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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  Solid Van - 1999 GMC Safari
  By FLEX - March 20 - 1:39 pm

  I bought my 99 with 145k mi and added another 50k.Great for long trips and in-town kid hauling.Only mech prob has been a/c. Engine/Tran are strong at 195k mi. Interior is very resiliant. Looks new. Paint/Body is still good. Nice having big V6 w/ rwd for towing. Also, it can handle a heavy load. built on truck chasis not car so it sits high and good for unimproved roads. dutch doors are great. I think stiffer shocks would help. Front leg room is a bit constrained.

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  Weak drive train - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Hwy363 - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Not a bad truck until the warranty was up. Before then, the only thing to go wrong was the rear door latch adjustment. It worked well in winter (western Canada), got great highway mileage and was reasonably comfortable. For the past two years the following have gone wrong: transmission replaced at 65K, 4WD position sensor replaced three times, tie rods twice, front hubs once. My mileage is 4/5 highway / 1/5 gravel. Its never been driven hard and has had very little mountain driving. Fit and finish are not great but not bad either. Accessories still all work. I bought the truck after having an Olds Alero and Saturn Ion (both had serious drive train issues). I wont buy anything from GM again.

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  Love my new truck - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By GMC Sierra buyer - March 17 - 11:03 am

  I looked at the F150, Titan, and Tundra.The GM trucks were easily the best, and of those two the GMC looks better. I rated my truck a 10 in every category except for fuel economy. I get around 18mpg mixed with the 5.3L 4x4 extended cab, but they said that after a few thousand miles it will improve. So far, only 1700 miles. The ride is great and the remote start has come in handy in warming up the interior these last few weeks. Engine power is good. Transmission is smooth and responsive. The 4x4 is responsive.

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  Really enjoy the Denali - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By dbgindy - March 17 - 9:49 am

  This is the third SUV Ive had in a row and for performance, ride & features this is by far the best. Sure the gas mileage could be a little better but thats the case with almost all mid size SUVs. Ive had mine now for about 6 months and put almost 9500 miles on it with zero problems. Ive not regretted my purchase at all!

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  gmc2005 - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By gmc2005 - March 16 - 9:12 pm

  Drive 80 miles to work one way. Have not been able to drive my truck for 3 weeks, the check engine light came on at 22000 miles, first it was the valve seal that was replaced, drove about 30 miles check engine came on again, next it was the fuel injector twice, then finally the cylinder in the engine went bad all in 1 week. bought the truck 1 year ago. I like the gas mileage. thinking about trading in for something more dependable for my money, back seat not very roomy

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  Truck I have Always Wanted - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Deer Slayer - March 15 - 1:24 pm

  I came to the dealership to see a ZR2 S-10, next to it was this Bright yellow, 2003, GMC Sonoma ZR2. I FEEL IN LOVE WITH IT. I always wanted this truck, this style, this color. Since I bought it I have done some off- roading and some highway driving and have been pleased with it on both ideas. I look forward to driving my truck everyday and find myself, more times then not, when i park it and walk away, turning around and looking at it thinking, WOW!

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  2007 Yukon SLT - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By skylane - March 14 - 5:24 pm

  As a Yukon owner for 6 years, the 2007 Yukon is a striking upgrade. Handling is very solid. Exterior fit and finish are noteworthy. Interior design is intuitive and everything works. I miss the rear "barn doors" of my older version. I appreciate the presence of the air bag curtains. All of the luxury items I sought are combined in this large SUV. Prior to the purchase I drove the BMW X5, the Q-ship and my last test drive was a 2007 Yukon. Exiting the 2007 Yukon, the decision was immediate: 2007 Yukon.

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  Mixed bag - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Mixed Bag - March 13 - 2:43 pm

  Bought the vehicle used for work. Gotta love those GM engineers! $800.00 for wheel bearing replacements every 30,000?!!!? Shoulda read up on the Edmunds Forum! Otherwise so-so performance. 4WD works well. Tight fit for a big guy. Milage for this type of vehicle is not too bad. Avg. 16 if I dont use the 4WD. I bought this based on my excellent experience with a 1999 Silverado, but I dont think Ill buy another Jimmy.

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  Inside road noise annoying - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Georgia Tuchscherer - March 13 - 2:00 am

  My only complaint with my Envoy is that you can hear the road noise penatrate through the vehicle. It sounds like the tires or wind blowing though the rear windows. We also have an air leak on the drivers window. You have to crank up the radio to tune out the noise.

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  Past Grand Cherokee and Explorer Owner - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By JPK - March 13 - 2:00 am

  We just bought our truck a week or so ago and really like it a lot. After having a Jeep for 3 years and an Explorer prior to that, this is definetly the nicest of the 3...We also looked closely at the TrailBlazer but this one just seemed a little bit nicer and road a little smoother.