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 Canyon SLE Crew Cab 4cyl - 2008 GMC Canyon
  By RJS - March 6 - 11:03 am

  Ive had this truck for almost 2 mos. now. It replaced my 1995 Chevy p/u that had just under 370K miles on it. I was quite please with the price paid (just over 18K after rebates & GM card bonus for a base model w/ tow package) and the buying experience at the dealership. The truck itself is the best buy out there for the money. In my opinion, the 4 cyl is not much different power-wise from the 5 cyl (I test drove both) and the gas mileage is great (have been averaging 22-23mpg in mixed city-highway driving). Plus, the 4cyl was much quieter than the 5 cyl. The interior is very nice and well-laid out. There is plenty of room for five people. It rides like a dream. Great job GM!

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  Solid Truck - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Bob Hunt - March 5 - 8:03 pm

  Lots of research online, couple of test drives and a superb track record with my last GM product led me to this truck. Solid truck with great power and resonable fuel economy that has a cabin as comfortable and quiet as any large sedan. Guages and controls are thoughtfully laid out. Driving visibility is excellent. Responsive handling and braking. Look forward to keeping this truck for at least the next 10 years. Id recommend the Sierra to anyone who wants a great looking and reliable truck for a good price.

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  Like it so far... - 2008 GMC Canyon
  By Frank - March 5 - 4:04 pm

  I have only had my Canyon for about a month now and have put on about 800 miles. I like the interior, the exterior styling, power and handling of this truck. I bought a GMC (only my second new US vehicle) after pricing a comparable Toyota Tacoma. I had a 97 Tacoma which was a good truck, but for an 08 with the options I wanted, it would have cost around $5K more than the GMC. So far the only thing I am disapointed in is the MPG. I should get 16/23 with the 4 cyl automatic, but so far have just barely done better than 16 on the first few tanks (mostly hwy). Hopefully this is due to driving a few times in 4WD, and I imagine the mileage is worse in cold weather due to thicker fluids.

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  Nice Little Ride - 2008 GMC Canyon
  By rtjacks2 - March 5 - 3:03 pm

  Purchased the 2008 SLT Crew Cab 5cyl 4WD Dec 4th, 2007. To date we have around 6000 miles from 60 miles/day commute. Initial gas mileage was avg, but has steadily increased after continued break-in. Dont expect great mpg due to weight, but to date at 16mpg hwy. Will get cold air induction, better plugs, and go to synthetic old to eek out some more mpg. Build quality good, but sparse. This is your basic truck. Throw about 10k more for full size goodies and vanity mirrors. Nothing broke to date. Fun vehicle to drive, but turns like a ship. I hope GM fixes this and gets 5speed tranny. Roomy interior and ample hauling capability. Satisfied with money spent.

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  High Speed Vibration - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By nice shakey ride - March 5 - 8:53 am

  I purchased this o9 after the deals made it to good not to get rid of 05 Right from beginning i have had a vibration from rear of truck at 70 mph and up the dealership tried swapping tires with brand new truck same tires same result GM has told the dealership what to check as they had and am now being told that i have to live with it I would like to hear from anyone that has had similar problem Truck only has 2000 miles on it something isnt right

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  Great van - 2003 GMC Safari
  By john - March 4 - 8:20 pm

  The van been great, had an issue with the abs for a while but the dealer fixed it when I suggested that I wasnt coming back for a GMC. We have used the van on 4000k road trips good on gas 1700km per tank at 80kph, went up fire accesss roads and crossed streams when Honda and other failed. We had to pick them up and bring them to the camp site. You can drive it anywhere and carry 6 adults and luggage and shopping back from the road trips. Just finished trip down to have upgraded brakes to cross drilled vented front vented rear. Really stops now. Looking for new tires next. Only 65k on the van so will be around for awhile.

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  Experience - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By kenny - March 4 - 7:56 pm

  This vehicle is very fun to drive! Its comfortable. I drive a lot and all I have been doing is oil changes. I have 110,000 miles on this vehicle and nothing mechanical has happened to it

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  Bob Likes the GMC - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Robert Vaught - March 2 - 8:53 pm

  Great towing vehicle, I love the trailer package with the lights and brakes already wired and the automatic slowdown feature on the gearshift. The on-demand rear differential lock is very helpful when driving on snow and ice. I recently hauled over 8000lbs on the truck and a double axle trailer from Ohio to Atlanta and was very pleased with the power response and vehicle handling.

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  Amazing - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By car maniac - March 2 - 5:43 pm

  More power and better gas mileage. Loved it since I bought it. Found nothing wrong with it. Me and my friends love the comfort of the interior.

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  Great truck. - engine and driveshaft - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By elkhunter - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Great truck if it would not break down so much. Had an INTAKE Value go out at 50,000(yep intake) that was 1000 to diagnose and repair, now the driveshaft shakes and rattles. either the back universal or the carrier bearing.