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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  This works for me! - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Wayne Whitney - August 14 - 10:11 pm

  Compared this car to several others, including the Audi Q7, and found it to be remarkably similar but for almost $20K less. The slight increase in power is noticeable as is the decrease in outside noise (better dampening). The electronic improvements sell the car all by themselves, especially if you use Apple products. The smaller cargo space is obvious but liveable. It feels sportier than prior years models - tighter and more nimble - without any loss in comfort. Overall, a good choice for anyone not wanting to spend a fortune but still wanting a quality vehicle.

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  So far so good - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Ed - August 14 - 9:00 am

  I bought a 2002 Envoy SLT at 93K miles. So far Ive put 3K miles on it and have been very pleased. I use it mainly for towing a travel trailer and with the powerful V6 it does a good job. Interior is great, very comfy leather seats and I love the stereo. The ride is smooth and great acceleration. Gas mileage (without towing) is surprisngly good too. Highway only driving is about 22MPG, city about 15. Not great but not bad for a powerful SUV. I was hesitant to buy a used GM vehicle. But so far after 3 months and 3K miles driven, Im happy with the purchase.

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  Awesome - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By taylor - August 13 - 2:04 am

  Got this vehicle in May of 08, cant be happier. Has the power I need, the 4wd option is great, and when I drive it nice I have gotten 23mpg with it. If you complain about the mileage, be easy on it. When I drive hard I still can get over 15mpg with it. Overall, the best decision I have ever made was to purchase this vehicle. Good Bose sound system, perfect amout of room, and overall an awesome vehicle!

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  Tough & Reliable - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By JWG - August 12 - 4:05 pm

  We purchased our 97 Suburban new and will probably have it for 3-5 more years. Its been a great vehicle! Im big on maintenance. Treat the car right and the car will treat you right. Consequently, weve never had a break down or surprise issue.

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  My favorite vehicle - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By gigigran - August 10 - 10:31 pm

  I traded a Caddy Deville for the brand new 05 SUV and still love it after driving for 3 years. Its driven mostly around town with a few out of town trips. I am happy with the comfort, safety and style. The only disadvantage-the gas mileage of 15mpg. Other than that I can not think of any other drawbacks. It is absolutely a great vehicle to drive. If there are no big mechanical problems I plan to drive this vehicle for many many years to come.

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  2003 SLT is excellent. - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By steve - August 10 - 6:41 pm

  My wife and I just bought a used SLT we cannot believe all of the features this vehicle has. Overall comfort is outstanding. It drives like a dream.

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  2001 Sierra SLT 5.3 V8 - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By rrbs - August 10 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great vehicle; hasnt needed service in the first 25,000 miles & doesnt seem like it will anytime soon. The SLT package gives it a near luxury ride feel, which is unexpected of a pickup. If you want to do yourself a favor, replace the stock stereo. And the stock tires; they are bad on wet pavement.

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  Great All Wheel Drive Van - 2000 GMC Safari
  By Nate - August 9 - 8:39 am

  Bought for dog shows. Removed third row and put in my crates. Enough room for 4 people (Captain chairs) and all our stuff for dog shows. Very comfortable to drive and ride in. Must have all wheel drive if you live where there is snow. Gas mileage 15 to 17 in city and 20 to 22 on hwy and 18.9 average. Plan to drive it to the wheels fall off literally.

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  Great all around truck - 1994 GMC Sonoma
  By don - August 9 - 3:35 am

  I have a 94 Sonoma with a 4.3 tbi engine with 181,000 miles on it and it still gets me around 20 miles to the gallon and runs like a champ. I bought it with 152,000 on it and Ive driven it hard as hell and its held up with no major problems except I threw a clutch once but hey it happens. I couldnt be happier with my truck. It has been such a great truck. Im sinking almost $10,000 back into it to make it a show truck for me and the family to enjoy for a long time to come

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  Like My Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Rod - August 8 - 5:50 pm

  I have thoroughly enjoyed this mid-size SUV, my first such vehicle. I bought it because I needed to tow a fiarly heavy boat and the Envoy with its standard In-Line 6 engine and standard towing package would tow just over 6,000 pounds, and only a few hundred pounds less than choosing the optional V-8. Ive taken care of it and have driven only 10,000 miles per year, but it has rewarded me with no problems at all--not the first rattle or squeak. I beleive the style has "held up," too and even at 4.5 years it still does not look old.