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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  Strongest SUV Ever! - 1998 GMC Suburban
  By Automan - July 25 - 7:09 pm

  Lets start with my truck is the stongest truck I have ever owned. I have the 5.7 V8 4x4 and I tow my 30ft. travel trailer that weighs 7500 dry! It tows it like nothing, sometimes I forget until I look in the rear view mirror. I can tow with it going 65 up steep hills! My Suburban is maroon with tan leather interior. Seats 8 with room for more. We take our friends and their family members everywhere in it. It looks and drives like when I bought it new.

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  Clearly a Winner for GM - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By R. Neall - July 25 - 6:41 pm

  Having owned a Ford Explorer, I have that as a comparison for my new Envoy. To be honest, there is no comparison. The ride is light years smoother, and despite the professionals viewpoint, it handles corners just fine. It is not a sports car. Im very pleased with the interior room, and it has a great sound system. The XM radio is great on trips. My wife is the trucks prime driver, and knowing that she has OnStar puts my mind at ease. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Practical good Van - 2005 GMC Safari
  By PoppaRick - July 25 - 5:27 pm

  The Safari is a good practical van with AWD capabilities.Not fancy, but able to handle three kids and their sports stuff plus friends. Snow, and spring mud are not enough to stop it delivering service to our family.

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  2005 GMC SLT Envoy XL - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Rick Cornwall - July 25 - 3:06 pm

  What a great SUV! Terriffic ride and performance. Gas mileage is about what I would expect (14.4 / 17.2). The interior and exterior are nicely finished. With the 3rd. row of seats down, I can carry all my fishing gear and passengers without a problem.

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  Envoy - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By doc465 - July 25 - 9:27 am

  Great ride and handling. The turn radius is excelent for the size. it has all the bells for fun, but also serious power when needed. Theres safety in size. Suprisingly good gas mileage for size and type.

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  Big Powerful and Roomy - 2008 GMC Yukon XL
  By J.Herrera - July 23 - 11:30 pm

  Absolutely like my truck, problems is that has been at the dealer for electrical problems, 3 times with Onstar wiring problems and 2 times with battery discharging issues, had to call roadside assistance numerous times for jump starts before dealer replaced battery couldnt find anything wrong before that, so far Onstar is working but had to call roadside assistance twice again for jump start, seems like battery is too small for so much electronics but dealer says they are rated by Amps not size, I will replace battery later on

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  Love It! - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Ben - July 23 - 11:50 am

  A great SUV! I bought it 2 years ago, and never had a major problem with it. I drive it a lot. It now has 87,000 miles on it and it still runs great. The only things that have gone wrong are the back window had to be replaced (seal was broken) and I just had to replace the battery. The drivers door sqeaks a little and I wish the fuel tank was bigger. All in all, its been a great running, comfortable vehicle for me and my family.

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  Unfulfilled dream - 1999 GMC Safari
  By Ed Garrity - July 23 - 12:54 am

  I paid $16K for a 2 year old van with 37K miles. In 7/05 it has 108K, current value About $5.3K. Ive enjoyed the van and the ride. Its comfortable for driver. Not enough foot room for passengers. I liked the way it handled and drove. Repair costs have been about $1K a year in addition to regular maintenance. Costs of repair have been expensive. Have had excellent service from Cooper extra wide, tires. I have replaced the electric window motors on both sides of the van. AC is a problem, 2 computers replaced. Body and upholstery show almost no wear.

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  Great Luxury SUV - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By DnTomas - July 22 - 10:57 pm

  Replaced a BMW X5 with an 05 Yukon Denali. Very different vehicle. The BMW was excellent, but lacked space. The Denali has plenty of room and is very luxurious. With the GM family pricing it was a no-brainer. A great choice for anyone looking for room and "stealth" luxury and who is not too concerned with gas mileage. Spring for the sunroof/nav/rear DVD package - its well worth the extra cost.

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  I like this - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By yukonxl2004 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  As a former Ford only vehicle person, I didnt think I would like a GMC, but I do. this truck has a smooth ride, plenty of room, and pretty ok fuel use. But hey when you buy an SUV you know what you are in for, its not a compact car after all, and your going to pay for gas. I had a Ford Excursion, that was a rough ride, HORRIBLE fuel use, and just plain old big. If you have the need for room and SUV use, I would tell anyone to buy this GMC Yukon XL.