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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  Great truck but fuel milage stinks. - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By IsaiahCasey - April 26 - 11:16 am

  I bought this truck used last year love the design the ride and comfort. the gas mileage stinks but I wouldnt trade it for anything else. About a month after I bought the truck I had an electrical problem but it worked itself out. I just bought a meyers diamond snowplow and I am going to put it on this week. The truck has plenty of power to push snow. I work on a farm and I have a 4 ton trailer, and I can haul a 3 ton skidsteer on the trailer and she still has plenty of power.

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  2007 Denali XL - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Jay - April 26 - 5:20 am

  Incredibly smooth ride for a vehicle of this size in and around city. Handles with great ease, acceleration is smooth and corners very well. Inside of vehicle is done tatefully with easy access to navigation and audio controls. Captains seats in second row are very comfortable and leave an access to third row for kids from middle without having to remove the second rows every time you have to get off. It also makes the inside feel very open and roomy.

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  Time to unload it - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By redman - April 25 - 11:54 am

  Bought it in 01 with 19000 miles and overall has been a good, dependable ride. Gas mileage is a surprising 23 MPG hwy. Fuel gauge failed, brakes every 20000 miles, and currently having electrical problems(windows, door locks and mirrors quit occassionally). My daughter hit a deer last night so may take insurance settlement and unload it. Will buy another GMC however.

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  First time SUV owner - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By ysashacat - April 24 - 5:18 pm

  Down side: Fuel economy no where near advertized (12/20mpg), side view mirrors inadequate for viewing, poor visability out back (had to add after market camera),down shifts frequently in small hilly areas. Up side: good ride, roomy, large cargo capacity, heads-up display great. Added Sherwood wood grain kit to interior really makes the interior elegant.

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  Wanting just a bit more - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Steve - April 24 - 8:36 am

  I use this for trailering, hauling wood, pulling trees, hunting and fishing trips, and occassional weekend trips with the wife and friends. Most everyone loves the truck and the way it looks. I love the 4x4 rear end as it takes me nearly anywhere. Plenty of power, plenty of leg room, and I like the visibility (less blind spots than my 97). Im not afriad to take it anywhere. I have been in 10" of new snow and on muddy paths in the woods and it just goes. The AC is great and the warms up fast in the winter. I get about 12-13 mpg in town, and 15 on the highway. It does a good job driving with a cross wind. It looks like a truck that is designed to work - not pretty, but tough.

• 

  01 Sonoma SLS - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By Icebox - April 23 - 2:07 pm

  I own a 2001 GMC Sonoma SLS, 2.2L 5spd Reg. Cab with the short-Stepside bed. Its a great little truck, a bit on the small side if youre a bigger person, (Im 63", 280lbs) but I still seem to fit in there alright. It handles pretty well in town and its easy to park because of its size, but when youre traveling at high speeds or going down windy roads, you can tell its a light truck. Repair bills arent usually too steep because the Sonoma shares parts with the Blazer, Jimmy and S-10 so getting cheap parts is easy. All and all, its a pretty good little truck.

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  gmc - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By tom gt - April 23 - 10:00 am

  excellent quality smooth ride should have got the 5.3 engine for more low end the 4.8 likes to rev and power comes on strong getting 20 plus miles per gallon with auto and 3.42 gears

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  2002 Denali - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By jmoriarty - April 21 - 7:56 pm

  Needs more feautures for price category...Need front and rear sensors..Need to know when children leave the door ajar(that was an old feature I thought that was in ALL cars. Dashboard has plastic that is suppose to look like wood..The BMW X5(my wifes car) is much better with features and interior quality design. Computer is limited in capabilities..My old Dodge VAn told me more information. The power covers are weak and break off easily. Too much wind/highway noise on windshield.

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  Cautiously optimistic - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Dave - April 20 - 1:33 pm

  Bought this as a left-over. Second day the battery was dead in the garage. The electronics on the car are overwhelming and I took an extended warranty. 1st GM car Ive owned in 30 years.

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  Disappointed - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By RCNG - April 13 - 4:54 pm

  I have always wanted an SUV and when I test drove this one I loved it. Reviewed everything inside and out and was impressed with the vehicle and the price. I had minor problems that got replaced in the first year or two - seal around the doors, light switch inside, seal around license place frame all covered under warranty and with purchasing a new vehicle you have to work out the bugs. Anyways in my 5th year of owning it the idle pulley went out and now the bearings in the water pump which is very disappointing. After reading other reviews what else is going to go wrong. My next vehicle will definitely not be a GMC.