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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  No complaints - Great truck - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Brad - June 15 - 11:03 pm

  I looked forward to this truck arriving and havent been disappointed. I like everything about my truck. Size, handling, performance. I am in the process of customizing the truck and theres not a lot I have to do. From four wheeling in the snow to pulling a large trailer to zipping down the highway, this trucks got getup and control. The only complaint I have is that the bottm half of the fuel tank disappears in a hurry, but for a 5.3 its not all that bad. So far Ive only experienced minor adjustments.

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  Loyal GMC Guy is back - 2011 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By LoyalGMCGuy - June 14 - 3:03 am

  I owned an early 2001 HD 2500 with an 8.1/Allison. While solid, fuel consumption, oil use, and piston slap made ownership less than desirable. After several years of Toyota and Nissan ownership, I ordered a 2011 GMC Duramax SLT Crew. The 2001 and 2011 are similar in ride and appearance, but power from the 2011 is considerably greater. The Duramax is quiet and interior noise is low. It has impressive electronics, and fit and finish appear excellent. Interior is nice but lacks appointments. Other than the large center console, there is limited storage for small items such as sunglasses. The exterior lacks tie downs and storage. This is my sixth GMC and first one in ten years. Im back!

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  Pros and Cons - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By adidas4089 - June 13 - 5:09 pm

  This is an excellent SUV, however with all SUVs there is the drawback of horrible gas mileage. Although the Envoy isnt the worst in its class in terms of gas mileage, it doesnt impress in town. Highway gas mileage on the other hand, is quite bearable. My tank holds about 20 to 22 gallons, and I usually get about 350 miles to the tank on the highway.

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  Pretty decent truck - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Mykee - June 13 - 10:00 am

  All around performance is a little above average. Nice two wheel drive.

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  What A Pleasure - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By James Casey - June 11 - 6:06 pm

  This has been one of the best vehicles I have ever owned, and to my surprise I cant get over how much my wife enjoys driving this big cross-over vehicle. It seems when ever we are either stopped or parked there is always someone looking at and admiring our Acadia. We look forward to our 1st long trip with our new Acadia in Jan. when we travel to Florida for 3mo. Thank you Gen. Motors.

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  Outstanding and Refined - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By desertprince - June 9 - 4:13 am

  This vehicle is heads and shoulders better than the Yukon it replaced. Much more sophisticated, beautifully engineered, and a pleasure to drive. I specifically ordered bench seats to increase cargo capacity. Its huge. Ive been driving GM vehicles for more than 40 years, and this is by far the best. Vehicle has a solid and steady feel to it. Interior is well laid out although small buttons take getting used to.

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  Super SUV - 1995 GMC Suburban
  By TS76 - June 7 - 2:51 am

  I only recently purchased this K1500 Suburban SLT from the original owner, so my experience is "short term". It has over 285K miles on it (yes 285,000) and still runs and drives perfectly. Most of the miles were freeway miles- which helps. I was told that the engine is original, but the tranny was replaced 100K miles ago. I have only had to install a coolant sensor- which was only $70.00 to repair at the shop. I have not driven it enough to see exactly what the mileage is, but I am sure it is not that great. I will probably never need all of the space, or need the 4WD, but nice to know it is there if I ever need it. I also really like the styling of these trucks.

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  Yukon on the go - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By yukonjack9408 - June 6 - 5:10 pm

  This is my third Yukon, and in some ways, it is the best one. The fuel mileage is good for the size of the vehicle. Its great as far as comfort ane room. I still want the little things, such as the tape player, the little storage compartments that have been available in the past, and the double sunvisor that was in my 03 model. Overall, its a great car. Keep up the good work, but lower the price, and you would truly have a winner! Yours truly, a happy owner

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  Sharp looking SUV - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Kevin R. - June 3 - 10:01 pm

  At first I thought the vehicle was a nightmare due to 3 problems in the first week, 4wd selector switch, squeaking sound from the front hood latch, and the brakes were after market at 30,000 miles- Do yourself a favor and demand factory brake pads or you will sound like a bus when you stop. Other than the first week I have enjoyed my Envoy SLT 4WD. It is by far the nicest looking SUV on the road, and has the power of an 8 cyl. Looks like an Escalade on a diet.

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  Theres nothing like the size of an American SUV - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Chris - May 31 - 4:11 pm

  Overall I am very pleased with this vehicle. The comfort, ride, and features are all way above average. I am 64" and this is one of the few SUVs that gives me the room I need. The stock stereo is excellent. I use the nav all the time. Its not a touch screen, but it works almost flawlessly in my experience. XM radio is well worth the money if you drive far away from big cities. it has a huge engine, tows great, will give you great acceleration for the size, and youll have no trouble merging into traffic. Now for the negative. Poor gas mileage . At 11000 miles, I had a transmission issue. It shifted jack rabbit style into 2nd gear, the engine light came on, and I am still waiting for the warranty repairs from the dealer.