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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  Great Truck!! - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500
  By John11 - February 21 - 10:00 am

  I have not logged too many miles yet (about 1000), but my first impression is this truck meets high quality standards. I have not found anything that needs tightning, fixing, or changing and I have looked under inside and around this vehicle.

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  I love my truck - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By KLS - February 21 - 10:00 am

  The best vehicle Ive ever owned. Comfortable, stylish, nice ride, better turning ratius then the past years! I love it.

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  Wind Noise Annoying - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Arnetta - February 16 - 8:56 am

  I like my Yukon, it is easy to manuever and I like to drive it. I previously owned a 1995 Yukon XL and still have it running in good condition at over 200,000 miles. It is more sturdy than the 2007 and I thought that I was getting the same value when I bought my 2007. I having problems with the automatic start though and my lights in the interior coming on when I unlock and open the doors.

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  Best Ive Ever Owned! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Norman - February 12 - 7:50 pm

  I am very pleased with the Acadia. I have owned two minivans, four japanese imports, and one German, and the Acadia is the best. I took it on a trip and put 2500 miles on it in one week and rode like a luxury vehicle. The options are comparable with luxury brands without the cost. The mileage is respectable, giving me 14.7 per gallon in mostly city driving. I love the XM and comfort of the seating, as I am 6 feet and over 300 pounds.

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  dependable ride - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By alphonse - February 5 - 2:13 pm

  purchased new in 01,in 8 yrs the truck has had very few problems. passenger side seat belt tightens up on its own, & the interior light switch had a short.Oe tires had to be replaced at 35k, & the on star system is no longer compatible with the new digital system. fuel mileage averages about 17 in mixed driving, 20mpg is achievable on long highway travel.I would buy another gmc if we wear this one out, brakes still have about 60% life left.

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  Ticking noise - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By peter gould - January 26 - 12:43 am

  Has any one out there herd a noise like a ticking comeing from the front of the moter of a 4 banger Terrian SLT2 when you first start up in the morning and later on in the day when the engin is hot you may hear it if you walking bay the front end well it is still running.a ticking noise on the four banger.It sounds like a valve lifter noise when you my hear it. Thanks

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  Still the "Gold Standard" - 2012 GMC Yukon XL
  By npdan - January 25 - 3:12 am

  We ventured into the "midsize", or as the Edmunds reviewers say "Perfect size for most"....SUVs. We tested an Acadia, Enclave and ended up buying a new 2011 Lincoln MKT. That didnt last quite a year until we now have found ourselves back into a full sized GMC Yukon XL and we absolutely love all aspects of the vehicle. So comfortable, delightful seats and SPACE. Still hard to beat a full sized vehicle if, like us, you do lots of traveling on the open road. Never attempt to sit in the second row seats of GMs midsize offerings (Traverse, Acadia and Enclave) if you are (1) over 5 tall or (2) over the age of 12! Those have to be the most uncomfortable seats made in a modern vehicle!

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  Dream Car - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By Lynn Repp - January 23 - 6:30 am

  I Love this SUV & would never get rid of it if it werent for gas prices. One of the most comfortable & reliable cars ever. Love it! Love it! I always feel safe in it and it is the best on trips! Only had one problem with a fuel pump at the very beginning & had to replace it, but factory refunded my money. Also the emergency brake sticks & have had it in several times for that. Otherwise I really love this SUV!

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  happy!! - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By casey - January 22 - 12:33 am

  I love this truck only had it a year, but 4 wheel steering should come standard on all cars and trucks.The interior is great. The look is even better!! The power of the 6 liter is awsome. Fuel mileage is not so good, but I guess you have to give up something for all the power. Theses trucks have all the bells and whistles This is truly a sports car in a truck skin! Only downside is I cant afford 2

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  GM screws us all... - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Jonathan - January 21 - 10:24 pm

  Second child is here and we need more seats, and some help in the snow. Never did we expect after seeing the style and clear quality of the Acadia that 2007 was actually the first year. Wow, we were stunned, and actually expected some kind of hidden problem since this truck had not only a whole bunch of options (Its the SLT-2 trim, after all), but met our needs and was well within our budget. It even had decent miles. They had to be hiding something... They were... Problem #1: The moonroofs/sunroofs/whatever "roof windows" leak. Both of them. Theyre made to allow a small amount of water to seep behind them, and then drain out via hoses. They both leaked making water come showering into the cabin whenever hitting the brakes too hard. This led to water somehow getting into the dash and blowing out the amp for all the sounds in the truck, and I do mean all the sounds including not only the radio system, but the door chime, warning dings, and even the clicking of the directional signals. Not a cheap fix, and GM KNOWS ABOUT IT for a very long time and done nothing but screw its customers. They released a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) that not only shows mechanics how to fix it, but PROVES THEY KNOW IT IS THEIR DESIGN FLAW. Problem #2: GM also is very aware of this design flaw. The wheel well liners are not long enough and do not protect the serpentine belt system from sudden rushes of water. Hitting a small puddle can render your steering absolutely useless and is VERY DANGEROUS! You have to go buy yourself new wheel well liners and have them installed at your expense even though the mechanic gave me a copy of that TSB also. Theyve known how dangerous it was all along, but are NOT willing to help. The positive things to note are that everything else runs as expected. The truck drives like a car and fits everywhere while having room for EITHER 7 people OR cargo. Its a solid machine with