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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  Its Wonderful - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Jimmy Ted B - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Just a great all around car, loaded with many extras. Getting 20-21MPG. Comfortable. Love the radio as you increase speed and noise from road it authmaticly increases volume, then down again whrn you slow down. Just fun to drive, do not agree with the Editors at all in their elvauation.

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  I love my envoy! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By vikmoo - June 28 - 2:00 am

  I love my Envoy. It rides smooth and all my friends are amazed that it doesnt "ride like a truck"! So far it has been very reliable, but it is only 3 months old and 5500 miles. Gas is not cheap, but like someone else said, neither is comfort!

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  Whats with the interior paint? - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By J. McKeon - June 27 - 12:00 am

  Hubby surprised me with my pre-owned 03 model. Interior paint/finish on dash has an area flaking off. Weird! Went from a Caddy Seville SLS to this, so comfort and handling was important. On the comfort side, the XL is spacious and seating is pretty well, but not as many adjustments as the Caddy. Need to be able to adjust the seats lower with more tilt for shorter folks. It handles well, but almost too sensitive in the steering. I could see some major over-correction problems with even the most seasoned driver. I pull a two-horse trailer, and rate it adequate for that, due to sense of power strain and some instability even with equalizer bars

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  2010 Terrain with V6 AWD - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By paul - June 26 - 5:50 pm

  This is quite simple, drive it then buy it. This is an extra vehicle in our household. We could afford to buy almost anything on wheels but decided on this because of the styling, ride etc. GM surpassed my expectations. Why couldnt GM have built these type of vehicles years ago??

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  Great all around SUV - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By licciej - June 26 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed this vehicle on long trips to New Hampshire and other New England States.

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  Love our new Acadia - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Jon - June 25 - 3:03 am

  Just bought my wife an Acadia and I have been looking for any excuse to take a ride. We have three kids and mother in law who all fit very comfortably in the car. It is a smooth and quiet ride and the smart slide seats are easy to maneuver for the kids. The perfect car for large families and long trips. Love both interior and exterior design. My only complaint is the chrome trim on the interior gives off a high glare in the sun.

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  Love my Denali but its not perfect - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Muro214 - June 24 - 7:00 pm

  Ive had my Denali for a couple of months and have upgraded it with 22" rims. It looks great, but its not perfect for a $53,000 vehicle. It needs heated mirrors, better second row seats (it would be nice if you can move them back and forth), and the third seat needs to hide in the floor.

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  Regret this purchase - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By smith - June 24 - 5:30 am

  We were so happy when we bought our Acadia. Great looks, power, and felt solid. After we bought the car we learned how bad the fuel economy was. I also noticed the hesitation up hills. Throttle response is terrible if you step on it. At 8,000 miles check engine light came on. Service center told us fuel cap and camshaft problem? Camshaft? Only 8,100 miles on this car.

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  Epitomy of Planned Obsolescence - 1996 GMC Savana
  By TabulaRasa - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a typical GM product. It looks alright on paper, but in real world use, it falls flat on its face. This vehicle has been beset by problems from day one. The built-in TV/VCP will short out the rest of the interior lights. It is on its 3rd transmission. The rear differential is going out (clack clack clack!). The intake manifold has cracked. The fuel pump has died. The brakes are garbage. Even the oil dipstick is rusty. Thats sad.

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  First Yukon and not the last - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By freqmgr - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This SUV has exceeded expectations. It handles very well (yes, we had another makers SUV before), has been totally reliable. The mileage meets or slightly exceeds what GM said to expect. Just an all around pleasure to drive. Now we need to find the free time to enjoy more road trips.