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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  New User - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500
  By Scott - November 30 - 7:30 pm

  I enjoy driving this truck! So far it stranded me once (due to a clip of some sort coming loose and the computer not knowing enough to send fuel to the engine) and that was at about 7k miles. OnStar answered quickly and got me a tow truck pronto! The dealer easily found the problem and my cost for all this was $0. The Bose system is very enjoyable. Acceleration and power are there when you need them. My 13MPG is lower than I expected, unfortunately.

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  Best Choice for Family Travel - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By SCL - November 27 - 3:00 am

  We love our Yukon XL. This is our fourth one. Weve owned a 99, 01, 03 Yukon, and this one - the XL. Traded the shorty two months later for the longer wheel base. It has a smooth, quiet ride. Dependable. It feels safe on the freeways, and handles very well for large vehicle. I wish there was a way to get better "in town" gas mileage - avg 14 mpg. Highway gets 20 mpg. It pulled our RV with little effort - never knew it was there! We love the large cargo area. It hauls luggage, bikes, and anything else you need. I highly recommend SLT model - all the bells and whistles are fantastic.

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  Keeps going - 1990 GMC Vandura
  By Crazylegs - November 26 - 4:14 am

  I have over 390,000 kilometers on my Chevrolet Vandura and its still going strong, not burning any oil. It drives like it always has. The only down side is that I have gone through three transmisions during that time, but the old 350 motor is a workhorse. The van design and cheap good quality parts make it a great all round van that I would recommend to anyone.

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  Good but could be better! - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Jose Galvan - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Thus far its proven to be what was expected. I do like the pick up power and acceleration power, the turning radius needs to be inproved. Another plus would be to install a rear window that is fuctional. Heat controls for the rear needs installed. Overall the performance, handling, and appearance are what I expected. Ive named it the HULK, its big, its green and its powerful!

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  Best Vehicle I have ever owned - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Looram - November 18 - 9:43 am

  My 2004 Yukon XL is just about perfect. The only trouble was with the exhaust popping noise (which is a common problem with the 2004 models). The dealer fixed it by replacing the entire exhuast system. I am getting 13.5 mpg city and 19 highway which isnt too bad for its size and hauling capacity. Although it recently is costing me over $60.00 to fill up this bad boy, the ride is great and will plow through even the toughest of snow drifts up here in the midwest. The only regret is not getting the autoride suspension.

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  StyleandComfort - 2012 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By lawnman24 - November 15 - 6:47 pm

  I traded my 2003 Chevy 2500HD 6.0 for a 2012 GMC. The truck is mocha with ebony interior. This truck is comfortable and looks very good at the same time. It was cheaper than a Ford but less powerful. I use the truck for my lawn care business and normally pull around 6000 pound trailers so the gas mileage is about 9-10 mpg without a trailer the mpg is still only 13-14. If you are pulling heavy loads you will not like the 6.0 engine. For pulling my mowers, power is sufficient but it is not for heavy loads. The truck is very reliable and handles very well. I do look forward to seeing the new body style. I hope the new trucks have at least 400 HP and 400 pounds of torque.

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  2004 Sierra Denali - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mabco - November 13 - 2:00 am

  This truck is extremely inpressive. After 15 years of driving a BMW I wanted something totally different and fun to drive - the Denali is all I hoped it would be in a full-size truck. People notice it and it turns heads. The QuadraSteer is an absolute must and is everything you hoped it would be - simply amazing. With dealer incentives and some negotiation, the Denali can be had for around $34,600 - this makes it an incredible value. If youre in the market for a top-of-the-line full size truck, the Sierra Denali should be at the top of your list. A great truck.

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  2000 Yukon - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Bob McElvain - November 12 - 3:40 am

  Yukon has a very high center of gravity: ours fish-tailed and rolled over. No one was hurt but it was totaled. IF they dropped it 3" front and rear it would look more like a station wagon and handle better, with less wind reistance,but look like a latino low rider. Also a recall performed on its ON-Star resulted in a short and caused its battery to run down. This required more than dozen trips to various dealers in order to correctly diagnose & fix.

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  Drinks like a fish - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By SwampRat - November 11 - 4:45 pm

  I like my 2002 GMC Sonoma, but it has terrible gas mileage. It averages about 13 mpg for me. My 1984 full size 4WD truck got better mileage (and that was a V8 compared to this 6-cylinder). Aside from that, its been a good truck. Its comfortable, rides well, and Ive had little in the way of problems. The rear left sides windows weatherstripping cracked, but it was replaced under warranty. As long as you can afford the gas for it, Id highly recommend this truck. Ive also driven Dodge and Ford compact pickups, and Id definitely recommend the Sonoma over either of them. If youre going to get a truck like this, DEFINITELY get a 3 door. Its worth it!

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  5.3 V8 why go smaller? - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Schuyler Young - November 9 - 9:40 pm

  I have a 2002 GMC Regular Cab Flareside shortbed 4x4. I bought the truck used with 46,000 miles on it and now have 51,000 and only had one problem. My sound system rattled the screw loose on the overhead consule. I installed the sound system a month after i bought it and it and had to replace the tires which seem to be a common problem with these.I have a hard tonneau cover and it really helps out living in Alaska. If a truck survives here it can survive anywhere.