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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  Terrific vehicle! - 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Dan Basney - March 9 - 11:30 am

  I have owned 46 vehicles in my life- this is my favorite. Comfortable seats, great visibility, very ergonometrically designed. Open road mileage is incredible for a truck this size. I have the 4 wheel drive crew cab SLT version. On a recent 2900 trip to Colorado the truck averaged 20.5 miles per gallon. The miles were mostly freeway but included driving in Denver traffic, traversing 11,500 foot passes, 116 degree heat in the Arizona desert and dirt roads on a ranch. I have the apple infotainment radio and navigation system in the truck, which I would highly recommend - its the best radio and nav system I have ever seen. A bit bulky to drive around in downtown parking garages, but no better vehicle for a long road trip.

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  Junk - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By vince_27 - March 9 - 11:04 am

  Never buy a 99 GMC Jimmy 2 Door 4.3L Sport. They are Junk! I had to put a new trans in it $1500. Plus upper and lower ball joins on both sides $426. They heater dont work. Also the rear end needs to be rebuild $700. The pinion bearings and gears are bad. Make lots of humming noise when your going down the road and let off the gas.

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  Awful gas mileage, beware - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Hillsmom - March 9 - 3:16 am

  I bought this car expecting much better gas mileage than my 2004 Ford Expedition with a 540 horse V-8 engine. Sad to say, my Ford had better gas mileage in town than this Acadia. I only get around 10 miles per gallon in town. I do quite a bit of stop / start traffic, but it shouldnt be this bad. When I drive, I try to excercize all the gas efficient ways to drive, ie. dont drive with a heavy foot, dont stop quickly say at a light, slow exceleration from a stop, no gunning it up a hill, etc. The transmission is a bit sluggish. It tends to be delayed when trying to go up a hill. I really like the car and its quite stylish, too!

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  Better Than The Rest - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By LJB - March 8 - 8:54 pm

  After test driving other vehicles in this class, including MDX, Highlander, Pilot, and Edge this vehicle had them beat for one reason or another. The kids 4 and 9 sealed the deal. The size, safety features, design, and toys (must have toys) were the best. I came out of a 2005 Escalade that couldnt touch this and the Acadia has more space in and behind the third row. Loving this truck!

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  I love my "Jimmy"! - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By frebeckil - March 5 - 12:13 pm

  I have 187,000+ miles on this Jimmy and now I am starting a few problem...ball joint, booster and I let the brakes go so now have to replace rotors. It has been one of the very best vehicles Ive owned and it looks so nice, too. I love the small SUV feel, not boaty big. I have to face the fact that I will have to soon part with it and dont know what will be as good for that many miles. Absolutely no major problems and the motor still carries a strong oil pressure.

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  Oldie but goodie - 1994 GMC Safari
  By Satisfied driver - March 5 - 9:56 am

  We have owned our Safari since 1995, bought as a lease car with 15,800 miles. Since then we have towed a 16- foot travel trailer all over Florida and into the north Georgia mountains numerous times with no problems. Comfort and durability are A-1. Gas mileage is crummy but as would be expected for a vehicle of this size (mileage when towing averages 11-12 MPG). The only real hang-up we have had is carbon build-up in the exhaust ports which finds its way into the ERG valve and gets lodged there, causing the engine either to surge or die out. We have just had the exhaust ports de- carbonized and this seems to have done the trick.

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  Denali - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Me07 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Its the best car ever.

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  Nice Ride! - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Lynne Ann - March 5 - 2:00 am

  The car is nice but is in for service mor than I would like it to be.

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  Do Everything SUV - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By bacchus_mn - March 4 - 9:07 pm

  If you need a rugged, go anywhere, tote your friends and family vehicle, then this is it. Very spacious, good performance for the size, and has a very sturdy feel to it. Although gas mileage is not good, I would hope anyone looking for a vehicle like this would consider gas mileage a priority. This vehicle has done great in MNs winter weather, and Ive gone offroad in some tough spots and had no problems.

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  Nice Truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Cris - March 4 - 10:51 am

  I bought this truck, my first "new" vehicle, for my 50th birthday and BA degree graduation present. Its been great. I did have a squeak in the radio but there was a kit that the dealer put on for me (rubber molding around the unit) that got rid of it. Great running, only in the shop for a recall once. I do get the oil changed as recommended, which helps on vehicle longevity. I did notice molding around rear tires now coming loose so thats a problem. Otherwise impressed and a nice ride (my carpooler said the heated leather seats help his back more than his chiropractor!)