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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  My first Yukon - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Lucy Fan - February 24 - 2:33 pm

  I absolutely love my Yukon XL. I had two Expeditions prior to this, and I love this more. It pulls our 26 ft. travel trailer like nothing! Its very comfortable for long trips. OnStar is definitely a great safety/security feature. It has some extra special features the Expedition doesnt. I love the extra cargo space. It drives beautifully, and engine is so quiet and smooth running. Freeway mileage is great. This is finally the vehicle I can honestly say fits all my needs. This one is a definite keeper. It can haul kids, grandkids, pets, everyone, and comfortably. Seats 8...What more can I say? Check it out. You wont be sorry!

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  Great Crossover - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Mike - February 21 - 3:00 am

  Purchased approximately two weeks ago, so far not disappointed at all. Interior design is excellent but I have also noticed the glare on the A/C vents mentioned in other reviews but not a serious issue for me. The motor and transmission are extremely smooth and I dont have any problems with the six speed, it wants to get into 5-6 gears as quick as possible but a slight tap on the accelerator down shifts it quickly. Mileage overall is aveaging about 18.5 mpg in a blend of 50% city/highway. A 100 mile interstate trip did deliver 22 and I averaged 75 mph. You cant do that in my 03 Tahoe which I traded.

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  A Great Crossover SUV - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Hung - February 20 - 11:00 am

  I have been driving about three months with over 2000 miles on it. Prior purchasing my Acadia, I have also considered Hondas Pilot and Oddysey on this same year. I love Acadias design, very comfortable. Many useful features on SLT1 vs. SLE model. Gas mileage seems to be more than what it said. My average combined city/highway mileage is 19 mi/g. I did take a long hours trip without stop and traffic. Highway mileage was about 24-25 mi/g. In city or during rush hour traffic, I could get upto 15- 16 mi/g. I really enjoy when driving my Acadia. Comfortable, quiete, sporty feel young compared to minivan.

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  Loving every minute - 2013 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By 2013duramax - February 19 - 9:24 pm

  Love this truck! Not only has there been attention to detail, but no detail has been overlooked. The 6.6L V8 Duramax coupled with the Allison 1000 6 speed tranny is awesome. The comfort level is excellent. Mine is an SLT Crew Cab standard box, Steath Gray with light tan leather. Very impressed with the high tech electronics and trailer brake controller. Although I have not purchased a new truck in over 10 years (my last new one was a 2002 GMC Sierra SLT Duramax) the sticker shock was tolerable! I would recommend this truck to anyone that regularly tows or hauls a sizable load. We have a 29 foot 5th wheel and use it often. I cannot say enough positive things about this rig - Buy One!

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  Updated to new car - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Sandra Swan - February 17 - 1:30 pm

  I simply cannont tell in words how much fun it is to drive this car. I have been a faithful Chevy Blazer driver since 1995 with the same car! Coming from that car to this car gas wasnt an issue. I love all the cargo space and easy to use features. Remote start is a wonderful feature when it is cold outside and your car is warming for you. It is easier to drive in the wind it doesnt blow me around as much. I couldnt think of a better car to come over too if you are a Blazer, Tahoe or other SUV owner without the need for towing. I highly recommend this car to anyone.

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  What a ride! - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By JIm Martin - February 5 - 7:46 pm

  I traded in a 03 Silverado on this truck I loved the silverado but this truck is wonderful, its smooth as glass.I tow a boat and a camper with no problems.The interior is finally where it should be.

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  Great Truck - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Nick C - January 27 - 3:33 pm

  I enjoy driving my truck day in and day out. I have no complaints about it so far. I have only had the truck for about two months now. The 4 wheel drive has tore through everything i have put it up against. Its nice!

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  ENVOY WINS OVER HESITANT SUV CONVERT - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By funits - January 22 - 9:13 am

  Being reluctant to buy an SUV (though I needed one -- living on a dirt road hill in NH), I am pleasantly impressed with my 2002 4WD SLT Envoy. It has matched feature for feature my previous Audi/VW cars -- auto climate control, rain sensing wipers, excellent stereo/CD, excellent seats (power/heated in front), excellent motor/power, smooth transmission, good brakes, lots of cargo space. Though a truck, it handles well and I am comfortable driving the Envoy on highways and "twisty" back roads (though some reviews said the vehicle is "tippy", I find it stable). So far the build and functional quality of the Envoy has been fine. If you need an SUV, check out this one.

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  Wow! - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Chris - January 17 - 11:53 am

  This is my 2nd Yukon XL and my first Denali and this one has been my best vehicle I have ever owned in the 27 years that I have been driving. The comfort cant be beat. Weve driven it from Maine to Florida and back and had not complaints. The power is there when you need it and the gas mileage isnt bad for the size vehicle it is and the comfort. I have had no issues with mechanical problems and its never broken down on me at all. I recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants a lot of vehicle for their money. This beats any import out there as well! Solid vehicle.

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  cant find better - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By stuart green - January 13 - 12:13 am

  i have shopped around in the last few weeks looking for a new truck and i cant find anything i like better than what i have at moment the gmc sierra