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 - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By gtsxtt - January 10 - 1:43 am

  This SUV has only left me stranded when the alternator went out. I bought a new one 100$. The pitman arm was bad and caused swaying all over the road and unresponsive steering replaced it and it was all fixed. I am now at 102,000 miles and have had no other problems. I have maintained it myself per gm suggestions and it still runs like new no smoke or anything, I get 25mpg on premium when light on the throttle. Not much bad I can say about the vehicle. just maintain them and theyll run a long time. It has got me through 6 winters some snow ice and mud and a bunch of hills.

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  Ill be sad to see it go - 2000 GMC Safari
  By Devo - January 9 - 2:37 pm

  And here I promised myself I wouldnt get attached to this vehicle! We bought it less than 4 years ago when we were expecting our 5th child, knowing we would likely outgrow it in a few years. But I LOVE this van. The battery & alternator have been replaced since we bought it. Otherwise, nothing but regular maintenance. After our 1998 F-150, some of the peripherals like door handles, locks, seatbelt guides feel a bit "cheap" (lighter weight plastic, a few rattles), but its still holding up fine at 150k. We are now expecting our 7th child so will be moving on to a 15 passenger.

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  Expensive to Drive/Radiator, Heat Proble - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By Lexmark - January 9 - 12:20 pm

  Lot of problems with radiator, water pump, thermostat and heater coil because of red antifreeze damage. There were recalls by GMC on red antifreeze and law suites against GMC, but I bought used, did not know about this an the dealer of course never mentioned any problems. Car was owned previously by a Doctor who could afford the extra maintenance. One month after purchase, It needed a water pump. It Needs a 120.00 radiator flush every 3 mo. or so to keep down rust build up in raditor. Red rust is so thick it looks like wet red clay dirt and clogs up the heater coil and water pump, heat wont work. I would not recommend that anyone buy a car that uses red antifreeze. Dont walk, run away!

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  watch out - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By drenee - January 7 - 11:45 am

  My acadia has been in the shop numerous times. 4th time for leaking sun roof- dealership says that water is supposed to run into the sunroof and as long as the drains are free (mine have already been clogged) it will be ok- who designs a car that has water coming into your sunroof? Ive had back bumper tightened, inside door panels tightened. Gone through 4 radios w/ nav already. Window clips have been forgotten to be put on at factory. Have had rattle in dashboard for over a year. Can not seem to stop the issue. Window are now rattling. DO NOT buy this vehicle. I love the look- I love the performance, but it is not worth the frustrations

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  Still no remorse! - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By SO Cal Man - January 3 - 8:15 pm

  This car/truck is a very good vehicle for the money. I have not had any issues with features or functions everthing works as expected. My kids love the Acadia and I still gets double looks from people on the street. I looked at all the others Acura MDX, Mazda CX9, Lexus RX, Ford Flex and read all the reviews but kept coming back to the Acadia. The styling and features are very impressive.

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  Not that bad - 2010 GMC Canyon
  By juliancasta - January 3 - 2:47 pm

  I wanted a small truck to haul small loads. I wanted an American truck. So far its not that bad, its really good on the highway, not that much noise. The seats could be better, but they are ok. The cd player though does have an old style to it. One weird thing, on the armrest there is a cassette tape case holder. Who uses cassettes anymore, its a waste of space. Its easy to drive, my wife likes to drive it. It needs a place for your change, you dont have a storage place on the dash for your change or anything important. I havent yet taken it offroad.

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  2 years with 2008 Denali - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By Jay - January 2 - 4:49 pm

  Best SUV I have owned yet. Last three SUVs were Tahoes and a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I am innpressed with the creature comforts. After driving, and towing with the 6.2 liter engine I would never go back to the 5.3 liter engine. My commute is mostly highway and I average 16.5 at 70 MPH. 10 MPG towing the boat. Two problems a sticky back door lock and non sticky gas door cover that keeps opening. I have not had the dealer look at them, as I have yet go back to the dealer with 38K miles in two years.

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  eh not bad - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By tom - December 25 - 8:42 pm

  pricey compared to foreign models with all the bells and whisles(4 runner, pilot). little things at $44k, like memory seats, tilt mirrors in reverse, anti hill roll, trailer tow, and navigation. I bought it because I did get good pricing and I liked the look. outward rear visability poor. I traded in a 2003 suburban I averaged 14.2 mpg. I am a shocked,7 model yrs later mpg is only slightly better. It doesnt sound solid when you close the front doors. close the front doors on a honda pilot, wow. I have only 400 miles so far so well see if it grows on me.

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  Solid Purchase - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By JSchaeffer - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this vehicle in 2002; serves as my company car and also family trip wagon. Engine and transmission very solid, good handling for a platform of this size. Avg 19mpg interstate, about 14 in town. 4WD very effective on ski trips; upgraded from Firestone to Michelin at 50K miles - worth the extra cost in ride and reduced noise

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  Family Truck/ Cost in Gas - 1995 GMC Suburban
  By GMC owner - December 22 - 12:55 pm

  Bought in 2008, This truck is a great truck , does everything including great cargo space. plenty of room for a growing family like mine. I have right now over 207k on the original engine and cranks everyday, had to replace brakes more than twice, but thats it. I have put about 50k on the engine. It has very poor gasoline, as you can imagine. takes 100.00 a week to keep going. That will break you over time. I am going to park it or sell it now because of that. And it needs some repair.