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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  08 Sierra Denali - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jeff B. - March 21 - 5:50 pm

  This 1/2 ton is awsome. 403 HP All wheel drive makes this a blast to drive. very comfortable. pulls my 24ft enclosed trailer and 26ft camp trailer pretty decent. 15-17 mpg not too bad for 400 hp. stabillatrack and speed sensitive steering make this truck handle very well. I had a 400+hp 2005 Duramax crewcab that I loved and traded it for this. I realy love this truck!

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  Seats - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By eib - March 19 - 10:03 pm

  This is a great truck. Its just not as much truck as the 2000 Chevy it replaced. Ive had to wait to long to be able to get accessories like a cap, cruise control. To replace the radio is way over the top to deal with as all the electric in the dash go through the radio.

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  Very Good Vehicle - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By mongo1 - March 19 - 5:38 pm

  We bought a 08 FWD Acadia last year and really like it. Its been very reliable, build quality appears to be excellent (big suprise to me, I think GM has been making junk for years) and Driving dynamics are good such a large truck. No sqeaks, no problems whatsoever and we have 8K miles on it so far. Room is best of all the similar vehicles checked out other than mini van. Drove the CX9, the Ford Taurus X, Armada, Higlander, Pilot (real dissapointment), this was the winner. Only complaints, no backup camera (got aftermarket)and it really needs one. Cloth interior is wearing already and Mileage is not as advertised. Complaints about funky trany are overblown.

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  2003 GMC SLE - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By john kupetz - March 19 - 11:10 am

  When I was looking for a truck that I really liked and one my wife could drive, the GMC fit the bill! I test drove every truck out there along with detailed research on all of them. The GMC won hands down. Its easily accessible to the bed and inside the vehicle. I have had a few minor problems, but were covered under warranty. While I have a V8, the fuel economy was a little disappointing. This truck is a regular cab short bed with the towing package. All in all I am very pleased with it, and I plan to purchase an extended cab in 2008.

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  A Crossover with good mileage - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By HoustonPearland - March 19 - 7:13 am

  This vehicle is great. More than I could ask for.Great gas mileage compared to my previous V8 SUV. Outstanding 19 mpg. I needed a mommy car that didnt look mommy-ish and something Daddy would drive without compromising his manhood. The Acadia was attractive to both of us and fit in our budget nicely. Way to go GMC. I hope it is as reliable as its overseas friends.

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  Wanted one, got one. Love it! - 1992 GMC Typhoon
  By 92 BLKTY - March 19 - 12:51 am

  In 92 couldnt afford it, got an S-15 SLE Jimmy instead. In 97 missed the opportunity, to get a bank repo. In 09 I found one, with under 60K and running sweet. Everything Ive read about this vehicle is true. It launches itself forward and its a rocket when compared to the 92 Jimmy, same engine but w/o that Mitsu turbo. It not only looks good it feels good, those leather seats are so comfortable and Ive also always wanted a console floor shift, no disappointment here. I let my friend drive it back to work after we dropped off the Jimmy. He was aw-struck at the power and speed, and hes owned a few performance cars in his time, Corvettes, Camaros, El Caminos, etc. Get one!

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  already in for repair after a few weeks new 2015 - 2015 GMC Sierra 1500
  By johnnywest64 - March 18 - 1:09 pm

  as i read the reviews on this truck as Ive been buying gmc sierras religiously for 30 years, i pretty much ignored most of the reviews on the 14s...but since Ive had this 2015 i have put on 9000 kms and already i,m in for differential work..appparantley i,m not alone on the gm forums the main complaint on the differentials is a strange humming noise and we will wait and see where this goes..i,m sitting waiting for the news on this as i type,,,lets hope its a problem that can be solved as i really like this new truck..smooth, classy, looks great and total comfort...

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  Reoccurring problems - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By miker1267 - March 17 - 12:33 pm

  This truck is comfortable and has adequate power however, the quality of some components leave a lot to be desired. When having the front brakes replaced I was told that the rear (emergency) brakes need to be replaced as they were metal on metal. I had not used the emergency brakes more than 2 or 3 times since I purchased the truck. The rear brakes had apparently locked in a semi-on position and ate thru the pads. The dealer told me that the factory had redesigned the mechanism on newer models. Obviously this was a design problem. The fuel gauge has gone erratic twice with a repair cost of $900 each time. They recommend a new wiring harness at the same time, another design problem.

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  My Denali - 2000 GMC Yukon Denali
  By Noreen - March 16 - 11:40 pm

  I was apprehensive about the size of the truck when I purchased it. The feeling of being so high up was new to me. I looked at Cadillac Escalade the high price tag. Will the real truck maker please stand up.The Denali was the better buy unless your hung up on the wreath and crest. It is like traveling on your favorite couch. So the gas mileage isnt the greatest but its worth every mile of what it cost.

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  love my sonoma - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By foster - March 16 - 3:31 pm

  expensive truck to fix, only 85000 kms, changed o2 sensors, battery, brakes, front bearings, front bushings, 4x4 actuator valve, around $3000 so far in repairs, paint is chipping off bottom 2 inches of the 3rd door, still love my truck, 4x4 does not engage properly when its below 0 degrees C. Moisture buildup in the air line.