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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  My first truck - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By kevin - April 27 - 5:00 pm

  Not a true hybrid, around 17.5 mpg. Great power. Handles well and I fit nicely inside- I am 6 foot 9. Nice Bose speaker system too. I easily adjusted to the engine that turns off at stops (a slight delay between brake release and engine power for acceleration)

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  My Black Beauty - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Kevo - April 27 - 3:27 pm

  I believe that this is the best looking truck of all time. Gas mileage stinks! I love the black and the ZR2 because of its lifted gift.

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  My $5700 bargaine - 1999 GMC Envoy
  By bigbux98 - April 25 - 10:05 am

  I paid $5700 for my Envoy, with 77,000 miles on it. It was in very good condition and so far, I have had to replace one ball joint. Other than that, it has been dead reliable. I pray I never get to see a $2000 headlight replacement.

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  Initial Impressions - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By sox83 - April 25 - 9:03 am

  Have owned the vehicle for only 3 days. This is the first US brand I have ever purchased - said many times before that I would never buy US, but GM built the perfect vehicle for my family... 2 children under 3yrs, wife did not want a minivan, no real need for a huge SUV, but wanted something big to haul everything to grandmas house. Acceleration is good. Responsive steering and tight turning radius makes it drive like a smaller car. Suspension makes for comforatble cruising. Little body roll when cornering at speed. Interior fit and finish is excellent - no squeaks or rattles. Very little wind noise at highway speeds. Have yet to find anything inside not thoughtfully designed.

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  No More GM 4 me - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By LostFaithGM - April 25 - 7:33 am

  Bought truck new and totally disappointed. Truck now has over 104k miles and here is list of repair. Passenger hub replaced under warranty and driver hub replaced at 76k. Trans rebuild 75k. Torque converter replaced @ 83k. Power steering has been terrible since 30k. Front diff passenger seal leaks since under warranty and driver front diff seal leaked at 101k. Now water pump gasket leak @ 103k. U-joint at T-case & drive shaft replaced at 86k. Interior makes noises and this is considered normal. Noisy cab when cruising at over 45 miles. Rust is everywhere on the chassis. My last GM light duty truck

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  Nice truck - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By M & K - April 23 - 11:43 pm

  I like my truck. Pretty good gas mileage for a V-8 (about 18-21 city and 22-24 highway). Comfy ride. A few problems with the rear driveline. Had to replace both u-joints about 6 months ago and now it is squeaking and clanking again. Rear axle probably needs to be rebuilt. 3-rd door is nice, but back seat as a little smaller than Id like. Pretty good power and towing capabilities. Heater is bad- not very warm and I have to put it on high to even feel any air flow.

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  My favorite in the price range - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By choppers70 - April 22 - 6:36 pm

  I drove just about everything I thought I could get off the lot in the low $20Ks. Everything felt like plastic junk. When I got in the Envoy I knew it was the one I wanted. Felt like luxury but in my price range. So far so good. Some minor issues with rattling noises that need fixed but other than that Im pretty happy with it.

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  Never again - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By eb - April 22 - 11:30 am

  Although I love the way this SUV looks its been nothing but problems since buying it new. The hazard switch was replaced, 4 wheel drive speed sensor, rear main seal and oil pan gasket, pinion seal and now there is another oil leak in the front of the vehicle. This is the third Jimmy Ive owned and will not purchase a GMC again since each one has had succeedingly more problems. This 2000 has been the worst for mechanical problems.

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  Great large SUV - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Great large SUV - April 20 - 12:56 pm

  Bought it as a lease return with 36K. 5.3L, AWD, 17" wheels. Wanted a Denali, but not the mileage. Surprisingly tight turning radius! Loaded with moonroof, Bose,DVD,etc. No surprises. Very comfortable, enough space for family, very good power. Suits me perfectly! Gets slightly better MPG than my 98 Blazer with V6. 100 more miles per tank.

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  I love my getting out of trouble suv - 1994 GMC Suburban
  By andrea - April 19 - 10:22 pm

  I bought my truck used with 200,000 miles on it, besides tires it has been a dream come true. I have four boys and they always have friends, it gives plenty of room. For the first time I have room enough for anything. Whenever someone gets stuck they call me I can pull anything. I live in a place where the snow get deep, I even get calls from the plow truck for a pull every once in a while. I love my truck, never again will I buy a car!