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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  Was not "Professionial Grade" - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By ENG - August 2 - 11:05 am

  This was our third and last Yukon. This one was a loaded SLT with a 49K price tag. Wifes car, never off the pavement. At 42K miles the transfer case failed. Was at dealer for 3 weeks. At 51K miles, transfer case noise,same problem,another new transfer case. Squeeks and rattles at 32K miles. Electricial issues since the first month. Vehicle loses all preset data. Tire air sensers fail constantly. I will not buy another one. Pathetic fuel economy, but will pull a house.

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  Tired of crossovers - 2012 GMC Yukon XL
  By npdan - August 2 - 12:03 am

  After trying crossovers, we are back to our much loved Suburban/Yukon XL vehicles. Nothing matches these vehicles for comfort, value and modest cost of operation. They are bullet proof and supremely comfortable. I cannot agree with Edmunds suggestion that the midsized Acadia, Enclave or Traverse is a viable replacement. ONLY, if you sit in the front seats. The second row seats in these vehicles are some of the most uncomfortable seats in any vehicle made. And for all this loss of comfort, size and seat comfort, you gain a miseable 1-2 mpg. Not worth it. Before you buy your GM crossover, test drive a new Yukon or Yukon XL back to back with a new Acadia, Enclave or Traverse.

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  Love it! - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By jap - August 1 - 2:13 pm

  After many weeks of searching the internet for the perfect vehicle for me, I finally chose the GMC Envoy. Not only did I love the looks, but the ride is very quiet and smooth.

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  Still have it - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By R Buck - July 31 - 3:24 pm

  Bought new in late 2000. Have driven it back and forth from FL to NH without problems. I see others have had battery problems like me. Fuel pump went just after warranty expired. GM did pay for parts, but there was $300 labor paid by me. Still only have less than 40,000 mi on it. Highway mileage has been as high as 23mpg. Averages about 20. Pickup is very good. Paint and finish still like new, but then this car is stored inside winters. It is 2wd, but we take it everywhere on dirt roads and such in NH. Has never stranded us yet. Ours has overabundance of factory cladding and running boards. With that good finish, and those extras it passes as a new vehicle as no-one is sure what it is.

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  A long 5 years - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Maryland - July 30 - 9:10 am

  I bought this in late 2002 new with a custom Denali grille. I had to choose between the Envoy, Acura MDX and Honda Pilot. I decided I did not want to buy that Asian rubbish and went for the Envoy. At 4500 miles I had severe engine failure. I needed a rental for four months. After that, everything was fine. On premium gas all I was got 11mpg! The interior is not that functional especially the seatbelts. Windnoise is tremendous. Ride is very comfortable though. I would not consider it a bad experience, I would gladly take this over an Asian car. I finally traded it in for a BMW X3 which is also a great car.

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  I Love My Jimmy - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By burrningrubber - July 28 - 11:23 pm

  The SUV is very reliable. All the parts are cheap. The SUV has 128,000 miles on it and the transmission hasnt shown any wear. The engine was build to last and no leaks or smoke out the exhaust. It doesn’t fall apart like the Blazer.

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  Great ride! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Cahill - July 27 - 2:23 pm

  Much more room than my previous Envoy. Mileage has been tracking at 19.5 for 50/50 city /highway. Right at 22 plus highway only. The 6 speed tranny works smoothly on flat or downhill roads. Uphill it tends to shift up a bit too soon but it just takes a bit to get uesed to it. Its a minor issue considering the mileage performance. Very quiet ride.

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  PROBLEMS WITH THE INTERIOR OF THE TRUCK - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By CMR2366 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY CAR BUT THE ONLY THING IS THE PAINT ON THE INSIDE BY THE GLOVE BOX IS ALREADY PEELING OFF ive only had my truck for four years and this is already happening but other than that everything else is great.

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  Love it after 100K miles - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By safeman - July 26 - 12:44 pm

  Have had the truck for 5 years and have a little over 111,000 miles on it. Other than regular maintenance, have not had to repair anything. Got 105,000 miles on the original tires! Extremely reliable. Rides as well today as when I first bought it. Had an accident in it at 80 mph on I-95. I was hit in the passenger door, spun 180 degrees and slid across 3 lanes of oncoming traffic. I ended up facing the wrong way on the opposite shoulder of the interstate. The truck was rock solid during the entire ordeal. The truck still looks good, runs well and is comfortable. It still gets 20 mpg. After reading some of the earlier comments, I wonder whether we are talking about the same vehicle.

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  I love my truck - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By KRIS - July 24 - 9:56 am

  I have had my truck for 2 years it has about 150k miles on it and I have not had hardly any problems out of it what so ever. This has been a great truck all around. Im impressed with my gas miliage also I still get about 18-20 in the city and and 22-24 on the hwy I guess. For the age and mileage this is still wonderful. I would definitely buy another truck like this and recomend them to friends and family. I also can tell you that this truck holds its own in wrecks. I have been in 1 wreck in this truck and it held together very well better than some bigger trucks that I have seen! The damage and the cost of repair were pretty minimum for the wreck.