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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  happy owner - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By james g. storms - January 9 - 10:00 am

  this is my 3nd 1500 serria I chose it over chev becouse of the different looks I pull a big bass boat a lot and could not be happyer, just hook it and go you cant tell its back there

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  Sadly Disappointed - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Bill - January 7 - 9:27 pm

  The head rest are too small and are not comfortable, The AM/FM/OnStar antenna is to tall for a 66" garage- had to modify with nylon wire ties to park in garage. The six speed transmission has a difficult start on ice and snow. First gear is too low and there is no option to start out in second gear. Jerky ride on very bumpy road because of the low gearing. I should have rented this car to evaluate prior to purchase, I would have never have purchased this car.

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  Awesome Pickup - 1997 GMC Sonoma
  By jcott06 - January 7 - 4:55 pm

  This truck drives like a car, and has the comfort like one. Very fun to drive in snow has superb handling. Very powerful engine. Only problems I had was the weather stripping dry rotting and it rusted really bad both sides of the cabin, lower part. Other than that really great truck. A must buy

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  World Class - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By AD - January 4 - 11:02 pm

  Ive owned or been around GM products for years. They have evolved over the years into real world class vehicles. This new Yukon is absolutely fabulous. Its huge, but gets reasonable gas mileage for its size. Its quiet, roomy, classy looking and handles well. We considered the Land Rover LR3, but frankly, dont need and wouldnt use the off road capability. The LR3 is a very nice truck with snob appeal. Its certainly no nicer, and certainly does not have the reliability of a GM product. Its expensive, but in line with its competitors. Get the 20" wheels and handling improves impressively.

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  Needed work but worth it. - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By murrayst45 - January 3 - 12:47 pm

  Bought this in fall of 2007 with 60 thousand miles. Pumped a lot more money into it than I thought I would have to, to start out. Wheel hub bearings on both sides. Tie Rod ends. Ball joints. Air conditioner blower motor. u joints. Overhauled front brakes and rotors. This was over a course over 60 thousand more miles I have pumped into it. 122k on it now. I really do like this truck though, I do not pull very much and I love the feel behind the wheel. If it was 4x4 it would be perfect, but its very dependable and hasnt ever broken down on me on the road. Im hoping to get several more miles out of it. Only problem now, the wheels never stay in balance or alignment and I never offroad it.

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  One Poor Truck - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By mllambert@bellsouth.net - January 2 - 12:42 am

  Some of these vehicles have issues knowing when to shift. I have had this truck back to the dealer countless times for this issue. I have even had the region service tech work on the truck twice. The story is the same "it is a characteristic of this model" what a very poor excuse for GMC. They have no idea what they need to do to fix this. I have complained to GM as well as the dealership and NO ONE does anything. I am a very regular buyer of GM vehicles. one every 16-24 months. After this experience I will never own another GM vehicle again or work with the dealership. Thankfully I leased the thing so I can walk away in 36 mo.

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  GMC Yukon Xl Denali - Great truck - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By macman1234 - January 1 - 10:26 pm

  Purchased this SUV in Aug of 2007. Currently have 10k miles without an issue. Runs well, powerful, fun to drive. Very comfortable on long drives. Well equipped. Impressive job by GMC

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  07 Sierra Crew Cab 6.0 Vortec Max - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jon - January 1 - 7:20 pm

  I just go my new 2007 Sierra with the 6.0 Vortec Max 4x2 3 weeks ago. After looking for a truck that has the power and comforts for traveling, the Sierra met my goals. Traveling on the highway I am averaging about 20 and in my normal driving I am averaging about 16. This is better than my previous 04 F150 with the 5.4. The rear locking differential is a huge plus for this truck. Even in the mountains driving up steep gravel roads, I never have any problems. GM did a great job with the new truck.

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  Very Reliable - 1995 GMC Yukon
  By Tom Tearney - January 1 - 9:44 am

  This truck has always run very well and I have performed routine maintenance since I purchased it. I use synthetic motor oil and transmission fluid. With 203,000 miles it still runs quiet in the city and highway. I get 19 mpg highway and 14 mpg city. We have thought about getting rid of it but it is now a great third vehicle that serves many purposes.

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  Best Vehicle we have ever owned - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By donny perry - December 31 - 11:19 am

  We traded a 2004 Yukon all wheel drive to get into this Acadia and my wife has never been happier. She loved her Yukon and did not realy want to get rid of it, but after one test drive of the Acadia she was sold, and I can say we could no be happier with the choice we made. I would recommend this ride to anyone that is looking supreme quality when it comes to ride, looks, and style.