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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  Even better than the Chevy - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Chris Davis - July 14 - 2:00 am

  This is the best truck I have ever owned. This is my first Full Size, but my dad has a silverado. My GMC drives just a little bit better,is a little bit quiter, and the exterior styling is the classiest out of all the trucks in the market. Nobody could talk me out of this truck and into anything else. Eventhough the 2004 Ford interior has a good design, you still couldnt pay me enough to own a FORD. The editor that rated the Sierra lost there mind, it should be alot higher than the low 8s. The only thing I regret is not getting the Z71 pkg.

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  Love this dependable vehicle - 2013 GMC Terrain
  By Ann - July 13 - 9:37 am

  I purchased this vehicle new in 2013 and love it. Ride, handling, gas mileage, are great with no complaints.

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  Fun to drive - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By wrightjdw - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Ive had pick-ups for the last 20 years, and this is my first SUV. It is a great to sit and drive a vehicle that can pull most anything and still ride better than most cars that my wife has owned. It is very easy to get in and out of this vehicle. Very good looking lines and built with pride (I believe).

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  2004 GMC ENVOY SLT - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By don4568 - July 13 - 2:00 am

  the ENVOY is great.

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  im always fixing a new car - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By ryan d. harris - July 12 - 2:00 am

  i have replaced too much stuff on this car in two years. front hubs,3 batteries, water pump, a.c. compressor and accumulator. driver door fell off. drivor visor fell apart from the inside out, 4wd gets stuck, seat levers broke off, suspension is bad and causes tires to wear out every 6 months, check engine light stays on, brakes always squeal, driver door wont lock, security system doesent work, courtesy light wont come on. i would not reccomend this car to anyone. im scared for my wife to drive it

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  very nice pickup - 2004 GMC Sonoma
  By david mcdow - July 12 - 2:00 am

  very easy to handle, very good power, excellent ride, good fuel milage, very good looking truck

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  FROM EXPY TO YUKON - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By tumba - July 12 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS A GREAT VEH. HIGH POINTS ARE HANDLING, COMFORT (SEATS) I WISH I HAD THEM IN MY HOUSE. LOW POINTS NO TRIP COMPUTER AND INCONVIENT CONTROLS FOR REAR AIR.

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  THE DENALI EXPERENCE - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By julianfr - July 12 - 2:00 am

  A very fine vehicle that is fun to drive. Has great passing ability. The headlights are fine, but can be improved by useing premium xenon bulbs. With these you get great visibility. A serious shortcoming is LACK of a back up warning system. It is very much needed for safety.

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  Best SUV on the market. - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By DYNAMIC - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Being a aerospace engineer (Aircraft designer) this design tops all other SUVs. For its safety performance and comfort. This veichel is under rated and should be reviewed more carefuly. A very well engineered SUV/TRUCK.

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  Solid reliable truck - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By Walt K - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I have almost 50,000 miles on my 6 cyl extended cab SLS and it has performed perfectly ever since it was driven out of the showroom. Absolutely no mechanical problems at all. The ride is a little rough and the seats are not as comfortable as I would like. But the V6 is strong and the auto trans shifts nicely. I drive on the highway a lot and my gas milage averages just above 20 MPG.