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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  GREAT TRUCK - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By ikeguy29 - September 18 - 8:13 am

  I drove this truck across the country, no problems and i had a trailer in pull. Maine to Washington. Very comfy and with a few add ons, the gas mileage for me is low 20s high way. 5.3L. Good truck, Recommend.

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  First-Time Owner - 1995 GMC Safari
  By David Peters - September 18 - 2:00 am

  We bought this van in March, 2004. It has been great! Does not leak or burn a drop of oil, has 150k+ miles. Tune- up at 145k makes it run smoother, seems to help mileage, which is 20mpg. The 4.3L has plenty of power. Water pump blew at 138k, but is to be expected on older vehicles. I love the space - you can really pack it in! I would gladly buy another one!

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  In Love with the Denali - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Tom G - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Theres is little not to love on this vehicle. For a truck, ride and handling is superb! 6.0 engine is a nice powerhouse and gas mileage is acceptable at 15.5 mpg during first 5000 miles. Freeway driving in Southeast Michigan. If youre a "creature comfort" person, youll adore this car Heated seats, XM Satellite radio, Bose sound system, great storage and carying space. In the short while I have owned the vehicle (2 months) I dislike driving anything else. Early recall that was inconvenient: Body Control Module for suspension would remain on after engine was turned off and drain battery overnight. Quick reprogramming at the dealership fixed it.

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  Satisfied GMC Owner - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By OGauge - September 18 - 2:00 am

  My GMC Envoy has been a pleasure to drive.I like the way it handles on curves,very smooth! Interior design was well thought out,before manufacturing. Automatic transmission is one of the smoothest shifting, I have ever driven. Exterior design caught my eye,because it wasnt overdone, like some SUVs I test drove.

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  Excellent - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Angie - September 17 - 8:53 am

  Love my car! Got a White Titanium with the gray interior with the 19 inch wheels. Beautiful! Have had lots of folks wanting to look at it. Drives easy on short and long trips. Very comfortable. Lots of room for whatever I need.

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  GMC Canyon 3.5 5 cylinder - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By stonela25 - September 17 - 2:00 am

  I have always been a Ford truck man until I drove the GMC Canyon. It has a lot more interior space and the bed is bigger also. My Ranger had a V6 in it, and dont get me wrong it had plenty of power, but it comes no where close to the in line 5 cylinder. I am very pleased with the power and performance of this truck. Keep up the good work GMC.

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  black beauty - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By crabpicker - September 15 - 1:20 pm

  excelent sound system,quiet,plenty of power. some wind noise at high speed

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  Best bet for hauling kids & tack - 1996 GMC Suburban
  By big boat - September 14 - 2:00 am

  We needed this because mini vans dont go into the woods deer hunting. This is a mans truck, king of the road. Even when my wife drives it, she is Queen of the road. Stay out of the way or get smashed. It once hit a parked car & held not a mark...poor rear end of the other car was BAD. I recommend this to any one who has boats, jets skis, hauls hunting gear, or just likes to cruise around. Very roomy & string. You wont even know that yourre pulling that huge boat behind you.

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  Professional grade - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By moyedd - September 14 - 2:00 am

  My wife drives above average number of miles each year. It was time to replace her GM vehicle. GM has great customer incentives at this time and the Envoy was a step up for us. The vehicle is really "Professional Grade". James Rivard GMC are outstanding in providing for our transportation needs and wants. The shopping and sales experience was great. Likewise, the service department appreciates us and takes excellent care of us.

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  I love it - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By RochesterNY2004 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is fun to drive and has great performance. It also has a lot of great features on it like programmable settings for two different drivers that get reset depending whose key is used. the xm satelite radio is also a great feature. We bought black exterior with tan leather interior and several people have stopped to compliment us on the car.