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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  Great Van - 1996 GMC Safari
  By GreatVan - July 1 - 11:21 am

  This van has been great I have 0ver 250000 miles and other than upkeep maintenance I’ve had no issues. Yes I’ve had to replace tires, breaks, hoses, belts, and so on but never any thing major. The electric windows work fine. I would highly recommend this van to anyone with kids it is a great traveling van.

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  first truck - 1992 GMC Sonoma
  By michael - June 29 - 3:26 pm

  Ok as posted this is my first truck. The owner of this truck told me if i could get it out of the mess of mud and branches i could keep it. So i got it out and towed it home. The vehicle is still under work because of the clutch but it has been running great otherwise.

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  Not worth the money - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By kdhuston - June 26 - 1:12 am

  This was a fabulous vehicle but as soon as the warranty came up its slowly falling apart. Within 2 weeks of the warranty my transmission went out then 2 weeks after that my rear end went out at 69,000 miles. The motor in the driver side window has gone out and the passenger is on its way. The side panel on the drivers side is pulling apart from the door and the vynal on the dash is starting to peel off. The air vents are cracking and beginning to break and the seats are starting to wear thin. My husband has had his Acura for 8 years and the interior still looks new. I take really good care of it. Its made with cheap products and corners were clearly cut. Wont buy American again.

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  very upset - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By conniea30@sbcglobal. - June 24 - 9:00 pm

  i had an acadia since 2/2009 it has been in the dealer shop for one month total on and off the battery keeps draining my truck such beutiful not to be countent to be used...

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  No problems yet. - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By koryharper - June 24 - 6:56 pm

  I bought this truck with 6000 miles on it. Its first drive was from Cleveland to Fayetteville, NC. Never really noticed anything expect it lacks in acceleration. It feels like 2nd gear when taking off. When downshifting it seems to rev a little too high. other that great truck, the only problem Ive had was at about 30k I got a ENGINE POWER REDUCED light but it went away when I came out of the bar. Brakes pulse a little too. But nothing major yet. I dont know why everyone else complains. "fingers crossed" If i ever switch brands itll be because this truck does lack in the power department. Once going its awesome but not great on the low end. However 4x4 is great in tough terrain.

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  I love this car!!! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Ford Girl - June 24 - 8:24 am

  I have always been a Ford Girl and have driven an Expedition for the last 10 years. When gas started going up, I needed something more fuel efficient. Test drove the Acadia, and fell instantly in love. Love the features, the interior is so roomy, and the exterior is beautiful. Wish that it was slightly more powerful, but overall, perfect. I would reccomend the Acadia to any and all who asks about it.

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  One of GMs Best - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By Mike H - June 24 - 1:29 am

  This trucks been in my family for 10 years now, and I just received it from my dad last year around this time. And, at 210,000 miles, it still runs like a dream. This trucks been through hell and back. My older sister destroyed two cars with it, every winter in Michigan, this trucks a toughie. Repairs have been minimal: replaced alternator at 125,000, replaced rear-end at 160,000, one battery, 3 sets of front brakes, distributor cap. The back brakes are the originals that came on the truck 12 years ago, and they still arent worn through. Essentially, from my experience, it doesnt wanna give up. And, atop all that, Im still beating the mileage ratings. That old 5.7 is a strong one.

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  Its worth the look - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By slt 1 - June 23 - 9:10 pm

  I have had my terrain for a week 4 cylinder has great power trans shifts great.1st tank 22.5 city and highway. 2nd tank averaged 26. Pleasantly surprised with the quality after being in a bmw for years gm has really stepped up their game!

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  DO NOT BUY--RUN TO FOREIGN - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By lemonowner08 - June 23 - 8:14 pm

  This has been the most disappointing brand new vehicle in all my 52 years of ownership. The sunroof has been "fixed" 3 times and still leaks. A natural gas odor comes through the ventilation system. The driveline is noisy and when you make a tight turn is sounds like the wheels are falling off. The engine is sluggish and hesitates. Poor fuel economy and all over poor engineering. The worst part is poor customer service from the selling dealership. They wont do a thing. Just dont buy the Acadia. It might look nice, but it has a long way to go before it can become a low maintenance vehicle. Prepare to have it in the shop often. Just dont buy it.

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  great suv - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By 99GMCsublovr - June 23 - 11:04 am

  we have had this car for 3 years now and it still runs great even for being 10 years old. It is comfortable and its one of those cars that holds its style for a long time. I love the steering on this suv, it has a great feel to it and it can steer sharp. We have the 5.7l engine which has penty of power for everyday driving comfort and for saturday fun!! I love the engine sound when you punch the gas, it still sounds great. The ride quality is great on the highway, although at 70mph it seems to shake some, but thats only because we need our tires rotated and allined.