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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  GMC Duramax - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By glenn helms - August 26 - 10:43 am

  I purchased my GMC a few weeks ago so far so good. I had a Ford F-350 powerstroke with 7.3. The GMC is small in the inside compared to the Ford. The GMC has a lot better fuel mileage but seems to be too light to handle heavy trailers. Its not short of power it will smoke my Ford easily. My biggest complaint is lack of interior room. GM still needs to do their homework on that. The quality is not matched by Ford or Dodge in the interior and standard accessories, but I think Ford is heavier duty than GM for all out abuse on the farm or on construction sites. In about a year i can tell the truth because I know Ford can hold up. Curious to see if GMC can.

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  Heck of a Truck - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Kellin - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I have a 99 GMC SLT with the Z71 option. I am extremely satisfied with this truck. I previously owned an F150, the GM beats it in every category hands down. GM also has a far superior service department, this point I cannot stress enough. I highy reccomend purchasing one.

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  End of Model Year has the best financing - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By KB180 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Wish mine had the sunroof, but what sold me was the Zero Down, Zero Interest for 60 Months, and no payments for 90 days (2002 Yukon Models)...you cant beat that! Too bad GMC wasnt offering the same deal on 2003s, or I would have bought one of those instead. This model is rated at 12 city/15 hwy, so dont expect to save any money on your next fill up. Fortunately for me, I dont put a lot of miles on annually, so this was not a factor for me. Visibility is also excellent on this vehicle. Handling is supurb, unlike any large SUV Ive driven before (had a Jeep Grand Cherokee LTD previously).

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  My Acadia experience - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Shannon Lafleur - August 25 - 10:53 pm

  I purchased the vehicle one year ago and still cant seem to get all the the bugs out. It has been in the shop multiple times for vauious reasons. The first problem we incountered was the seatbelts tearing, (We are now on the fourth seatbelt for the diver side and still having a problem). The second problem was the back compartment door that would not close. The sunroof leaks causing the passenger side floor board to get wet from a drain tube not installed properly, (still having problems with this). We also had the software upgrade. The preformance since has been alot better, but the gas mileage has dropped tramendous, 14 city, 19 highway. We are very disapointed with this vehicle over all.

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  Buy the Extended Waranty - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Laura - August 25 - 8:53 am

  First off this Envoy was the upgraded Denali version, which right off, was alittle more added to the price tag. I just traded this in after 3 years, and within this past year I had to have 3 tie rod ends, yes that is 3. Why do you ask, because I needed another "knuckle" replaced at 88,000. The first one was replaced at 47,000 just before my warranty ran out. The leather seats started to "wear off" at 15,000. This vehicle was in the dealership so much, they knew me by name. The dealer also never heard of replacing the knuckle, again, until they met me. I was getting about 20 mpg which isnt bad, and it never left me stranded. I just feel this truck had way too many issues for the money

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  Love this truck - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By paula - August 25 - 5:26 am

  Ive had the truck for 3 months and I love it. Very comfortable, very roomy. The gas mileage could be better but not bad compared to other SUVs.

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  Worst vehicle I have ever owned - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By vepj - August 24 - 12:26 am

  This truck caught fire at 7500 miles. The wiper motors have been replaced. The transmission has been rebuilt. The engine has been rebuilt. The timing chain broke at 60,000 miles. The brakes wear out every 5000 miles. I used to carry a code reader in the truck because I didnt know when it will pop a new code. And today the starter died again. The a/c went out at 75,000 miles. If my son wasnt a mechanic and my daughter loves this truck, I would have junked it ages ago. I finally gave it to my daughter and bought a jeep. Now I am happy. Dont ever buy this truck.

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  I love this car - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Gary - August 22 - 1:34 pm

  This is the 6th SUV I have owned. The others were Fords. I hesitated buying the car because of some review I read but I liked the looks of it so I bought it anyway. I have been extremely happy with the car. It drives and rides well. I have the Denali so it has about everything on it. I wouldnt call it a workhorse but in the Oregon where I live it fits the needs of the typical small family.

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  Love this SUV - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By love this suv - August 22 - 1:42 am

  Only problem was a fuel pump. 250 dollars and that was at 140,000 miles. I replaced the tires only once in all the years i owned it. Still a smooth ride and a reliable one.

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  I Cant Believe I Bought American! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By JSB - August 22 - 1:16 am

  After driving imports for a number of years, I stumbled across the 2010 GMC Terrain. Despite serious reservations about American quality, the style and design of the Terrain caught my attention. Bold exterior styling sets the Terrain apart from gang of crossover clones. The interior is remarkably well done. Being 63" , sufficient leg and head room are often a problem. The Terrain is the first vehicle offering room to spare. The technology is first rate. Radio, DVD, navigation and bluetooth interface work well. In fact, systems interact almost seamlessly. he Terrain is quiet and comfortable.. Power is adequate. Fit and finish could still improve. Overall a great American Car!