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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  Monster machine 400+ hp w/suspercharger - 1996 GMC Suburban
  By deano b - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Excellent people and stuff hauler.

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  GMC power! - 2003 GMC Safari
  By Charlton Salandanan - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Nice to drive, Very roomy, good torque and Ideal for family use!

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  2005 hd review - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Roger - February 5 - 6:23 pm

  Great truck, has served well in snowy to over 100 temps. Have hauled trailers and 10000 pounds of hay with no problems, using t/h switch is very good as it lowers tranny temp. 53 k miles with 0 problems. avergage mileage is 13.2. Not bad for a 9600 GVW rating with 410 axle. Hauls 3000 pounds of block in bed with no problems.

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  GMC SAFARI - 1995 GMC Safari
  By CGOSSETT - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in January 1996. Have had no major problems. Front brakes have been replaced twice. Plastic door handle on passenger side broke inside the door...major hassle to get to and fix but not a major expense if you have a friend that is a mechanic and has the right tools. Power door lock doesnt always connect with the sliding passenger side door (2 clicks usually will do it when it "misfires"). Just had the fuel pump replaced at 123,000 miles. Van gave plenty of warning...started running rough at about 118,000 miles. Tuned up at 105,000 miles. With 3 kids in sports, this van is great.

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  So far, so good - 2000 GMC Sierra 2500
  By paris hilton - February 5 - 2:00 am

  This plain, Jane GMC has a 6.0 liter engine with a 4.10 rear end. Not good for fuel mileage, usually about 14, but has ranged from 9 with a trailer in the wind to 15 on a flat highway. Warranty work on a jerky transmission, radio failure, rattle in the steering shaft, center console latch, and noisy heater fan. Not much really. Basically satisfied & hoping for a long run.

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  2000 GMC 1500 - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jbdc1 - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Good solid dependable truck, over 60K miles with no major problems. Have had a few noises over the 3.5 yrs- belt noise or pulley chatter or steering noise but either it self- corrects or I get used to it. Emerg. brake was replaced at 35K. Stock tires lasted fine until 60K. Plenty of power with 5.3L engine. Up to 20 mpg hwy below 70 mph. 15 mpg or less in city traffic.

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  great suv - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By korey - February 4 - 2:00 am

  I have owned two jimmys and have no serious problems with either. my previous jimmy had 150,000 miles on it before being stolen. The jimmy i own now is great and has had no serious problems so far. Considering the amount of jimmys and blazers on the road there is probably going to be what seems like a lot of defects. In reality the number with defects in comparison to the amount sold is minimal.

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  Pull tree stumps - 1990 GMC Jimmy
  By 442Man - February 1 - 2:00 am

  This truck when equiped with posi rear end and 4x4 will pull just about anything. The 5.7 is one tough and torque heave engine. The dark tint rear side windows.

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  Nice Truck - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By Mike T - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Great little truck and second car, owned a Toyota Truck before this one and would take this little GMC any day over the Toyota, better ride, fantastic interior, just a dang good truck and 3k less than the Toyota. Enough Said!

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  Not Professional Grade - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Bigfins - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The 6.0 engine knocks a little until warm...other than that its ok. Lacks real pulling power, even with a 410 rear end. Tranny went out at 9700 miles. Power window regulator at 37000 miles ($500), Rotors now acting up at 47000 (all of a sudden??) Pampered truck. Goes to FL with a light trailer and back annually, othewise no strain. Hauls nothing. Looks like the 8.1 and the Allison was the way to go. Ride was real choppy from day one. I mean bouncey on an uneven road! Hang on in the rear seat! GM should be able to do MUCH better than this. They say every HD truck is made for 200K...at what expense?