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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  Beter then my tacoma by far - 2009 GMC Canyon
  By John Atmallis - May 5 - 8:36 pm

  Performance was based on the fact that it is a truck and a 4cyl. It is not fast or a sports car but for what it is performed great. quicker and holds the rode better then my Tacoma that is newer and has a 6 cyl in it and hasnt ever left me stranded or not start like my Tacoma continues to do.

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  Awesome Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By bmasch - May 4 - 4:50 pm

  I was looking for a crossover for over a year. I first started with an Acura MDX. After seeing the Acadia on HGTV I researched it to death along with the Outlook. When it was time to buy I went back to look at the MDX and room wise there was no comparison. Although everyone said the Acadia and Outlook were the same the Acadia is a little beefier. We got all options and use all of them. My husband says I am driving around in my living room. We are more than pleased with this vehicle.

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  What is there not to love? - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Bob - May 2 - 11:58 pm

  This is absolutely one of the best SUVs GM has ever built. I have owned a 96, 99, 00, 02, and now a 05. They keep getting better each year. These trucks offer so much room and drive just like a car. The truck is very versatile and will continue to buy these trucks. I put 70,000 miles on it and I swear to God that nothing ever went wrong with it. I treated the truck well and vice versa. I own a mint 86 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham, which floats down the road, but this Yukons ride is pretty hard to beat. Turning radius is sharp and the handling is great. I took a 500 mile trip a couple weekends ago and got 19.8 mpg, cruising at 60 mph. If you are considering an SUV, buy a Yukon.

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  Best In Class - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By pbflorida - May 2 - 8:19 pm

  Best size and options for the money in the Denali XL version. I love it. Its not too big (i.e. Yukon or Expedition), but is large enough to really seat 6 - 7 comfortably (unlike Pathfinder, etc), or to seat 5 (or 6) by using the 3rd row seat down entirely or split, and still have LOTS of room for luggage and baby stuff (like a stroller). Took it for a 1000-mile trip over the weekend. Great ride, not like a truck, very smooth, comfortable, and steady, with lots of power in the V8. Wood trim and leather add a luxury feel. Power and heated seats (driver AND passenger), voice navigation, sunroof, XM radio, Onstar, all add up to "what more could you want"?

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  ENVOY LOVER - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By envoy lover - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my nissan SUV for a more luxurious vehicle which I found in the ENVOY. My cousin has the Pathfinder, which I was condsidering purchasing and my best friend has the Lexus RX 300 which I also considered purchasing but I am extrmely happy with my envoy, mileage is not bad could be better, looks are great,comfort, I even talked a co-worker in purchasing a new envoy

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  This car should be rated higher - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Matt - April 29 - 5:47 pm

  Being a former Land Rover owner, this car far outperforms its competition. It has the acceleration of a car with many feartures most other SUVs do not offer, without charging an arm and a leg. Certainly a vehicle that should be considered when shopping for a durable SUV.

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  MY THIRD TERRAIN! - 2017 GMC Terrain
  By ADRIENNE - April 27 - 7:44 pm

  Someone broadside me after 3 weeks of owning this car and I am driving a Cadillac. Horrible by comparison. Sold my others within minutes of letting others know it was for sale. Car holds its value and I had it before it was popular. Elegant in quick silver which I needed to take around my clients-retro style is classy. The only problem I had, was shopping as a woman even on the Internet. Previously I shopped as a Latin male with no problem. The one GMC dealer in the northern part of Miami Dade County had me come in a fill out the papers for a car they didnt have and then wanted to charge me additional to get it. SO BE AWARE OF ALL DEALINGS.

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  yukon denali xl - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By franfoods - April 27 - 5:33 am

  great vehicle. lots a nice features, needs to be a little more fuel efficent. maybe making it not all time 4 wheel.

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  Very nice SUV - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By gnlhall - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I love my Envoy. It drives great and is very functional. The styling is much improved (inside and out) from the old Jimmy. The ride and handling are superb.

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  Happy Customer - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Ted Hornaday - April 24 - 10:40 pm

  Very pleased with our Acadia. Upgraded from VolvoXC70. Looks great (summit white) and a real pleasure to drive. Bigger, better layout and way more interesting than CX9, Highlander or Pilot. They really got the suspension right on this vehicle and steering is light and handling is crisp. Good balance of power, not minivan like and not a big V8 SUV nor does it cost as much as one. Integrated entertainment package w/wireless headphones sans NAV system is sweet. Back seat and front seat can finally listen to what they want (XM, MP3, DVD, etc.). Transmission/Power gripes in other reviews are overblown. Six speeds are going to shift more. Works fine for us.