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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  GMC Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Michael - Denver - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I love this SUV. THe only probelm that I have had, and it does concern me, is that the vehicle has already been in the shop twice in the short time I have owned it to repair a pressure value on the air conditioning unit. Outside of that, I am very happy with my new Envoy.

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  Excellent Truck - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Joann OToole - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I am so happy with my Yukon. I was undecided between the Sequoia and the Yukon and I know I made the right choice. The ride is very smooth and non truck like and the performance has been excellent. I dont know why people rate the interior design so low because I think its very nice. Much nicer than the cheep looking brown paneling in the Sequoia. I just cannot say enough about my Yukon. I always purchase foreign and decided to give an american vehicle a try and I am so glad I did because its an excellent truck!

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  excellent - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By b1b - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I do not like up and down adjustment on seats

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  never selling it - 1995 GMC Sierra 1500
  By bubba - September 11 - 5:00 pm

  this truck is perfect for anyone looking for a dependable truck that you can make all the modifications you want. i have had a few problems (expected from a truck with 315000 miles on it) but nothing that cant be fixed yourself. the few problems i had were things that i thought were going to cost a fortune b/c of what the truck was doing. but they were not at all as bad as they seemed. if you are looking this truck is a trooper this is it, i backed in to a 03 cadillac cts it was $8000 of damage to it and all it did to my truck is push in the bumper.

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  The best GMC ever - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Ed @ Barrett - September 11 - 1:56 pm

  I have had GMC products for 30 years and have changed models due only to increasing or decreasing family size. From the GMC conversion van, to the Suburban, to the Yukon, to the Envoy and now to the Acadia. Without a doubt, this vehicle is the nicest, most well equipped, comfortable that I have owned.

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  Denali - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By WiL - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Power with control. Fun truck to drive.

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  what i like about the denali - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By msbiemer - September 6 - 2:00 am

  the denali is a fun suv very comfortabl e great for long distance driving. gas mil eage not bad compared to the size of he engine. a friend of mine recently bought one and he loves it.

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  Denali review - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By jobki - September 6 - 2:00 am

  The first time I climbed in my Denali to test drove it, I knew I had to have it. It is so comfortable to drive- even for a woman. Many cars are built for an average sized man. If you are an an average sized woman then its hard to find such a comfortable riding car. I have had only minor warranty work done on it, therefore it has been extremely reliable. Most importantly, I feel totally safe driving it. It handles well for an SUV except I notice that when I turn a sharp curve, like when exiting the freeway, the tires squeel. Anyway, I would buy another one when this one gets old!

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  Big Boys Toy - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Brandimarte - September 6 - 2:00 am

  This vehicele has been a dream to drive. We went on a cross- country road trip from Connecticut to Vancouver, BC, Canada. The drive was extremely smooth and comfortable and that was with four adults and two pre-teen chidren.

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  This truck is PERFECT!! Never owned GMC. - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By thiink - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Always have owned Toyotas, new Tacoma extended cab (but not enough space), then a 4runner (but not a truck), now I just bought a 2004 GMC 1500 Sierra SLE extended cab 4wd, 5.3L for $28,700 OTD. I wanted to get Tundra Double cab, but too expensive and not really a truck, besides, the newer GMCs (2001 & up) are as good as toyotas in engine quality. Everything was just better in GMC Sierra. Couldnt be happier and satisfied than having this truck.