seat motors, etc. Also, being so big, expect to spend alot more than the average amount on brakes and shocks. Overall, expensive in gas and maintenance but always big and powerfun enough.

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  Yukon 4wd - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Robb - August 31 - 7:06 pm

  Solid running vehicle, tows great. Good sound proofing for silent interior. Lots of room but easy to drive. Routine maintenance!

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  Old but good - 1994 GMC Safari
  By bob - August 31 - 2:27 am

  I bought this van in 1995. At first I did not like it due to the fact the brakes were very hard, like truck brakes, and the rear end made a whinning noise at most speeds. Over the course of 11 years the only problems I had were, the computer and the light switch needed fixed. The alternator lasted 110,000 miles,water pump lasted 100,00 miles. I am now on my third set of brakes. Overall the van has been more reliable than some of the new cars I have bought. I wish all the autos were as good as this one.I am now pushing 155,000 miles. I drive it 140 miles a day. I love this van except the gas mileage. Does not drive well in winter.

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  05 Denali - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By YukonYoshii - August 28 - 11:43 pm

  Bought the Denali at the end of July. Black, Tan leather 2nd Row Captains 20" EOM Wheels....Loaded! I love this ride, even though my wife is the main driver. I put 20% all around including sunroof and it definately stands out. I have already had a recall with the blower motor on the A/C not keeping the recycling on the "in cab" air going, small issue. Already been on 3 road trips.. Miami, Orlando and Jacksonville. Rides like a dream. The power is there if you need to get on it, but watch the gas. I have ordered the Billet Chrome "GMC" for the grille to get rid of the EOM red. Taking off the red in the rear as well. Looking at purchasing the programmer for HP/MPG All in all... Awesome!

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  Pretty impressive for a 1st effort - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By ncvwrx - August 27 - 10:56 pm

  We rented this for 4 days, and I must say, GM has come a long way from my Dads 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. This one had pretty much everything except navigation. Drove very nice, Good acceleration, but the transmission seems to want to shift up too quick. Radio lacks treble. Build quality could be better, some really badly aligned panels on side of seat (rubs console when moving seat). Remote start wouldnt work consistently. Fuel economy seems low, used about 3/4 tank in about 200 miles (a/c on always). Handles good for a large car. Too much chrome inside, looks a bit cheap. Ugly Tail-light design (like the LED though). 2nd row seat folding design seems fragile, may not last.

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  Great Mid Sized SUV - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By Ray - August 25 - 8:42 pm

  I bought mine recently from a private seller that maintained it well. Since Ive own it, Ive put it through the paces, four wheeling, highway cruising, local traffic, this truck does it all. The comfort is great for this size truck after all its not a Mercedes. Its more than I expected , since my other vehicle is a 2004 Chevy Tahoe.