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 over all truck - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Paul - June 11 - 9:14 pm

  Good fuel milage between 20 and 27 Great turning radius Comfortable A enjoyably ride overall Was involved in a accident where hit in passenger front tire and flipped on it side and was totaled My son in passenger front seat and I both walked away with minor injuries Thankfully Onstar great to have

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  Great all around truck - 2000 GMC Sonoma
  By Dusty - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Truck has been a steady performer with no more than routine maintenance costs.Would buy a 2004 if they were still available in this model.

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  Great to Drive - 2008 GMC Yukon XL
  By AG - June 9 - 12:36 pm

  Had the truck for 1 year and 12k. Minor problems with the locks. Dealer replaced switch. Also, auto seat flip had to be lubed and adjusted. Otherwise, great truck to drive. Roomy, comfortable, and the engine sounds great. Thinking of getting another one when my Mazda lease runs out.

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  Outstanding value - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By civman - June 9 - 12:46 am

  This truck is incredible! It has to be the best value on the market considering its peformance vs. price. I bought it for my wife, and she loves it! Fantastic product, great price, super service at the dealership! You need to drive this truck, then go buy one.

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  My best car yet - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By mzlaz4602 - June 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive never driven a better car thats actually affordable. Its definately safe and reliable. You should at least go test drive one!

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  Great ride and a great buy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Jpavacik - June 8 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent college stundent vehicle. You can drive the distance and still have the fun of being able to take freinds and their stuff.

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  The Best truck made. - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By abercrombie - June 7 - 10:00 am

  The is the best truck in the world. Happy to drive it!! Very quiet ride. TOW and Haul mode works great. Very confertable, and alot of legroom space in the rear seats. Very conferable rear and front seats. Very good audio system. And the best fuel milage that I have seen for a 4.8 liter V8 engine!

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  simply incredible - 1993 GMC Typhoon
  By tyguy - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I did a ton of research before buying my 93 typhoon on ebay. I read about how they are insanely fast yet comfortable. when I got it I realized that although its extremely highly rated, its still underrated. its faster than car & driver says. in fact its the most amazing car Ive ever driven. I dont beat camaros and vipers... I HUMILIATE them. its not even a contest. it looks amazing without being pretentious like a ferrari or mclaren. at the end of the day I cant believe I own one, especially knowing how its even more insane than the magazines or anyone else knows.

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  GMC Suburban - 1995 GMC Suburban
  By larrybrown - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I love our 95 Suburban. We get about 16 mpg on highway, 14 normal driving. This isnt bad to me considering my minivan got 19-20 mpg with far less room and no towing capacity.

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  Pleasant Surprise - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Junior 3 - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I am very impressed with this truck. It is quite, comfortable and the ride is excellent.