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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  Fantastic Car!! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By GAR - March 19 - 8:20 am

  This car is quiet, comfortable, and very easy to drive. All 8 seats are easy to get in and out of and it really can haul 8 adults. It is the best highway car I have ever driven. I even get the advertised 22 mpg out on the open road.

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  safari - 2004 GMC Safari
  By GWD - March 19 - 2:00 am

  low upkeep costs. parts are cheep, alot of cargo room, good head and body room. Can fit two adults and car seat in same row and still have moving around room, no other mid-sized van has that. 8 passenger spaces with luggage for 8 people inside the van. Can fit 8 2x4 on floor and 10 on top of dash with all doors closed. 4x8 plywood fits inside with doors closed.

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  new SUV - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By minipen - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Very good performance to date. Have 2900 miles on car.

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  Love the car but hate the mileage - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By out_of_gas - March 18 - 10:16 pm

  Leased the vehicle thinking I would get close to the the MPG listed as I mostly drive at highway speeds and few if any stops. Best MPG I have gotten so far is 16.4 but avg only 14.7 weekly. I was told this engine would break in and I would get better MPG but after 1200 miles I doubt this will come up that much to match the sticker claims. I love this car as it meets every other need I have but to suffer at the pumps is getting the best of me. I also have a problem with the transmission not always being in the proper gear on grades. This could be a major factor in the low MPG. I recommend GM look into this further. I grow more angry at every fill-up

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  Love the truck - 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
  By Frank - March 16 - 9:23 am

  bought the 2008 Yukon used in 2009 with only 1500 mile on it. What a truck! Averaging around 21.7 and I have a prtty heavy foot. Very Happy with the truck, getting better gas milage than my BMW x3 with a weak six cylinder.

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  Shirleys Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By dacotahkid - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful vehicle with one major flaw. When you get in a strong cross wind your wind noise can drown out a cell phone and render your onstar phone useless while traveling. Also at very cold temperatures the footfeet freezes. That is a simple fix if you warm up the vehicle and restart the engine.

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  I got shafted - 1995 GMC Jimmy
  By I_got_shafted - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car to have 4x4 for NJ snow. Along with it I had to replace muffler, tires, engine, altinator, muffler, catalic converter, some diaphram thing for the brakes, dont even try to replace the spark plugs on this took me 2 days, waterpump, fuelpump, 4x4 switch. I think I have done enough work and replaced enough of this to build a new car. CAVEAT EMPTOR!

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  gmc suburban - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By Kirt - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Minimul problems. Starter went out at 75K miles due to engine heat.

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  Jimmy - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By Alex Valentine - March 15 - 2:00 am

  This car has been excellent, 126000 miles and never one problem.

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  Gmc Canyon Crew - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Al Canyon - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Looks like a truck rides like a car. Best truck I have ever owned. Top of the line. Move over Toyota you have been out done!!!