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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  Denali Fever - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By AudiBob - October 7 - 5:14 pm

  What a truck. I traded in a 2004 Toureg V8 fully loaded for this Denali. Plenty of power, comfort, and style! I was very impressed with the car when we took it for a test drive and continue to be impressed with it 11 months later. Good build quality and I do enjoy that big 6.2 liter V8 rumble when you start it. Great truck for long trips.

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  Cant Really Complain - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By firephool - October 3 - 12:49 pm

  Well, my parents bought it new to economize from the Suburban. I took it over my 3rd yr. of college because dad ruined the transmission in my 1993 Dodge Dakota. what can I say 189,000 mi or so and Ive replaced everything on the vehicle once. But she survived very cruel treatment between my first few driving lessons, teen-driving, and off roading for volunteer fire calls. Moneys-worth yes, but not anymore sunk too much into it this last time.

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  1997 K1500 Suburban - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By RTS - October 2 - 6:04 pm

  Good solid truck for the most part. Two issues in the last 57,000 miles, first it lost the 2-3 clutch pack in the transmission at 121,000 but the previous owner had done a lot of towing. Second I lost a fuel pump at 154,000 miles but that was my own fault for not changing the fuel filter as often as required (filter was pluged). It took me longer to drain the tank than it did to replace the pump, which cost $110. I have a 32 travel trailer and 4 kids and overall this has been a good vehicle. Mileage is poor, but there is a limit to what you can expect from a 5300 pound box.

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  Too much maintenance - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Envoy Problems - October 1 - 6:47 pm

  I drive about 36,000 miles a year and my Envoy is great in all aspects as long as it is not in the shop. I had to replace an idle pulley, fan belt, fuel pump, and just recently I had to rebuild the transmission. Way too many problems for a 2 year old car with only 75000 miles on it. Other than that, the ride is very quiet, step on the gas and it seems to glide on the highway.

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  The Beast - 1992 GMC Suburban
  By allen5532 - September 30 - 4:43 am

  They dont make them like this anymore. I love this thing. Road trips are like ease. If you can get one cheap pick it up.

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  Buyer beware - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By BUYER BEWARE - September 26 - 10:45 pm

  Stay away from these trucks! I needed a car for college and found this nice, lady owned, Red 98 SLT with 100,000 miles on it. It was a great looking truck with black leather, and body was in great shape. However, after 7 months I replaced fuel pumps, idler arm, ball joints, 3 wheel bearings, battery, alternator, brakes, heater and more. Pain to work on. Needed more work than I could afford so after six months I sold it. I consider myself lucky because most people I talk to have had 4x4, and trannys go out. I try to buy American but now I know why I see so many late model Jimmys in the junkyard. These are money pits!

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  Love My Acadia - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By bill3 - September 26 - 11:50 am

  This is by far the best vehicle I have ever driven. I have always driven SUVs, but this crossover provides the best of both worlds. The ride is superb, and the interior has so much room and great features. We looked at just about every suv and crossover w/ 7 passenger seating. Nothing came even close! I was nervous buying a vehicle that was such a new model, but all of the reviews I read were very accurate. This vehicle is one that actually lives up to and even exceeds the hype.

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  Too Tall Truck - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Jorge McKie - September 25 - 2:26 pm

  The best improvement they could make would be to lower the body by at least 3 inches. I really doubt anyone needs the clearance it has. I drive graveled and dirt back roads and go some rough places and dont need the height. That makes it difficult for many [I have a bad leg] to get in and out easily. AT the risk of voiding my warranty Im seriously considering lowering it myself. I test drove one with a step and it really didnt help much. Other than that it is an excellent buy. More than one friend has said that it rides better than most cars. Even my wife is jealous of the ride. UPDATE: Still a great ride but now I have back problems and getting and out is very difficult. After more than a year Im generally pleased but still feel it could be 3 inches or 4 maybe lower. And watching for other Canyons Ive decided it is the choice for people who want to drive a truck or be seen driving a truck but not necessarily using it like a truck. I use it, but notice that most work trucks seem to be the Chevy version. Finally, I have a friend with a 40+K Toyota RAV4 who much prefers driving my Canyon. She says its a much better ride. I agree.

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  Love it! But look out for insurance rate - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Heather - September 24 - 6:10 pm

  Weve had our Acadia about 9 months and dearly love it. Gas mileage is about the same or slightly better than our supercharged Buick Regal. Love the extra space, Love the extra features, love everything! I would buy this again, for sure. For convenience, mileage for its size (although they need an E85 or hybrid option), features, pure styling (looks so beautiful!) and performance it gets a gold star.

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  Fantastic Ride - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Rodney Ulmer - September 23 - 3:49 am

  This is a great SUV, best Ive ever owned; handles good on road (Ice and snow). Heavy enough for windy days, I have over 300,000 miles and have had only minor problems (Less than $500 repairs) and I pull a 28 camper every weekend. Mileage is poor, but the comfort and handling make up for it.