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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  Best SUV yet - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By galen - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had the Envoy for four months. No problems. Ride is excellent and much quieter than the 1999 Bravada traded in. I think the interior design is outstanding compared to the Explorer or the 4Runner.

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  Not too bad - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By Dustin - January 23 - 12:46 pm

  Since owning my Jimmy I have found it a really decent car. There have been a few things that have gone wrong with it, but not major things. When it is cold outside the drivers door buzzer wont go off until the car is heated up. Cost for fixing this problem is too much for me. My Service Engine soon light goes on all too often, and after being checked out, there is nothing wrong. My overhead outside thermometer stopped working, and is apparently expensive to fix, Overall, it is not such a bad car and I am satisfied with it.

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  My 2nd Denali - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By RCRC - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I recently traded up to Yukon XL Denali. I have owned a Tahoe and Yukon Denali and I am quite pleased with these large vehicles. If you are into large SUVs like me this vehicle has to be on your list. I love the peppy engine, creature comforts, space and styling of this vehicle. I have compared it to Navigator, Escalade, Tahoe, Expedition. I am happy with the spot it occupuys among these players.

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  dENALI - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Jaime DIAZ CRUZ - January 21 - 10:00 am

  IT IS REALLY FUN TO DRIVE.

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  2007 GMC - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Ken - January 20 - 3:00 pm

  Great truck! The Duramax towed my 31ft Airstream on a 5000 mile trip without any problems. The truck was very stable and had lots of power to spare in all situations. Gas mileage was around 12.5 mpg towing and 17 alone. I hope for better mileage after the diesel gets broken in. I expected at least some problem to show up on the brand new truck but am pleased to say everything is working perfectly.

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  Flat spot on crankshaft - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By L. Gebhardt - January 18 - 9:23 pm

  Gmc decided to fix enginne instead of replacing truck, it had about 2000 miles on it when problem first appeared. It sounded like a vibration coming from exhaughst system, mechanics knew what problem was as soon as they heard it. Flat spot on crankcase. Rebuilt lower end, and gave me a 6 year 90000 mile warranty. BIG DEAL.

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  The perfect choice - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By MTC - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I had always wanted a full size pickup. This is by far the greatest one out on the market. It rides the best, looks the best, and definitely has the most power. The best decision I ever made.

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  I love this car! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By mcalister - January 17 - 10:19 am

  My 2002 4WD Envoy SLE has over 116,000 miles on it and has been a true champ. My family and I have given this car quite a workout...it never has time to rest! It plows through all weather, and is easy to handle. I feel very confident driving in severe rain with the AWD feature, and love the fact that I can switch between 2 and 4 wheel drive while in motion. I have had absolutely no mechanical problems with this car, but have been meticulous with regular maintenance such as oil changes, etc. I did not have any sign of brake wear until 114,000...the bulk of the miles on this car have been highway miles.The engine is responsive and gives me more than the power I need to merge, pass, & have fun!

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  2006 Yukon Update - 2006 GMC Yukon
  By Jeff Burford - January 16 - 7:41 pm

  The 2006 Yukon is sound and has been trouble free. It is quiter than my previous 2002 Yukon and drives smother. The style is basically the same which I find as very satisfactory. It handles well on the road, off the road as well as in town. To my surprise, I like the third row of seats...which are also easy to pull out and reinstall.

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  Denali - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Carol Drago - January 16 - 12:43 am

  Fun to drive, solid, and overall pickup great. A firm ride with all the comforts of the higher end vehicles. This vehicle feels solid to drive and great handling.