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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  2 Year Old Denali - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Suzcrew - June 14 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Denali for 2 years now. Up until the warranty ran out I did not have any problems. Now problems with the drive shaft, steering, and transmission. I am have taken excellent care of my truck and wouldnt think of even getting it muddy. However, now I am thinking about trading it in on something with fewer problems. Your adverage Joe will not touch this truck for repairs. Getting parts has been impossible and even dealers cant order the right ones (parts). I love the look, the comfort, the whole package of this truck and hate to part with it. This truck gets more attention than I do!

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  Best used 4x4 for less than $5,000? - 1993 GMC Sonoma
  By lejorgen - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I use it as a daily commuter mostly, but great for weekend fun, towing and hauling. It was state of the art when it was new in 93. Engine still feels tight and powerful at 160,000 miles, does burn some oil though. Previous owner put in a new transmission at 130K miles. No repairs, just maintenance during my ownership.

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  Good so far... - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By wgraham - June 12 - 2:00 am

  The only complaint I have is the vortec V-6, while more than enough power for a two wheel drive extended cab, is not nearly enough for my 4 door 4x4. I have always wanted one of these though and am very happy overall.

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  Love My GMC - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Johnnyz - June 12 - 12:53 am

  I purchased a my 2009 GMC Sierra Quad Cab Z71 4x4 with the 5.3L and SLE2 pkg. on January 2, 2009. I did have some issues with the brakes (high spots on rotors and drums) when first purchased but those have been resolved. The reason why I purchased the truck was to consolidate; traded in a S10 and Nissan Xterra for a 4 door pickup b/c twins were on the way. This is the first year of the 6 speed auto so it still needs some refinement. Love the gas mileage but cant wait until they put out a pickup with a smaller diesel engine. Handling and torque are excellent.

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  When A Minivan Just Wont Do ... - 2002 GMC Safari
  By Roadapple - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This is AWD Safari #2 for us (the 97 got a bit tired at 137k), and its a great family vehicle for long trips, especially in bad weather. No other AWD van has this much room, and especially cargo room, even when traveling with a full load of 8 people. We put 35k+ miles a year on this vehicle, and its tough enough to take it -- wouldnt buy anything else, especially for the money. Only flaw is front end offset crash test results -- could do much better.

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  GMC 2500 HD - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500
  By Tim Czerow - June 9 - 5:36 pm

  Dependable truck that takes a beating and asks for more. Ive never been easy on my vehicles. This one stands up to the punishment. Its a good looking vehicle. Has more ground clearance than Ford or Dodge without being too tall to go in a parking garage. Build quality and materials/ components used are better than competitors also. Ive heard (for example) Ford doesnt put grease fittings on a lot of theyre front end parts.

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  Product Choices - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Marshall - June 9 - 1:21 pm

  2017 Acadia (including Denali trim) is not available with directional signal lights in the exterior mirrors--nearly all other vehicles offer that. Limited color choice in Denali trim, most are extra cost. Six-speed automatic when industry trend is to eight and nine speeds. Front seats could use a thigh extender, a feature found on the Toyota Highlander. Premium radio only comes with eight speakers--competition offers more. Many folks still have their CDs; why not offer an optional CD player, as some competitors do?

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  2001 Yukon - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By joneske98 - June 6 - 2:00 am

  2001 XL 4x4 Yukon 5.3 LT Drive train handles the gvwr of 7200lbs very well, with such a heavy vehicle my wife and I are satisfied with gas mileage 14 city/17 hwy (note havnt had on interstate yet hoping for a little better mileage on the open road), creature comforts are nice, children love the factory installed tv/vcr really nice on trips. Havent had opurtunity to use 4x4 yet but from the looks of teh way it is designed, looks indestructable. Will likely purchase extended warranty off internet as we draw closer to end of factory one ~ $1200.

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  My favorite vehicle - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By Ken G - June 6 - 2:00 am

  All in all probably the best vehicle Ive purchased. My wife doesnt let me drive when we go places. The only thing Ive noticed is a slight vibration in the steering wheel. Need to take it in to find the problem...when I can get it away from my wife!

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  My 99 SLE - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By LBISUB - June 4 - 2:00 am

  None.