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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  YUKON - OUTSTANDING VALUE - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By STEVKETT - May 15 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent overall choice in its class as is comfortable, reliable an actually gets decent mileage in town for a big 4WD SUV (15). Its not a Lexus but I saved enough money to buy my wife a new Camry as well, and heck theyre trucks!

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  chris - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By isbarts - May 10 - 2:00 am

  even though i bought this truck without really wanting to. it met my price range and has served its purpose. which is to get me from point A to point B. it is a very reliable truck, also the gas milage is great.

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  Keeps breaking - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By marksmanlapd - May 9 - 2:00 am

  The 4x4 in my truck keeps breaking and GM is unable to fix it. I would buy a Yukon again just not with 4x4 in it. At this time I am seeking the lemon law for assistance.

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  2004 Envoy Passes Test - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By RMc - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Nice Ride. Feels Solid. Lots of room. Gas mileage is a little disapponting.

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  Tuff truck - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By tatertot - May 3 - 11:53 am

  This truck is great, the wide stance make you feel safe. The handling is great, there is hardly any roal in the suspension when cornering. Believe it or not I jumped my new truck 1 week after I got it. But not purposly. When I did so the landing hurt but the truck was fine. The balance was tweeked but I checked it out and nothing was broke or bent. It drives the same as before.

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  WHAT WERE THEY THINKING? - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Katrina - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Okay, Ill admitt it. . . I didnt check the reviews first. My Mother and I both wanted to buy a Yukon but I backed down for fear of the Yukons gas millage. My Mother did purchase the Yukon. Now, I feel cheated because the Envoy burns more gas than the Yukon. Sure, the Yukon has a larger tank but the Envoy burns more gas!!!! I drive both vehicles regularly so I know this is true. I paid the same amount for my Envoy as my Mother paid for her Yukon so I REALLY feel cheated. Overall the Envoy is a great SUV to own, If you also own a gas station!! On the average I use $10 of gas per day and Im a "stay at home MOM".

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  Work horse - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By ktlh2 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  It has been a great family travel vehicle. I would have preferred better gas mileage but you cant beat it, when loading up 2 adults, 2 kids and 2 dogs and driving 500 plus miles, for comfort. Brakes have been the biggest negative. We do lots of urban driving and the brakes have been serviced about every 25,000 miles (4 times in 5 years). Not many problems until about 77,000 (warranty ran out at 75,000). We now have 102,000 and still going.

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  need minor details - 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
  By pierre - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I owned fords for 12 years this is my first GMC. simply love the truck. however the door handle needs to be moved. Minor details. My left knee lays right up against it.And for someone w/bad knees it can get uncomfortable. it is the smoothest riding truck i have owned. But the door handle gets a low grade.

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  My Envoy Rocks My World! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By CallMeDrew - April 20 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 04 Envoy to replace a 1998 Chevy Blazer with 154,000 miles. What a trade-up! I cant believe the difference in comfort, ride, options, and especially handling. The Envoy corners smoothly and, due to its tight turning radius, I no longer have to look for "double-wide" parking spaces. Both the front and back passenger seats get bonus points for roominess. I have been nothing short of delighted with this vehicle!

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  Good - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By charlesB - April 16 - 2:00 am

  Rides Good and Handles Great