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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  Big Powerful and Roomy - 2008 GMC Yukon XL
  By J.Herrera - July 23 - 11:30 pm

  Absolutely like my truck, problems is that has been at the dealer for electrical problems, 3 times with Onstar wiring problems and 2 times with battery discharging issues, had to call roadside assistance numerous times for jump starts before dealer replaced battery couldnt find anything wrong before that, so far Onstar is working but had to call roadside assistance twice again for jump start, seems like battery is too small for so much electronics but dealer says they are rated by Amps not size, I will replace battery later on

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  Love It! - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Ben - July 23 - 11:50 am

  A great SUV! I bought it 2 years ago, and never had a major problem with it. I drive it a lot. It now has 87,000 miles on it and it still runs great. The only things that have gone wrong are the back window had to be replaced (seal was broken) and I just had to replace the battery. The drivers door sqeaks a little and I wish the fuel tank was bigger. All in all, its been a great running, comfortable vehicle for me and my family.

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  Great SUV! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By dwhiteley - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Great ride and options!

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  2005 Canyon crew - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By David - July 18 - 10:52 pm

  Seat comfort is substandard. Love the overall design. Gas mileage is to be expected from a 4 wheel drive. Stereo sounds good, but I really hate the auto volume.

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  Finally, an improved interior - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Family Great - July 16 - 9:33 am

  I have always owned a GMC Jimmy/Yukon, and through the years any issues I have had with one-to-the-next has been improved on, such as the interior. When Yukonss first debuted, the interior seemed to be "not completed" with rough edges, exposed door mounts, and open galleys where it looked like it was meant for something. Now to the warranty, after about 40,000 miles it seems to go to pot. from the computer sensor chips to powertrain problems, this last Yukon has been in service 3 times for the same recall. This is why every three years I trade it in.

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  Much better - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Paul - July 15 - 1:04 pm

  As far as build quality and reliability so far, there is no comparison to my previous 2003 XL, its much better. Some road bumps can be a bit choppy, but that was to be expected on the standard wheel base versus the XL. Handling is gererally very good. The ride is very smooth and exhibits very little body roll when cornering. Ground clearance is quite low for an SUV, so this vehicle is better suited for roughing it out in horrible weather than going off road. With the 5.3L V8 and the short wheel base, performance is better than most vehicles in its class. Also, its just so quiet inside, great sound deadening. Interior and exterior looks are really good. This Envoy is so close to being luxury, nearly!

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  Great Diesel Truck - 2015 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Tom - July 15 - 12:24 pm

  Bought this SLT model after trading in a 13 2500 HD Denali. Needed to pull a 16000 lb Fiver camper. This Pickup has extreme power and smooth shifting. Thought about getting a single rear tire toner till I realized the only difference was an extra leaf spring is all. I had automatic step sides that come down when you open the door and that made access in and out easy even the wife enjoys it. I have 13000 on it now. I guess I dont see any issue with the headlights seem the same although I did notice at the parts counter upgraded bulbs on the counter so maybe that fixed the issue. I especially like the bright lights in the side mirrors for backing up at night. No problems with the leather or accessories, I did get extended warranty just in case. mileage varies about 8 mph pulling the camper and 17 mpg on the highway not pulling town about 15. Seems like a great pickup more to come.

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  Better Than Expected - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Paul D - July 15 - 12:13 pm

  It was a toss up between the MDX and the Envoy. When GM announced the employee discount, that pushed us over the edge. In the end, we are thrilled with the SUV. We took it on a 2000 mile vacation and loved it. Comfortable, very quiet, powerful, roomy. I truly look forward to driving it.

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  Higly Reccommend - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By yar1260 - July 9 - 3:28 pm

  Great overall SUV. Uncompared appearance, a great ride, and a joy to drive. The only thing is the quick response steering is difficult to get used to.

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  Great for my bad back! - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By Sean - July 7 - 11:03 pm

  Since back surgery a few years ago, Ive been lucky to be able to sit in a car for more than 3-4 hours. With the Denali, that is a thing of the past! Ive had a couple of 10+ hour days behind the wheel and felt great once arriving to my destination. This alone justifies the cost to me, as I can now visit clients further away more often. And this thing is FUN to drive! You dont really notice all the size except when parking, and the car has a very responsive and solid feeling while on the open road. My favorite car yet. Sad to say, the classic exterior styling of the Denali is gone in favor of a more "Ford" look in the 2007 line.