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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  Room for the family - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By pleased user - August 9 - 10:00 am

  WE needed a vehicle to move a family of four. This truck does it in comfort! We have plenty of space and the vehicle has been incredible in its ride.

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  LOVE IT! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By KBuchanan - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I just love our new Envoy! This is a great SUV for the price. I compared the 4 Runner, which was easily more expensive and found this to be much more comfortable, especially for longer road trips. The interior feels plush and the exterior is gorgeous. I couldnt be happier about my choice.

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  Great Family car - 2008 GMC Yukon XL
  By Good Truck - August 7 - 8:13 am

  This is the best driving car I have ever had. It is wonderful for trips for families that have more than 4 people. While the gas mileage is not great. I get 18 miles on the highway fully loaded with cargo going 75 MPH with cruise control on. This is not much worse than our old minivan. The AWD makes you feel like you are glued to the road. The optional rear camera is a must. It makes backing out a snap. The turning radius is as good as any sedan. No joke. The interior looks like a Lexus and there is a ton of room. This car is identical to the Escalade except for the grade of leather.

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  Great SUV - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Rich Szturm - August 7 - 2:00 am

  One of the most comfortable SUVs I have driven. I have tried out over 15 different SUVs and choose this not just for the looks and size but for the comfortable ride and seating confort. I am 6 and 225 lbs and always have golf clubs or hockey equipment with me and use my skis alot in the winter. After reading and test driving a lot of vehicals this one I was the most happy with.

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  Clunk in my get along - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Reeree - August 5 - 7:23 am

  At 3600 our 07 Yukon started having what I thought was transmission slipage. Dealer lubed slip yoke, then proceeded to replace 2 of them to no avail. Now worse than ever! If I didnt have a klunk in my rear end I would be very happy. Much improved from our 99.

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  2003 Satisfied Owner - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Bernard - August 5 - 2:00 am

  My native Floridian 2003 4x2 SLT handled 8" of Green Bay snow without a slip. Traction control works. No rattles or noises after my 3,000 mile trip. Acceleration and steering are at the top of the class. Very quiet and comfortable traveler. I would recommend this vehicle.

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  5k miles with no regrets - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By kchaka - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Was hesitant to buy another GM (had bad experiences with my 99 Tahoe), but jumped in anyway. Looks and drives great. The front row seems more confined than the 99 Tahoe due to the console. The 99 Tahoe also had more rear storage space (since I had no 3rd row). But overall I am VERY pleased with my purchase. Great for towing!

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  My Third ZR2 - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By REDI - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Like traveling with room and comfort long distance with your wife? Like to explore and use 4wd to find new trails with your laptop and GPS? Like to carry bicycles and gear? Like traveling remote Nevada dirt roads in 4WD High range at speeds up to 60mph? The extra ZR2 suspension and Bilstein shocks can handle anything. THIS IS THE TRUCK FOR YOU!

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  Encvoy -- a delight to own and drive - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By JP Hoover - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I have owned an Envoy for nearly three years and as a former Bronco and Toyota owner I remain as pleased with it as when we bought it. I has plenty of power, rides like my brothers 03 Cadillac, and handles better than most other 4x4s. Except an inconvienent front cup holder (in front of the shift) and a gas tank that is too small (18 gal), it a treat to drive or ride in on long trips whether on long straight-aways in Arizona and Texas, the rolling hills and curves of Oklahoma and Arkansas, or the twisting mountain roads of Colorado. The GMC Envoy is a definite "two thumbs up" vehicle!!

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  Acadia not for dirt roads - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Myrt - July 31 - 5:33 am

  We traded off my 2000 Durango for this 08 Acadia and I am disappointed in that the Acadia leaks in a lot of dirt on our rural roads, mostly around the liftgate. A lot of dirt collects between the two rows of weatherstripping around the 2nd-row doors, also, so much that you sure dont want to lean against that area with clean clothes on. I also do not care for the constant shifting of the transmission. My Durango had a 4.7 and I really miss it.