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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  I Just Love It - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Gayle Davis - August 8 - 9:30 pm

  Even the gas mileage has been better then the sticker claims. No problems at all now at 25,000 miles. No disappointments at all.

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  DENALI Review - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By jmoriarty - August 8 - 10:00 am

  Bought for safety but Denali doesnt tell driver when kids have left a passenger door ajar(only the liftgate). My 1980 Honda told me when the door was ajar!! When low on mileage the Denali doesn;lt tell you how many miles left..It just says "low fuel" this is aggravating as you dont know when you really are going torun out after less than 39 miles left in tank Plastic breaks..$50K vehicle and pwoer utility covers are flimsy and break easily with kids...too much plastic for the price. My BMW X5 has much better craftsmanship amd features for same $

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  excellent - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By manuel - August 8 - 10:00 am

  i found this vehicle to be far superior to its compeditor the excursion in all aspects including style, comfort, and handling.

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  I absolutely Recommend the Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Colombiano - August 8 - 10:00 am

  Rides great. Looks great. Fun to drive. Had two problems and dealer fixed both repairs with no problems to me. Feels and looks like it is built tough and sturdy. The gas mileage is bad. GMC states it gets 15/20, but I get only 12- 13 driving around my town and 15-16 on the expressway to work. Insurance is cheap. I feel that Onstar is too expensive. Would like to use it and the telephone , but it is cheaper to just have a cedular phone instead. GM should lower the prices for everthing related with Onstar and I am sure they would get more customers. Wind noise not that noticable.

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  First buying experience! - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Danielle Munoz - August 7 - 8:45 pm

  Fantastic car buying experience! The staff was absolutely amazing and made sure we drove away happy. The GMC Acadia Denali is THE BEST on the market with its incredible safety features and technology package!

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  Everything I expected - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By barr - August 7 - 8:39 pm

  I bought this SUV new from the dealership in 2001. I now have 90,000 miles on it. I get around 18 MPG city and 22 highway and I love to hit the gas. The biggest problem I had, was needing new tires at 28,000 miles. Was told that it helps keep the cost down to build them. This is a great SUV and will keep it for a long time.

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  I LOVE MY DENALI - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By Denali Lover - August 6 - 12:43 am

  Ive driven this vehicle up mountain roads, cross-country, my own driveway 1.5 miles and a 1,500 climb in elevation in snow, sleet, rain, ice, black ice and it has never failed me. I am in love with this extraordinary vehicle. Comfortable, heated seats, dvd player for the grandkids, manuverability, tight turns, easy to park, manage and haul anything. Ive never had a problem with it. Forget everything else, Id buy this all over again. 15.6 mpg at 4,500 average elevation and I am safe. I traded in a 1998 Suburban that my Son still drives, our rigs are trouble free, no problems, change oil every 3,000 miles and youre good to go. GMC youve got me.

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  I must be one of the lucky ones - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By e5husmc - August 5 - 5:49 pm

  Bought vehicle with 5000 miles on it in 98. We have used it to pull a 2600 lbs bass boat and my wife drives it everyday. Replaced alternator around 80,000, replaced A/C compressor and right front wheel hub around 127000, and I am now putting in my 4th battery. These are normal problems with a vehicle with high mileage. Also had to take out turn signal switch a clean it to make it stop clicking. Rides nice, back seats are big enough for children but kinda tight for adults. Overall has been a good vehicle.

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  OK - Ill buy another US vehicle - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By tony - August 3 - 11:26 am

  I have never owned an American vehicle, but really liked the looks of the Acadia. Incredibly, the other vehicle I was considering was the Mercedes C class. After 7,000 miles/4 months, I still have not heard one squeak or rattle, and the car drives possibly better than my original test drive.

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  Great lil truck - 1991 GMC Sonoma
  By dxfhd - August 3 - 1:59 am

  I had it only a little while now but its going great. I had a short on the oil pressure sensor but aside that its perfect. Keep an eye out for rotten beds, the boxes that bolt the cab to the frame and the rear of the front wheel wells. They also have a habit of the door pins wearing out but thats only about 5$ to fix. If you dont have winter you should be all good. If youre not 4x4 be careful on wet roads as the truck wants to let the back hang loose on left turns snow dont matter much with a couple of sandbags. Ive driven a few trucks and this has to be my favorite. Good on gas, acceleration, and hauling heavy loads.