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 Out There! - 2006 GMC Yukon
  By Moodyone - September 20 - 6:13 pm

  I traded in my 04 8 CY Touareg and have not looked back. I test drove the Escalade (Couldnt justify the extra $$$ for basically the same ride - Keep the back-up sensors and fancy center console clock and Ill keep the $8K), Yukon and Z71 and this one was the winner by far. Only 80 miles on it and it already gets about 12 MPG (Better than VW) and it isnt even broken in yet! Ride, interior, quality and power are all top notch. DVD/Nav/XM Radio package are a must, especially in the mountains where there is no FM signal. Captian chairs in the rear are like sitting in a recliner.

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  2005 Envoy Denali XL - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By ehackerson - September 20 - 2:01 am

  We have had this truck for one month now and love it. There is plenty of room for the three kids and it drives like a dream. I was nervous about moving from a wagon to an SUV, but the Envoy XL is so easy for me to handle...it drives more like a car than a truck. The third row of seats is large enough for adults so plenty of room for the kids as they grow. There are so many conveniences for the driver: the passenger side mirror automatically adjusts during back-up, can set pedals for comfort, the seats are super comfortable. The best thing is that it is not guzzling a lot of gas...the Displacement on Demand must be working!

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  Fantastic Vehicle - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By JC - September 20 - 1:50 am

  This vehicle has it all. Comfort, performance, fuel economy, workmanship and styling. The 2nd row bench seat (which I elected to have vs the standard Captains chairs), has unbelievable leg room and can be reclined slightly to give even more room. The 3rd row seats fold flat and are easy to manually operate. The vehicle feels solid under you and entry and exit is easy.so forget about running boards. MPG has averaged what GMC advertised, and with this vehicle having 270 hp I find it remarkable. Performance is always there. On the highway, the vehicle is quiet and interior craftsmanship is excellent. I find myself looking for excuses so I can go drive the vehicle. GMC has a winner.

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  NICE TRUCK, but backwards parts!!!! - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By kbuicker - September 19 - 2:23 am

  This truck had a number of problems in the 9 months I owned it. By the time I traded it, I had recorded 17 records! Here are a couple problems I dealt with: When the truck idled while rolling, it sounded like there were pebbles in the wheels and a loud whistle. Service said the truck had a bad alternator and replaced it; problem persisted. Later, they replaced the waterpump; Problem fixed. Later I noticed the truck would SLAM into gear when idling down the road... problem turned out to be a transmission part installed backwards! Wow! This may of triggered a recall? I traded the truck.

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  Fun Ride - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By F. Belknap - September 18 - 7:30 pm

  This truck is great. I have 3 kids, a husband and a German Shepard and it fits all with great comfort. The extra space in the rear is great for the travel luggage of 5 people.

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  The good, the bad and the ugly - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By carlotat - September 18 - 6:03 am

  The GMC is a replacement for my stolen 03 Ford F-250 Powerstroke. I bought the GMC Sierra on the recommendations of others who had purchased it, against my better judgment. The Sierra has some nice features, particularly the interior arrangement. Everything is within easy reach and well laid out. The Duramax and Allison are a great duo, and can easily haul my horse trailer up any hill with ease. My biggest problem with the Sierra is the puny O.E. Bridgestone tires. Why GMC chose to put highway tires on a HD truck is beyond me, but after slipping and sliding my way through a snowy and muddy New Mexico winter, and with only 6200 miles on the tires, I replaced them with Michelin M/S. Huge difference.

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  GMC Envoy SLT - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Anonymous - September 17 - 2:04 pm

  The Envoy is really a great SUV, but there are areas where it could improve. The engine is strong, the styling bold, and fuel enconomy bad (as with any SUV).

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  poor performance - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By cantonga - September 15 - 10:00 am

  car needs its third time in shop for same problem of low power or skipping engine. Replaced fuel pump twice and now feels like a lemon.

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  Envoy enjoyment - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By charle a duke - September 15 - 8:07 am

  This is my second GMC Envoy purchased since it was first introduced. The 2005 offers exellent ride qualities and performance. The 4.2l i6 is smooth and quiet with acceptable fuel economy. The Bose sound system eliminates any wind/road noise that may exist. The self leveling rear suspension works great, but the compressor sounds somewhat strange while outside the running vehicle. I have changed the SLE grille to 2006 Denali version for an added styling que. GM has done a great job as far as Im concerned. Due to a hard to find package I was trying to locate, I compared the Ford Explorer and found that the Envoy is by far the best bargain in its class.

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  Great Truck - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By rowdie2 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this Truck used with 49000 miles. It has not been in the shop once in 2 years. Talk about reliable. Pulls a 6000 lb Camper with no problems. Gets about 15 MPG on the road.