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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  I love it! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By tara - February 21 - 2:26 am

  This is the perfect car for our family. It is comfortable, easy to drive, and perfectly arranged inside. The fuel economy is decent for a vehicle of this size, and it drives so well. In the last month I havent been able to find anything about this car that I dont like!

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  Bring on the foreign cars! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By japanese4me - February 20 - 5:33 pm

  Owned this vehicle since it was new and have had many little problems with it. The A/C went out for a week, the brake rotors were changed twice (covered by warranty), rubber casings around windows began to wilt, and there were countless factory recalls. I just traded the vehicle in with 7,500 miles (2/2005) and was only able to get $13,000 for a $39,000 vehicle! According to KBB, the most I could have got would be $16,000. Very dissapointed. Stay away from this SUV unless you get it for a really good price and own a gas station.

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  Denali - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By meakin - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It is comfortable to drive and you feel safe in it as you travel down the road. The fuel economy is poor and I have had some mechanical problems with it that was not pleasant.

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  GMC YUKON - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By DBL - February 18 - 2:00 am

  GREATCAR TO DRIVE HANDELS GREAT TURNS ON A DIME

• 

  My Envoy - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By James Britland - February 17 - 3:25 pm

  On February 10th, 2005 I forgot to remove a coffee mug from the rear bumper where I left it. Later, I drove 16 miles round trip to visit a relative in the hospital. A short time later my son walked in with the mug asking how long I was going to leave it on the bumper of my Envoy. That is a true test of a smooth ride and handling. I would add that there are a lot of potholes in New England in February.

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  Many great characteristics but a few annoying ones - 2016 GMC Terrain
  By Sensible - February 16 - 10:26 pm

  This is an SUV. Supposed to be suitable for sports and utility use, right? The materials in the cargo area need to be better suited for that use. Even with the factory cargo mat, burrs, dirt, sawdust etc impregnates into the surrounding carpet like on the seat back. Its like Velcro! Vacuuming only pushes it deeper into the fabric. The plastic in the cargo area dents and scratches too easily - materials should be more resilient. Inside of the tailgate should be faced with rubber not semi-hard plastic that is easily damaged. Mechanically this SUV is great. 11k mile and zero issues. Quiet, comfortable ride. Once the 4 cyl engine was broken in, it has adequate power for everyday driving. Controls are easy to see, Bluetooth phone connection was simple. Handle for tilting drivers seat is award to reach when door is closed. Very nice vehicle for road trips. When folded, rear seat has an angle to it which makes loading long items problematic. Should fold flat. I have to go to a side door and pull cargo the rest of the way into the area.

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  Bad Choice - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By rcelen4hp - February 16 - 7:49 pm

  I have had nothing but trouble with this SUV. The overall design is great and the features are also attractive. Mechanically the engine & power train are respectable. The electrical is a nightmare. I have had just about everything replaced in this truck. I am on the third ignition, all of the micro switches on the tranmission and theft deterrent system have been replaced! There has been a rattle under the truck that sounds like the entire suspension is about to abandon ship but dealer has not been able to correct. The gas mileage is terrible for a six and the fuel tank way too small. Always stopping for fuel.

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  Recommend the new GMC Envoy - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By TomRector - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I previously had a 1996 Chevrolet Blazer and moving up to the new Envoy was a great choice for me. I considered the Dodge Durango and Land Rover Discovery. I also, looked at the TrailBlazer, just to compare before I bought the Envoy and found that the Envoy came with more standard options, for your money. So far, after having the vehicle for 3 weeks, Ive only one problem, the OnStar had to be re-programmed since OnStar could not establish a connection with my vehicle. The Envoy rides smooth and has great accelleration and power.

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  body moulding falling off - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By dryan3 - February 14 - 5:45 pm

  My 2008 GMC diesel pickup has 41.000 miles and has been a good truck. However it will be 5 years old in December, and the body moulding on each side is loose and starting to fall off. The dealer said it is a common problem, but since it is out of warranty they would not fix it. I went to a body shop, and the person there said it is a common problem with that body style. He said a solution is to remove the moulding and glue and buff out the paint. His estimate was $240.00. Im disgusted that this problem should occur on a $40,000 vehicle. I see 25 year old cars and trucks with the body moulding still intact. Im disappointed GMC wont take care of the problem.

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  Back to basics. What a truck should be. - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Michal - February 12 - 2:00 am

  If you dont need leather interior, DVD players, 4 wheel drive, and a useless cab extention, this is one great vehicle. GMC builds their vehicles like a truck, not a truck-looking car. I have loaded it many times and it rides great. This truck fits in standard parking so it also makes a great get around town ride. My last GMC served me well for about 8 years before I traded it in on this one. I will probably keep this one as long if not longer.