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 vehicle - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Nancy Hill - July 10 - 10:49 pm

  I really enjoy driving the Envoy. I feel the handling is great, and it is very quite inside when the windows are up. The ride is smooth, and love the v8 for acceleration. The only faults on the interior are the clock is too small, and its hard to get to the cup holder above the gear shift on the console. I love the room in the back, but I wish the seats folded down a bit flatter. I love the idea of the built in air compressor.

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  Car of the year for 2007 - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Jim - July 9 - 3:50 pm

  I always want a car with style of Lexus, drive like a Infiniti, capacity like a Tahoe, price tag like a Chevy and fuel efficient like a Toyota and Acadia is the closest I can get. Got my Acadia on Feb 17, my whole family just cant have enough of it. Totally in love with the style, size and power. Oh yes, dont under estimate this 3.6L V6 engine. Lot of buttons is true but they are all well placed. Im getting 16.5mpg on my first tank of gas since most of my driving are local. Japanese and European car manufactures, are you scared?

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  2016 Sierra SLT 4WD - 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Russ Vaughn - July 9 - 11:02 am

  I loved this truck ...I say loved because I no longer have it. 2000 miles into ownership I had my first wreck of nearly 40 years of driving. My beautiful truck got T boned by a guy doing about 65 mph. My truck flipped with me in it and all the curtain airbags deployed along with OnStar immediately asking if I was ok. The other driver was taken to the hospital with injurys (Hes doing good now) but I climbed out of the truck without a scratch. I hope that I never need the safety features on the GMC again but I cant say enough about them. btw I am on my way to buy my next GMC now.

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  2010 Terrain FWD 6 cylinder - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By JOE - July 9 - 6:16 am

  Totally blown away by this vehicle, Ride & handling experience, I went all out and fully loaded with, NAV, DVD you name it we got it everything but AWD. GM hit this one out of the park. A real head turner everyone wondering what it is. Macho, masculine, pug nose bulldog Its an ALL TERRAIN-ING experience driving this vehicle. The 6 cylinder is machismo!!! Equinox is sweet but Terrain is sweeter! Well done GM well done !!

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  Easy to drive - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By Bob - July 7 - 5:06 am

  Our Yukon is easy to drive. It has been totally reliable and we like the way it handles in traffic. We have carried 8 passengers at times with no noticeable effort or reduced handling ability.

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  Duramax Diesel Love IT - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Jim Bewley - July 6 - 9:36 am

  This is the Duramax Diesel 2500 HD and I absolutely love this truck. I wouldnt trade it for any vehicle in the world. It pulls my 30 1990 very heavy camper like a dream, even in the mountains. I cant say enough positive about this truck.

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  Patience Pay-off - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By skueez - July 5 - 1:46 am

  Waited 5 months after I heard about this new model to get into one. Should have waited a little longer. Dealership had only SLE1s available, while I wanted SLE2. It lacks key features for me and needs a 6 cyl rather than a 4. Power on cold takeoff doesnt exist. Coming from a 4 cyl turbo, its a bit doggy but thats just personal: no fault of maker. Im getting less than 22mpg after three weeks so thats not good either. Love everything about it otherwise. I wouldnt recommend the SLE1 to music lovers, cellphone users, etc. Sound system is woefully lacking. Backup camera is ok but useless in rain/snow. Go for the SLE2 and higher. You will be absolutely thrilled!

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  2005 GMC Canyon - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By krushrr - July 3 - 3:32 pm

  I went with the GMC Canyon for the bucket seats over the Chevy Colorado and look of the GMC. I thought about the Toyota briefly but the Canyon/Colorado stole the show. The truck is a 4WD Extended Cab with the 5 cylinder 3.5L engine option and automatic transmission.

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  Fun to drive Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By acer - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Envoy for over a month and it has been a great vehicle. Its comfortable and a smooth ride. It was either this one or the Jeep Grand Cherokee but I noticed that the amount of power was awesome and its roomy too for the whole family

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  Third Sierra and have loved them all! - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jmacs97gmc - July 1 - 11:57 am

  Ive have my current Sierra since April, 2007 and the best decision I made was not buying the extended warranty. Ive had no problems whatsoever (knock on wood). Ive read several of the reviews about the issue of oil consumption which I have not experienced, but will pay a little more attention to the issue. I will say, I dont use the oil monitor. I still change my oil about every 3000 to 3500 miles. Old habits and old men are hard to change. Bottom line is although I like the looks of the new Fords and love the interior storage of the Dodge pickups, nothing will get me to walk away from my GMC.