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:

• 

  GMC Kicks Butt - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By BobbyL - August 25 - 5:40 pm

  This is a great truck for work or pleasure. it hauls heavy loads and trailers with ease, yet when unloaded it gets around like a sports car. very quick and little slip when taking off. Brakes way better than any Ford Ive ever driven. Truck has all desired features including power windows/door locks. Stereo has no rattles at full volume. I get a lot of positive comments... Nice truck

• 

  YukonXL - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By Melrod - August 17 - 8:13 pm

  The 2001 Yukon XL is extremely comfortable and powerful. The interior is perfect fit and feel for the driver and plenty of room for the kids and cargo. I have the 2500 series and the ride is still smooth, but a bit stiff. With the 6.0, 315 HP engine, there is plenty of power, but you pay for it in gas, about 15 MPG. I would highly recommend the purchase. Adding a TV and DVD Player keeps the kids really quiet and makes trips effortless.

• 

  100% Satisfied Customer - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Terrace White - August 15 - 5:59 pm

  I researched all mid-size trucks for two years before finally deciding to buy the 2016 GMC Canyon SLT. Overall exterior and interior styling, comfort, performance, technology and cost were my main deciding factors. This truck definitely meets my daily needs and I am completely satisfied!

• 

  Best I have owned - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By driver - August 14 - 4:06 pm

  Overall, very satisfied. I travel a lot on business and put 25-30 thousand miles a year on my car. Biggest problems: replaced compressor at 60K miles and at 90K a brake caliper fell off and damaged the rim. No complaints otherwise. It is the most comfortable and smoothest ride I have owned, surpassing my 93 Buick Lesabre. With 4WD it will go anywher I need it to go in any weather. And the versatility of an SUV body is great. Good sound system and A/C. Good driver visibility.

• 

  Satisfied - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By foxz - August 12 - 8:06 pm

  Drives well for the first 2000 miles, gas mileage 22 on the road,14 on lots of up and down roads in the NC mountains which is not bad. Comfort of seats very good with lumbar, lots of storage, removed 3rd seats and rear storage compartment (for the trip) which provides additional room for everything your bringing along due to added height (about 8")in the rear area. The optional method of shifting manually while in low range seems to work well in the mountains on steep grades. Fuel gauge seems to operate in correctly when parked on hills, giving false reading lower than it actually is. Once it is driven for a while it returns to correct operation.

• 

  I love my Envoy! - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By NVmy ENVOY - August 11 - 9:42 pm

  Ive owned my Envoy for about 2 years now and I couldnt have picked a better car! I drive from Ohio to Georgia a lot and that long drive is tolerable because I am comfortable! I only fill up once to start, then once on the road and still have some gas left over when I get home. Great purchase!

• 

  Solid truck - 1996 GMC Yukon
  By JimC - August 10 - 11:38 pm

  I bought this truck with 75,000 miles and it now has nearly 175,000. I love this truck. Comfortable, big as an aircraft hangar inside. I have towed many antique cars up and down mountains and the old GM 350ci engine cant be beat. Very little pickup - sometimes need to stand on the accelerator. But I have beat the crap out of that engine and it doesnt even burn oil. Surprisingly, the tranny is still OK after all those miles and all that towing. Did have significant A/C rebuild at 120k, but thats all the major stuff. Great truck!

• 

  It was my baby! - 1994 GMC Suburban
  By Regina Gant - August 9 - 3:19 pm

  I loved driving my truck. I drove it everywhere. I drove it from Texas to Kentucky which is 1,016 miles. I drove it from Kentucky to South Carolina which is 600 miles round trip. I loved the style of it. I loved every thing about it. Something went wrong with the front passenger side tie rods, bearings, rotaries or something cause it caused me to swirve, hit a ditch and roll. For some reason it would not come back to the left. I just came out of a right hand turn and the front passenger wheel just woudnt come back to the left for me to straighten back out in my lane.

• 

  I Just Love It - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Gayle Davis - August 8 - 9:30 pm

  Even the gas mileage has been better then the sticker claims. No problems at all now at 25,000 miles. No disappointments at all.

• 

  excellent - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By manuel - August 8 - 10:00 am

  i found this vehicle to be far superior to its compeditor the excursion in all aspects including style, comfort, and handling.