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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  More Storage Please - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By E - April 28 - 11:07 pm

  Just bought the 07 Yukon and it has been great to drive thus far, very big and spacious on the inside. Of course the gas mileage is horrible especially in the city so beware! Also, if you have kids and want storage for stuff this is not the SUV for you because there is no storage, only in the front console. Check it out for yourself.

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  Great truck - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Elijah Marks - April 26 - 8:11 pm

  This is a solid truck. The power is awesome. It is comfortable on long trips and has a good amount of room. It is fun to drive and handles well and has excellent brakes.

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  knocking noise and wires - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By primetime - April 26 - 6:13 pm

  within the last year since I hd my sierra around 48,000 miles as I began to accelerate after I had been at a light or stop sign I am been getting a knock or a clunk as if the u joint is bad. also when I took it in for service because the engine light at 35000 miles Dealership told me it was rodent damages. This is an excuse after talking to other sierra owners it was just faulty wires that GM put on trucks. I wont buy another, after 3chevys and a gmc I am going to ford.

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  Great Truck! - 2007 GMC Canyon
  By Ed - April 25 - 8:47 am

  This is my first Canyon and I love it. It has great towing capability and I get a lot of standard features on a base model like remote keyless entry, cruise control, and intermittent wipers. I also opted for XM satellite radio. This is great, because Toyota makes you pay extra on the Tacoma for keyless entry and cruise control. Canyon even gives me a leather wrapped steering.

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  Tried the rest bought the best - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By rjgnwdc - April 25 - 8:27 am

  I bought it 03/23 I have about 2050 miles and they are excellent miles. This is a road machine, you set up in a commanding position, ride comfort and handling prowess are all superior, It has a very confident and agile feel to it while rolling down the highway, has 18” wheels and responses very well to rapid moves. The inline 6 cy 4.2 liter w\291hp is extremely responsive when you need it. The Envoy is a very quiet ride, wind and road noise are minimal.

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  Safari van - 1999 GMC Safari
  By safariowner - April 24 - 1:59 pm

  I have owned Safaris since 1986, have been reliable vehicles. Good gas mileage for the 1999 unit, no problems except for A/C repair at 65,000 mi and brakes and front idler arms every 35,000 mi.

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  Perfect Denali - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Bababooey - April 23 - 6:16 pm

  A perfect combination of power and looks. You feel like king of the road when you are sitting high on the 20" wheels, hit the gas and feel the Denali take off, and listen to the Bose sound system. The rear camera and tight turning radius makes it easy to back into any suitable space. GM has finally created an interior that competes with any import.

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  Runs forever - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By Jeff - April 23 - 2:23 am

  I bought this truck from my father in law. Its a 1998 2.2 4cyl 5spd. He bought it with 99k miles on it. I bought it from him with 185k miles on it and am now at 246,000 miles. Its had 2 clutches put in and 2 fuel pumps in its lifetime besides normal maintenance. Just keeps running. I bought it just to have a truck accessible when needed but now I drive it all the time. I am hoping to get to 300,000 miles just because. Shouldnt be a problem though. Tough little truck but nothing special. When or if it dies, I am prob. going to go on craigslist and buy another one for 3k bucks because its more than worth the money. I drive about 50miles a day and average about 26mpg out of a full tank of gas..

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  2005 GMC Envoy SLE - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Lori - April 21 - 4:39 pm

  Very bad gas mileage but rides better than a car. Minor mechanical problems that can never be duplicated when taken to the dealership. Great for driving in rain. Handles well.

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  Great Truck!! - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Mike C. - April 21 - 3:16 pm

  My 1st GMC Truck. I test drove a Dodge, Ford, and Silverado. This truck runs excellent. Rides nice, Lots of room and it is fun to drive. Towing is exceptional, I have hauled 1/2 ton of sand with no problem. Gas mileage is good for as heavy as the vehicle is. Clear view of all vehicle traffic while driving on to all intersections and from yield signs.