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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  ONE AWESOME SUV - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By kris - April 12 - 2:00 am

  DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR I DONT THINK YOU CAN GET A BETTER SUV. YOU CAN TELL THERE HORSES UNDER THE HOOD. AND NO NEED TO WORRY ABOUT SPINNING YOUR TIRES IN A PINCH THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE TAKES THAT SCARE AWAY. IT WAS NICE GETTING A VEHICLE THAT HAD EVERYTHING ALREADY. YOU DONT HAVE UPGRADE ANYTHING,NOT EVEN THE STEREO. THE BOSE WITH SUBWOOFER DOSE THE TRICK. THIS VECHILE HAS WAY TOO MANY FEATURES TO LIST. MY FAMILY LOVES THE HEATED SEATS AND TV SCREENS. GOOD JOB GMC.

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  Best PU on the road - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By denali owner - April 11 - 11:00 pm

  This truck has the comforts of a car, and the abilities of a truck. Interior is comfortable, and it will haul and tow like nobodys business. 4 wheel steering is amazing! You can u- turn on the average city street and the manueverability in parking lots is unbelievable. Drive one. Try to drive something else. Enough said.

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  My first SUV! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By ranchan80 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  After looking at other SUVs, including the QX4, the highlander, and the RX- 300, I found that the Envoy fit my needs the best! The looks, the performance, and the price won me over. I have had it for about 6000 miles right now, and not a thing wrong with it! Just experienced a horrible Nebraska winter, and the Envoy handled it with ease! Glad i bought it!

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  1999 3/4 ton diesel suburban - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By camwatt1 - April 9 - 2:00 am

  This has got to be one og the most versatile vehicles for the dollar. Excellent gas milage, huge towing capacity and comfortable seating for 8 as well as a truly safe feeling no matter what the driving condition.

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  Good little truck - 1994 GMC Jimmy
  By BuffDriver - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 1994 GMC Jimmy SLS from September of 1998 through May of 2003 and it has been an extremely reliable, powerful little SUV. Ive only had to do routine maintenance and the replacement of the instrument panel. I recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Fill it up with Kids! - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Noahsarc - April 6 - 10:00 am

  This truck has lots of room for kids. Much better than a minivan and my wife is not afraid of driving big trucks. The 2003 models came a long way since its new body style in 2000. To much improvements to name. The gas mileage is expected considering its size, but the mileage increases after a couple of oil changes. It handles very well for its size and a smooth comfortable ride. But be careful, you dont realize you are driving 75 mph until you look at the speedometer.

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  Love my Acadia - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By EP - April 5 - 5:20 pm

  Best vehicle I have ever owned. It is so comfortable especially on a long trip. It handles like a champ. If you want more plush look at Enclave as well. Friend sold his Lexus for Enclave after driving my Acadia and loves his too. No regrets.

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  a good family van - 2001 GMC Safari
  By jenj1971 - April 5 - 2:00 am

  this is a very reliable van for large families. my kids love the rear radio.

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  2003 Yukon Lover - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By garytee5225 - April 5 - 2:00 am

  The Yukon is such a nice, plush vehicle. It really is fun to drive and extremely comfortable. Lots of power and the interior is nice as well. The interior could use more accents such as wood trim or aluminum, but it still blows away the competition in terms of class and space.

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  GREAT TRUCK/SUV - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By LRLUV2US - April 5 - 2:00 am

  I CAN TELL YOU SO FAR SO GREAT!!!!! :) I LOVE THE WAY MY NEW ENVOY DRIVES I BOUGHT IT A YEAR OLD AND THE PERSON WHO OWNED IT BEFORE ME TOOK CARE OF IT LIKE A BABY.... AND THE DVD/TV IS A GOD SEND WITH KIDS!!!:) THIS CAR IS GREA AND I HAVE BEEN HAPPY WITH IT..