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 Hit a Homerun with this Denali - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Big_Dell - March 6 - 4:13 am

  This vehicle has set new standards for me. I am a Suburban driver so I am new to the GMC family. This truck is really nice to drive so comfortable when on a long trip or in town. The Bose radio system has unbelievable sound. My Denali has every option you can get and they all have been great. The only thing is with the price of gas today the mileage could be better. But if I would have wanted 30 mpg I would have gotten a Honda or a small car. I just got 18.2 mpg on trip with the air conditioning on. Don’t be afraid of gas mileage with this truck. The performance with the 380 hp engine has plenty of power for you.

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  One for the seasons - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By rj stading - March 6 - 2:03 am

  The Pacific NW has lots of variations. Rain, snow, sunshine, mountains, deserts, beaches, forests. The Yukon XL takes your family and friends wherever you want to go, whenever, in the safety of a solid rig with stability and protection. The new one really does get 18-20 mpg on the highway at 65+ mph, provided you dont jump on it when you start out.

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  New Denali - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By New Denali - March 5 - 8:27 pm

  Traded in a 1999 Landcruiser for first GM vehicle. Tentative about leaving Toyota quality, but absolutely love the new Denali. The ride, engine and luxury is everything I wanted. I am glad to see GM step up and delivery a US vehicle that can challenge anything in the market.

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  Kevin2000 - 2000 GMC Sonoma
  By kevin2000 - March 5 - 6:50 pm

  I have had my truck for 4 months and I have put on over 9000 miles on it with no problems. It is fun to drive, has excellent acceleration and is easy to drive.

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  Still getting used to it - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By BONK - March 5 - 10:06 am

  2000 miles in 6 weeks. Vehicle runs great, and is quick. Reminds me of a Grand AM GT with the space of an SUV. Looking forward to many miles of enjoyment.

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  Love This CUV! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Judy - March 5 - 8:10 am

  The Acadia is one great vehicle! Gas mileage is averaging about 21 mpg combined city and highway driving which is great for that size vehicle. I love the way it looks and handles. Easily makes sharp turns and parking is a breeze. Go GM!

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  Best truck I ever owned is a GM brand. - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By AJs - March 3 - 7:20 pm

  I love the way the truck handles, and the way it has such good pick up when you are out on the road. You kick it in, and it will rock. The sound system is great. I love cruising down the road, rocking to whatever I choose. It is just a great machine to drive. I truly do love this GMC truck.

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  Lots of space for the kids and cargo - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By mikehw - March 3 - 10:00 am

  This SUV just has all what a big family can wish for. There are plenty of cargo space even with 3 row seat in use. It handles very safely, but it takes a little getting use to parking due to the size of this SUV. Gas milage could be better but what can one expect of a SUV this size with a 6L V8. Its very quite even at high speed.

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  GMC Sierra - 2008 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  By Jack - March 2 - 2:06 pm

  The GMC truck is a great truck to own. Ive had it for a few months now and so far its been a good experience. Its the first time Ive had a truck with four-wheel drive and with the winter weve had, I dont know how I managed without it! The handling is excellent for a vehicle its size. Gas mileage is acceptable for this type of vehicle (3500 HD). I would certainly buy another GMC vehicle again and recommend it highly.

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  What happened? - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By groggybob - March 2 - 6:46 am

  loved the truck until exactly 40,000 miles. Right out of warranty the sun shell in the transmission wore out. Repaired it for $500 in parts myself. Non-mechanics will find no one to do it, and if they do, likely triple the cost. Also had a ticking sound like a valve from about 20,000 miles. The dealership happily checked it out and even replaced the lifters as a best guess. That lasted 100 miles and the sound returned. Seems to not affect anything and can be heard on only a few of the trucks. Unless you haul, dont get the hauling suspension. You can easily load the bed with solid rock and roll down the interstate like it wasnt even there.