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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  High miler, still purring! - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By camelot4 - May 26 - 2:08 am

  I bought this truck 3 years ago with 120000 miles on it and it just purrs. Smooth, quiet, comfortable and even with all those miles it still doesnt burn or leak any oil. I haul a 260 gallon water tank in the back and it doesnt even phase the old girl. Just a great truck!

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  Great Size and Power - 2009 GMC Yukon XL
  By j_stew - May 25 - 12:46 pm

  We bought this vehicle purely for the size and passenger capacity. From that aspect, the vehicle is great - love all the room, the overall design, and general looks of the vehicle. Also love the power and "go anywhere" feel of the vehicle. We have, however, had this car in the shop more than any vehicle weve owned. Constant accessory / electrical issues (power seats, vented seats, heated seats, power door locks, driver air, power mirror). It still looks great and we still enjoy taking it on long trips when its working, but if there was another good option with this much space and power, wed take it.

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  Big Bruiser - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By ANK_Massachusetts - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I was concerned about reliability given some of the reviews I had read on the internet. Anyway, picked this up at 47K and now have 69K on it. Changed the oil and lubricated the chassis every 3.5K. No problems to report The YUKON is big and comfortable with smooth acceleration from that big V8. The dual AC can make it COLD fast and the heated seats were such a relief this past winter while the car warms up. Would not buy it new! Too much money! But a few years old w/ under 50K is a fair price. Too wide for my garage unless I fold the side mirrors

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  I like my Jimmy - 1995 GMC Jimmy
  By Betsy - May 21 - 2:00 am

  Its a 4dr, 2wd, SL SUV. Bought this SUV in 96 iwth 30K on it. Now have 225K on it. Rides rough on long trips (slight frontend shimmy) and otherwise I cant say anything bad about it. In all those miles, with very few exceptions, I get in start it up and drive. Handles well in traffic, handles well on forestry service roads. Never dreamed it would last this long and still going strong.

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  SMMMOOOOOOTTTTHHHHHH - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By kingpin - May 20 - 2:00 am

  What could you expect after stepping out of a Isuzu Trooper? This "truck" is like sitting in a Lazy Boy recliner and coasting at 90 on the Interstate. Sure the gas mileage hurts but Bush is taking care of that for me. Solid as a rock, I never have to worry about my childrens safety in this beauty.

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  3x Repairs @ 7k - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By dtbroome - May 20 - 2:00 am

  My 03 Yukon has been in the shop 3x in 4 months of ownership- Failed Emission sensor, Leaking ALB speed sensors and faulty Climate Control. When my Yukon is NOT in the shop its a pleasure to drive. Im very disappointed with the BUILD QUALITY, as it appears to be very poor. The hassle factor has been high as the dealer must order parts to repair the SUV. I will likely go back to a Lexus or Toyota if this pattern continues. Im looking into the lemon laws in California. Think twice about buying a GMC. You get what you pay for (ie. go with Toyota or Lexus)

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  Beauitful - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Beautiful - May 16 - 2:00 am

  My husband was the one who made the final discission to buy this car. I did not care what SUV I got only that it was a new one. After driving this car I can only say one thing "beautiful". I dont only mean how it looks...but how it rides. The ride is so smooth, its like riding on air. I dont know if its just that I have not been driving my Jeep Cherokee for so long I never knew that a SUV could be so smooth. I can only say that I feel beautiful when I am in it. What a CAR.

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  Best Ride So Far - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Hornedfrog - May 15 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many types of automobiles. 68 Corvette Convertible, 91 Lincoln Continental, 93 Toyota Camry V6, and I traded a 99 Jimmy SLT in for the Envoy. This is the best ride I have ever experienced. The Engine is strong across the band width and quite. The ride is as smooth if not smoother then the Continental and it has a turn radius so small (my wifeÂ’s Rav 4 does not turn as tight) it is scary. The only complaint I have is the fuel tank size and I wished I had waited for the XL for the extra people hauling. I have not had one problem and believe it or not, not a single GM rattle has popped up. So far this SUV has been flawless.

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  family fun - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By n. thompson - May 13 - 10:00 am

  great family vehicle, fun and easy to dirve.

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  GMC Denali - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By Teenybutt - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about my car except for some of the interior features, which I feel should have been a little more upscale for the price.