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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  Impressed! - 2016 GMC Yukon XL
  By Albert - December 4 - 10:48 am

  I had narrowed it down to the GMC Yukon SLT and the up coming Armada/QX80. I was impressed with the interior and ride, and it cost less. The styling was also something that I preferred over the Nissan products and some of the features. Such as; Adjustable Pedals, lower rear end gear ratio on the HD tow package, easier to get into third row seat, proven engine and 6 speed auto, standard 18" wheels ( better for towing) and interior lay out. My wife is so happy with the Yukon, that I think she would live in it.

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  Great, but in need of some perf options - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By David - November 21 - 1:50 pm

  Highest quality of any GM pickup Ive ever owned (74, 87, 89, 92). Not a rattle/buzz anywhere. HO 5.3L runs better than the 454 in that 74 shortbed 2wd, though Ive had the PCM custom tuned and running 4.10 gears. I also changed the OEM alloys with 265/70s for 20x9.5" & 305/50 Avons. Handling astonishingly improved and quieter!

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  WOW! Lovin my Yukon XL - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By Steeevo49 - November 21 - 2:00 am

  My 2001 GMC Yukon XL is, in a word, FANTASTIC!!! It does everything I ask of it, from smoothly cruising down the freeway at speed to climbing the snowy Sierra Nevada Mountains off road. Dry, wet, muddy, snowy roads are all handled with ease. It holds seven passengers and their baggage VERY comfortably, or those 4 X 8 sheets of plywood I frequently need to load into it. And it rides and handles under any load supremely. Its comfort and versatility are beyond compare. OK, so the gas mileage is what it is, I didnt buy a Geo Metro, so Im not expecting 60 miles per gallon. the bottom line: Im extremely happy with my Yukon XL.

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  I love my new Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By RRY - November 17 - 5:53 am

  Ive had the Terrain for 3 weeks and I have driven it about 2000 miles. I love just about everything about it. Styling, comfort, standard features, fuel economy are all tops. Coming from my Buick,the 4 cylinder engine feels a little sluggish at the starting line, but it does fine on the highway. I was also very pleased when I checked the mileage with the last 2 fill-ups and average mileage was 28.7 mpg. I have the base model, but its packed with about every feature I would want and then some. The standard sound system is great. I have rented the RAV4 and the Tuscon and have an Escape at work. I would definitely recommend the Terrain. GMC has definitely put themselves out front with this model

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  Yukon XL Denali a Winner! - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By XLDenali - November 14 - 3:43 pm

  GMC has hit a home run with 07 YukonXL Denali. Priced way less than Escalade ESV and much tamer looks, this SUV has it all. Weve owned it just under a month and the family loves it. Great ride, lots of power..and yeah yeah..could use better mileage. Entertainment system a hit with the kiddos,and Dad loves how it handles. Get one, youll love it.

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  I expected much, got more. - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By icelander - November 14 - 10:13 am

  After reading reviews about almost all possible kinds of trucks I decided on my Denali. Have had it for several days and this truck delivers. Interior is down to smallest detail without any fault, my truck actually looks better than the LandCruiser 200 having classical and delicate finish. Exterior is also great, kind a smart how low the truck looks giving the feeling of real street machine. It of course performs as a truck, no mistake there, but its a looker. PS. Did I mention its screamingly powerful?

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  Yeah for Acadia! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Jeri - November 13 - 2:23 pm

  I love this SUV! So roomy and fun to drive. Gas mileage could be better but pretty much what I expected. Love the dual sunroof, the third row seats that lay down flush when needed, and the feel of the drive. Many looks come my way when I drive it and I cant get my husband to drive his truck now! He always wants to drive my Acadia!

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  I love my Sierra - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By W. Oates - November 13 - 6:13 am

  I traded my bullet proof Chevy for this GMC and I havent been disappointed. I Use my truck as a daily driver and as a work vehicle. Im in construction and my Sierra sees a lot of heavy use for a 1500 and does the work of a 2500 handily. I dont baby this truck at all and it rarely gets a bath. I love the roomy interior and power this truck gives me. ITS a V6!! Its zippy and maneuverable. Love the gas mileage and power was a trade off I thought Id have to give on a little but Im not let down by the 4.3 V6.

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  Runs real good.. but still cautious. - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By SDW - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Im a Chevy/GMC man- have been for ten years; bought my new GMC 1500 Sierra SLE at the end of February, Ive enjoyed my truck for months until lately when the quadcab doors started to rattle and my 4wd started to growl. GMC has tried to adjust the doors with no luck and they dont know what the growling is in the 4wd, but other than that the trucks been fine.

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  GM Hits a Grand Slam - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By GrandSlam DenaliXL - November 6 - 5:50 am

  Only days with my new YukonXL Denali and its clear GM has hit a grand slam! Awesome ride, excellent comfort, power to spare at 380HP, DVD is great for the kids, 20 inch chrome wheels dress it up, build quality seems great, this vehicle (Black Onyx and Black Leather interior) is a head turner. Sure gas mileage could be better (currently 11 to 13 MPH around town...expect it to improve slightly). GM did their homework and got the voice of the customer in designing the new Denali. Impressive.