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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  Bought Used - 1998 GMC Suburban
  By prudence - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Bought it used used with 35K+ miles. Added 100K ext warr though AAA. Have 100K+ miles now. Truck looks great and has been roomy, reliable but have only had one GMC dealer do all the work (same dealer has worked on it since sold new). Warranty has come in handy when parts wear out. Truck is quiet. Good off road but heavy. Have lubed, oil and filter every 2k to 3k miles. Use synthetics. Highway mileage 17+ Average/mixed 14.

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  2003 Sonoma - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Betty711 - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Only have 1000 miles on it so far, and it is running very well. This may be why the fuel economy is not up to standard yet. American models seem to be a la carte. In other words, every little thing is extra $$$. The vehicle is peppy on grades, and seems to take weight, in the bed, with ease.

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  love it - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By mattyd - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I have always owned cars, this is my first SUV. I have always liked the look of the envoy, and like the GMC brand. This truck is smooth, has lots of pep, and is very comfortable. Also built very well. I love how it handles. Sure, its not the handling like Im used to (Dodge Avenger my most recent car) but for an SUV it is excellent.

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  Last of the Sonoma pickups - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By tjr - October 16 - 2:00 am

  Recently replaced my 96 Sonoma (130K miles) with a new one. Its the last chance, as next year Sonomas will only come in 4dr/tiny box hybrid models. The larger, higher, worse mileage Canyon will replace the pickup models. The 2003 model is very similar to the last 7 or 8 years worth, still a durable, cheap, relatively small truck. Main differences: Better seats, slightly peppier due to higher axle ratio, elimination of some fun electrical features like lighted vanity mirrors, underhood light, glovebox light.

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  problematic - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By dnewman - October 14 - 2:00 am

  all three vehicles i have owned have been gmc. i love the product but this time im skeptical. i love my yukon but have had a few problems since i bought it used in feb. Already had to replace fan belts, catalytic converter, O^2 sensor on exhaust, a/c compressor and that took four different trips to dealership. still have a popping noise when turning and random times during acceleration and stopping there are one or two clicking noises. but i love gmc none the less and will keep going with them

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  Lovin My Yukon! - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By JBaum - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned an 02 Envoy, this is much bigger, took a little longer to get used to. I absolutely love it! As a stay-at-home mom, I dont mind the lower gas milage.

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  2003 Envoy - Family of 3 - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By tgwheat - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Our family loves our Envoy. It gets great gas mileage - around 22-23 MPG. It is perfect for our 3 member family - however the backseat has its issues. The seats are too straight - cant get comfortable. The front seat is a little tight as far as arm space but over all the vehicle is a pleasure to own. The outside appearance is very sporty and impressive looking. We will always own GM products.

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  Comfy but Problemmatic - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By Rande - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new in May 2001. First year was great. Starting the second year it has been a nightmare. Wiring went faulty, car woulnt start, lights flickered and eventually stalled in traffic. Ball joints (all) replaced 4 times and Im taking it in for a fifth. Control arms, idle arm, battery, alternator, and tires have all had to be replaced. GMC does not stand behind this vehicle so Ive had to flip the tab for rental vehicles.

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  2003 Yukon Xlnt Ride - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By motorman - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I am very surprised by the smooth ride of this large SUV. (2003) I dont even feel the speed bumps in my neighborhood. It is extremely quite, the AC is cold (I live in AZ). The turning radius is incredibaly small, which is not the case with my Chevy full size pickup. I get about 15 mpg around town. But, I believe that will improve with age, as have all my previous vehicles. Only complaint, the doors dont have that heavy feel or sound when I close them, but thats minor. The high profile view around town is an asset. I would definately buy another one, in fact my wife bought a Tahoe a few weeks after I got the Yukon.

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  Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By 5boys - October 11 - 2:00 am

  In the 5 months I have owned this vehicle I have had to have it serviced 13 times, only once has been for an oil change. The other 12 have been service problems. I am currently still having problems with the A/C, the 4WD, and the transmission. The overall design of the vehicle is wonderful, but not worth the hassle of continual maintenance.