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 TRUCK - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By MISTADAN - March 22 - 2:00 am

  GREAT TRUCK TO DRIVE(I DRIVE IN THE CITY EVERY DAY,ALL DAY AND THE TRUCK RUNS FINE AND IS VERY QUIET TO DRIVE.IM GETTING 13 MILES TO THE GALLON.

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  Buy Envoy - you wont be disappointed. - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Steve 90008 - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Traded a 99 Tahoe for the 2004 Envoy. Big improvement in handling. I dont know what the so called experts at Edmunds are complaining about regarding the soft handling. For an SUV handles like a dream. I guess they have to find some reason to justify their recomendations. Only owned it a month but so far I am very impressed. Great dealer - with a purchase gives out gas discount card, unlimited free car washes, free first ding repair, free rental car, discount on movie tickets and other discounts.

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  safari - 2004 GMC Safari
  By GWD - March 19 - 2:00 am

  low upkeep costs. parts are cheep, alot of cargo room, good head and body room. Can fit two adults and car seat in same row and still have moving around room, no other mid-sized van has that. 8 passenger spaces with luggage for 8 people inside the van. Can fit 8 2x4 on floor and 10 on top of dash with all doors closed. 4x8 plywood fits inside with doors closed.

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  Love the car but hate the mileage - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By out_of_gas - March 18 - 10:16 pm

  Leased the vehicle thinking I would get close to the the MPG listed as I mostly drive at highway speeds and few if any stops. Best MPG I have gotten so far is 16.4 but avg only 14.7 weekly. I was told this engine would break in and I would get better MPG but after 1200 miles I doubt this will come up that much to match the sticker claims. I love this car as it meets every other need I have but to suffer at the pumps is getting the best of me. I also have a problem with the transmission not always being in the proper gear on grades. This could be a major factor in the low MPG. I recommend GM look into this further. I grow more angry at every fill-up

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  gmc suburban - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By Kirt - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Minimul problems. Starter went out at 75K miles due to engine heat.

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  GMC Safari 2WD - 2000 GMC Safari
  By gstefan - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Virtually no mechanical problems. Good ride for a full size van. Rear wheel drive is nice for towing large trailers. Children love the mid row captain seats.

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  3/4 Ton Yukon XL - Rock Solid vehicle - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Dave C - March 5 - 7:56 pm

  Ive owned this vehicle for about 5 yrs, putting all 96000 miles on it. Only repair items have been to reprogram the transmission (in warranty) and to replace a burned out seat motor. I tow a 7000 lb trailer with it about 10 times a year. When Katrina hit, my wife and I evacuated in only this vehicle with two grown boys, 3 cats, a dog, cat litter boxes, dog pillow, suitcases, computers, game boxes - everything they held dear and drove for 8 hrs on a single tank of gas. Yes, it gets 13mpg, but if you are shopping for a reliable SUV - you wont find any better. I havent even had to change the brakes!

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  Good, but could be better. - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By harrydownsouth - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I am a commuter who drives 35 miles each way for work. I like the size of the car and that it has room to carry most items but is small enough to look sporty and it gets acceptable gas mileage. The interior is fine except for one area, its arm rests are hard plastic and are very uncomfortable during long drives. The model has had several recalls, none of which were serious for me. I am able to use regular gas without problem. I am concerned about the long term expectency of the aluminum alloy engine. GMC did OK but the hard plastic arm rests and the recalls make me think they were not as professional as they claimed and could be better.

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  Adjustable back seats - 2011 GMC Yukon XL
  By jennymmh25 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I have only had for a day. But I compared with Toyota sequoia and the deal breaker was onstar. Unlocking is just a phone call away. Other than luxury and comfort sequoia has youkon xl denali beat. To get what you get in the sequoia you would have to buy a Cadillac for about 20,000.00 more and theyre still lacking. So GM if Toyota comes out with satellite unlock doors, see ya unless you do big improvement to inside comfort.

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  Denali - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Jim1bo1 - March 2 - 2:00 am

  This truck rides great. About the only negative is that it is big and the fuel economy is poor, but if you want power to tow with a ride second none, this is your vehicle. I have taken this on some long trips over 2,000 miles and still enjoy getting behind the wheel of this one.