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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  GM nails it on the head! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Mike Walsh - July 23 - 7:33 pm

  This new SUV, CUV, or whatever you want to call it, is simply outstanding. I can only add my voice to the hundreds of positive reviews. Everyone wants to check out my vehicle and thanks to the versatility of this vehicle I can take 7 of them with me in comfort. Finally, real 3rd row seating for adults, or cavernous cargo capacity if required. Awesome utility aside -- the vehicle is gorgeous and has GMC "professional grade" all over it. Cannot recommend this enough. A true joy for both driver and passenger; the ultimate family vehicle.

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  Yukon ZL - 1500 - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By tyoung - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Built well from the factory. All doors etc fit well. Have had no serious problems with the vehicle.

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  Great Crossover - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Daryl - July 21 - 10:40 am

  Congratulations GMC, this car blows away the competition. The styling is excellent and unlike others complaints I see about inital gas mileage, I am averaging 20mpg in heavy Chicago area traffic where my average speed is about 17mph with many starts and stops. I am sure I could make it average a lot less like some of the complaints here, if I really tried by accelerating hard. This is a great alternative to gas guzzling large SUVs or mini-vans. The ride and quiet interior are better than the Acura we own or the Volvo we used to own. Best in class legroom for all three rows of seating without sacrificing cargo space.

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  Joy to own, my first GMC truck - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By JosefM - July 19 - 2:13 am

  Ive owned this truck for only a month, but it is a welcome surprise. Power and ride is far better than expected. Gas mileage is better than most, in this vehicle class. Towing and hauling is impressive. Ive carried a couple loads of wood through rough terrain (4Low works well) with ease! Would recommend to anyone wanting a powerful and functional truck to buy one today.

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  Love the truck. Hate the ABS - 1997 GMC Yukon
  By Kat - July 17 - 7:35 pm

  I love this truck. It takes all 5 of us,our gear and motorcycle trailer anywhere. Ski trips are comfortable and safe with 4WD and all-terrain tires. I can parallel park with ease. Cargo doors the best. Excellent towing capacity. We had to replace transmission at 49,500. Steering box replaced at 35,000. Wiper motor replaced at 100,000. All under warranty. Professional grade!

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  Nice Ride - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Joe - July 17 - 3:21 pm

  I was hesitant to by an American made car since I always have driven a Toyota but so far I have been very impressed. The Envoy is very comfortable, has great pick up and go while sustaining very little road noise. So far, I am really impressed.

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  First Impressions - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By wwhc43a - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I looked far and wide for the best deal on an SUV regardless of brand or ultimate price - hey, I like to save LOTS of cash on a vehicle I like. Without influence by sterotype reviews that always seem to bash American- designed products I went SUV shopping. The ENVOY won my game. I got a great price ($25,222 out the door including all taxes, etc.) for a vehicle that was priced after taxes at around $35,000. AND IT IS A WONDERFUL VEHICLE TO DRIVE-- AND LOOKS GREAT. I have had some time to inspect the interior and exterior build - especially the engine, frame, etc. I AM IMPRESSED.

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  GMCs Number 1 - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Bubba692007 - July 14 - 10:00 pm

  I purchased my Envoy two years ago and am totally in love with it. I keep up with the maintenance myself at home. I have yet to have a problem with it. It has been a totally reliable vehicle for me and my family. In two years I have not had to fix anything on it other than a door that was damaged in an accident. It rides like a dream and is very comfortable for me, my wife and daughter. The amount of room in it is for the most part more than we need. I can see still having enough room if we were to have another child as well. I am a die hard GM fan, its in my blood and the Envoy has reassured me that i will always ride with GM products. It is well worth the money.

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  Awesome - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By bureppert - July 13 - 10:30 pm

  I absolutely love my truck. Previously I had a Ford F150, but it was crap. I traded it in for my Sierra and I am so happy I did. I only had the Ford about three years and the trasmission was going out.

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  Love the KON - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Howie - July 10 - 1:09 pm

  Bought in 02 with 28K miles - currently have 93k miles. This Yukon has been a great truck. Tow 5K lb trailer to beach and to mountains with no problems. I did however put a 10K lb tranny cooler on myself, well worth the effort for the peace of mind when towing. 2 boys (getting ready to be 3) love it as well. Put up a pet gate for the dogs when we head to the hills. It has truly been a utility vehicle. Have had to replace battery once, carmax had a battery in it that was >100 crank amps too small. Brake pads, water pump gasket at 70K and drive belt at 80K. Threw on a RAVIN perf exhaust and pipes, 2 sons love the sound of the 5.7L when we get rolling. In short love it - great utility.