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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  2008 GMC SLT Z71 Ext Cab 6.5 bed # 2 - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By schodackbassman - December 14 - 12:40 am

  This is my 4th GMC extended cab and my 2nd z71 SLT. Trade my 04 for the 08 because of the great deals over the summer. I loved my 04 but the 08 is hands down a better overall truck. Adjustable everything for the driver including gas/brake pedal. Heated seats, great sound system, upgraded leather seats overall nicer inside. Like the return of drum brakes in the back and nice wheels. EZ lift tailgate is a godsend. Can be open/closed with one hand. Better heater then the 04 but still slow to warm in stop/go traffic on cold mornings below 20 degrees. Remote start is great, ride is great, looks are good, & no more touchy ABS system. 17" Wrangle ATS much better than cheap Bridgestones.

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  Love to tow our Correct Craft - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By bmcveigh - December 11 - 7:40 pm

  The Yukon works like a dream. Load up 8 with gear and the Correct Craft behind it and it is effortless even going into the winding mountain roads of Napa.

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  Couldnt ask for anything more. - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By rustysmith - December 11 - 5:53 am

  6 years later, Im still happy with my purchase. Its been a great truck with no worries. The only problem Ive had is not getting the speedometer fixed before the recall ran out. My own fault. Other than that, only oil changes for over 120k miles. Reliability on these trucks is second-to-none. I have three friends with the same body style (one 04 and two 05s) and all have over 100k miles w/only 3 problems. My speedometer went out @ 105k. On the 05, his alternator went out @ 134k and his tranny went @ 166k. Using the gold standard of reliability, he has an 01 Camry. The starter went @ 150k and the tranny @ 160k. GM seems to be catching up to the Japanese automakers. Great job.

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  envoy - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By williav - December 9 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is one the best driving suvs I have rented several types 6 different models and this drives like a luxury car.

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  A Bit Disappointed - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Joydan - December 7 - 7:10 pm

  We traded in a Honda Pilot for the features offered by the Acadia, the primary one being the dual climate control. The particular model we purchased has basically everything, so we are very pleased with that. However, the engine performance is less than desirable and the constant shifting of the transmission, based on changes in the road, etc., especially with the cruise control on, is very annoying. Its as if the transmission and/or engine cant decide how to power the vehicle down the road. Pushing the accelerator slowly doesnt get you much. The gas mileage is high teens, averaging around 18 - not the greatest. Certainly has all the bells and whistles. A very stylish vehicle.

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  2008 2500 HD 4x4 6.6L DurmaxW/Allison - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By tdust - November 29 - 4:35 pm

  This is a great truck,This truck was used in the oil and gas industry and it has over 188,000 miles that I put on it.The truck has never been put in the shop for any major repairs.just regular service.Avarage 4000 to 5000 miles a month and it never left me on the side of the road.Tows like a beast! Used to pull loads of 7 to 9 thousand pounds over 600 miles @ 70 MPH.In fact I liked the truck so much when we got our new 2011 GMCs I bought this one from the owner.now she is retired but I wouldnt hesitate to drive the truck anywhere.

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  Great truck but a kidney blaster empty - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Steve - November 29 - 10:20 am

  I love this truck but when I am not towing or under load she will shake you on bad michigan roads. I decided to weigh it down a bit in the back and that has smoothed it out for sure. MPG is 12. 12 @ 74 towing the boat, 12 at 35 around town. I got 14 on the highway going 65 but that was hard to take for a 2mpg gain. Love the solid feel of the truck!

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  Canadian Yukon XL - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By Yukoner - November 27 - 2:00 am

  Overall, truck rides very well. Very roomy for the kids. Carries 4*8 sheets of material (drywall). Load it up for the cottage and attach boat with no problem.

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  Go GMC!! - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By GeorgeStrait - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Great Power and Transmission, Had a Service 4WD Problem recently 5/2003 with 4000 miles on truck. Went into 4WD low w/o input from driver. Part not available, waited 3 weeks and a tow truck ride later!! YES I would buy another.

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  Squealing after 6000 miles - 2016 GMC Terrain
  By Cjones - November 13 - 4:59 pm

  So the car overall is awesome. The SUV is spacious and fits my two large dogs just fine. Only concern is recent constant squealing in the back of the vehicle.