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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  mvsuv - 1998 GMC Yukon
  By suv - August 4 - 2:00 am

  did not like the suv until we test drove it.

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  A Do-it-All Vehicle - 2002 GMC Safari
  By NJGuy07719 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I looked at almost every full-size SUV and they were all to expensive and had limited cargo room. Suddenly, I saw the GMC Safari. The Safari does it all and does it well. It has more cargo room than a Ford Expedition and a Chevy Surburban and it was $12,000+ cheaper than either of the two. The only options I did NOT get were AWD, leather, and the homelink. I use my Safari to transport DJ equipment, tow a 27 foot boat, and take Sunday drives with family & friends. I average 16 MPG city and 21-22 hwy, thanks to a K&N filter and a Dynomax muffler. My only complaint is front legroom. Since I am 57", its not too bad.

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  Super Sonoma - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By dale_3 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought this Sonoma after a crazy woman turned directly into the path of my 96 Sonoma. The only complaint I have is with the stock General tires. Replacing with a softer compound increases performance and ride. No problems at all with my truck, I have a long commute to work and it has performed flawlessly. I do find just a bit of weight in the bed helps with everyday driving. The controls and comfort are good, the engine is incredibly strong. I highly reccomend this truck.

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  Nice Ride - No Fatigue - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Primus - July 31 - 12:16 am

  I have previously owned 2 first gen Toyota Tundras. I was skeptical in going American but this was the only truck in the size range I wanted or that would fit between my narrow garage doors. I purchased the Canyon over the Colorado because some of its features cannot be had on the Colorado (look at the instrument cluster) and the dealership prices for each were basically the same. I have the All Terr edition which I highly recommend and also have 4 wd as I live in CO. I drive up and down a lot of hills and get combined driving MPG of about 23.7. My old Tundras got 16. The MPG drops significantly when motoring over 80 mph, but the truck feels fine at that speed. The fit and finish have been fine and I have had truck for 8 months and have not yet been to the dealership. The two issues I am changing on the truck are a. low front end which I have raised with an aftermarket kit and b. shift points of the transmission drive me nuts when going up small hills and again have gone with an aftermarket computer override. I know that GM in 2017 is changing the engine (adding 3 HP and a little torque) and transmission but I cant imagine an 8 spd transmission will be well programmed for this truck. I guess we will have to wait and see. I did not opt for the diesel because it was so much more expensive and I do not trust GM with such a new engine for this market.

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  Love my Sonoma - 1997 GMC Sonoma
  By AceBalboa - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 97 Sonoma 4x4 new and have enjoyed driving it ever since. It feels a little sluggish in the city at times, but thats to be expected with most trucks. This truck handles very well on the highway, especially in the mountains. The V6 has enough power to make climbing hills and passing a breeze, even when loaded. If I decide to buy a new truck any time soon, it will most likely be another Sonoma.

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  Good Used Vehicle - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By johnb - July 29 - 2:00 am

  reliable classy car, only negative is brakes are mushy.

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  Work Truck Z82 Priceless - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By rendog - July 28 - 5:23 am

  Best truck for the buck. 98% of this truck life has been pulling a 3.5ton trailer on the hills of western PA. Its like an old hound dog ready to work. Its powerful and comfortable for the wife and kids. Handles like a long Camaro. I get about 18.8mpg @ 72mph and about 13 combined when towing. Rented a diesel but it has too much torque for stop & go. Get props every time I stop for its true work look. Only 2 problems, TPMS and an exhaust gasket failed.

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  Miss Pretty - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Lorie Velasquez - July 27 - 10:23 pm

  After driving my 1993 GMC extended cab for 15 years I decided to go shopping I found a deep crimson metallic gmc crew cab 4 wheel drive I kept going back and looking for about 3 months then I took it for a test drive and I had to have it I think this is a beautiful tough truck I can dress like a lady and go out on the town or I can get nasty dirty and and load it up with what ever and it never fails me I love the security of onstar and the enjoyment of xm radio.I get alot of compliments on how pretty my truck is my friends at work have named her Miss Pretty

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  2002 Sonoma ZR5 - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By SlickDaddy - July 26 - 2:00 am

  The ZR5 appearance package, $1400, adds a roof rack, bed rails, upgraded wheels, and full length side steps. The S10 uses black, but the GMC uses brushed aluminum and looks much better.

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  Great car - 1990 GMC Safari
  By LostANDFound86 - July 25 - 2:00 am

  My family has owned this vehicle since we bought it new in 1989. I recently took ownership when i got my drivers license and it is a great vehicle. It is powerful and great for passing on the freeway. It is also VERY reliable. With 91,000 miles on it, the only problem weve had is the piece of plastic that holds the dimmer switch in place. It handles great and is easier to park than my moms Pontiac Bonneville. It has plenty of room for all my friends. The seats are comfortable and the air conditioning is ice cold. Great vehicle that gives me NO problems.