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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  great truck - 1998 GMC Safari
  By elisabethsdaddy - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I drive courier in this van,300 hard miles a day. replace idler arms every 100000 and other normal wear items never let me down.with proper maintenance will go forever. change tranny fluid every 15000. recomend this vehicle for any one wanting a tough vehicle that will hold the entire family

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  Great Value - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Lance 1 - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Having trade my 00 Sierra w/5.3 ext. cab for a 99 Yukon wasnt sure but glad we did it. Much more family friendly. Since new body styles (00+ models) and features are more wanted and much more $$$ makes these models much more affordable. Our SLT has every option you could get for 2WD. Have had ours 3 mon. Runs great. Feels just as powerful as the 5.3 and has more torque. Perhaps not as refined in delivering the pwr. Fuel econ. is worse 13-15 city but expected that. Nice quiet ride. The Michelin XC make for a good secure drive.

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  Dangerous headlights - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By larry_rymal - November 18 - 3:59 pm

  Comfortable, secure-feeling pickup. Overall quality feel is pure A-1. Daytime confidence value just cant be higher. Motor is strong, shifting is smooth after about 1000 miles. Tows well without sagging in the back due to trailer tongue weight. Best truck I have owned. But, this truck has a blemish--a dangerous one. In rural areas, the headlamp lighting is awful. There is no lateral light spill to assist turning onto intersecting roads. None. Left turns are the worse. You will be turning into total darkness. The effect is as if you have a burned out left lamp. Going straight, the hi-beam doesnt "reach out and touch" enough. You will need to buy auxiliary lighting.

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  Still not Toyota Quality - 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
  By North Dakota - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Bought this truck to handle snow (4x4) and because they had a dealership in the small town I moved to. After 6 months of driving and 5k miles, does not match Toyota quality. I traded in a 2003 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner 4-door 4x2 that had 48k miles for this truck. It had zero squeaks and reliability was perfect. The GMC 6 speed transmission slips, shifts hard and hesitates at times. The driver’s door squeaks any time you hit bumps, wash boards or rough pavement. The upside is the fuel economy (better than my Toyota v6). The appearance is bold, which is a personal opinion. Will stick with Toyota next time and make the trip for service in the highly unlikely chance it needs it...

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  Worth The Money - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Barrraco - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Love this truck. It is roomy, comfortable and fun to drive. Doesnt drive like a truck, but more like a car. Had my Envoy for almost a year and no big problems. Had one recall, no big deal. The dealer fixed it and treated me very, very well. Expected problems with them , but had none. Gas milage sucks. I would buy it again and recommend it to everyone.

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  very satisfied - 1992 GMC Jimmy
  By bill knop - November 13 - 2:00 am

  november, 2001: bought jimmy used from friend in jan. 1996. no major problems with it. has 175,000 miles on it now and does not burn any oil. the biggest expense so- far has been replacing heater core, exhaust system and cd player. body has some rust around wheel openings but not too bad for its age. would purchase another jimmy/blazer in a second.

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  98 Sonoma Reliability - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By latimrm - November 13 - 2:00 am

  2-failed fuel pumps $ 730 failed rear axle & differential failed drive shaft $ 1430 failed suspension springs transmission slip codes failed wiper module

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  New Owner - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By EGRICE - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Great driving vehicle both on the interstate and in city. very comfortable ride, great acceleration with 5.3L engine. Engine has a knock I dont like and lots of road noise for vehicle of this price.

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  !996 Yukon - 1996 GMC Yukon
  By macadoodle - November 11 - 2:00 am

  We have over 100,000 miles on our 1996 SLT and have driven it from coast to coast with no major problems other than brake replacement every 15 to 20 thousand miles. Its been a dream to drive and very comfortable for a large vehicle. Im looking forward to many more trouble free miles.

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  Love my XL! - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By AmyVolk - November 10 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a family vehicle that can tow easily. This is the one! Having the captains chairs makes it feel like a minivan on the inside, while we can still pull our boat and pack our gear with ease.