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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  nice truck - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By bobby56 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  the truck is absolutely awsome. i had a 2002, same truck, traded it for the same payments and love it to death. its stong as an ox, both in horsepower and towing. (ford who?)

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  Best buy - 1992 GMC Sonoma
  By rjritterjr - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Purchased at 48k miles, now have 146k miles, mostly highway. Other than very few routine repairs (water pump, belt, alternater, brakes), this truck is the least costly vehicle Ive ever owned and it holds its value. At oil changes, Id look around the engine to see what needed to be repaired, but each time nothing needed replaced or adjusted. If it werent for a growing family, Id keep it, but the cab is too small for two adults and a car seat now another baby is on the way. Use Uniroyal tires for best ride and handling.

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  2000 GMC Jimmy SLE - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Ed753 - August 17 - 2:00 am

  No problems with the vehicle except for a warped oil pan, that seeped oil, after 3 attempts the delaer replaced the oil pan, and problem was gone. Keyless entry only has 20 feet range tops, my GMC pickup has range of about 150 feet.

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  Id buy another... - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By barch97 - August 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving this truck every day for over a year and its still as pleasurable as my initial dealer test drive. Other than fuel and regular maintenance, it hasnt cost me a dime. Excellent value compared to others in class. Solid and comfortable transportation with added piece of mind from 4wd and anti-lock brakes.

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  Think long and hard then....DONT DO IT! - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Dont do it! - August 16 - 2:00 am

  This car has been problems from day 1. It has been a nightmare that just wont go away. I have had so much trouble with car and dealership it is not even funny. Heated seats went out, air conditioner problems, paint chipping from control knobs on front and rear radio-yes that is right painted knobs : ( PLASTIC covers over screws holding seats in place are all coming up, hole in back top of 3rd row seat from bar- poor design. For 45K these vehicles should be made much better. Too much plastic in interior!!

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  GMC Safari - 2003 GMC Safari
  By Tim Brautigan - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Good: It certainly provides more interior and cargo space than most minivans. The engine is more powerful than other minivans with a 4.3 litre v6. More towing power than other minivans. Bad: Interior quality, fuel economy, rattling, reliability, stiff ride, no driver side sliding door. GMC/Chevy should offer a optional v8 power on these vans and give more luxury options available. I own the SLT AWD model and there is no available premium sound systems, onstar, or heated seats, or dvd player to name a few.

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  Dont buy one!!!!!! - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By jddumas - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Thisis the worst vehicle I have ever owned BY FAR. It has had mechanical problems from day one. In the last month alone, I have had it in for repairs 5 times. I have had an air conditioning compressor, two ac low pressure valves, freon added, a new rear hatch lock assembly, and a fuse block put in, again, all in the past month. The dealer has jerked me around, and even suggested that I call GM. I attempted to, and was put on hold for over 20 minutes.

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  Love it! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Norma - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Have had no problems with this SUV. Only returned to dealer because of a recall notice. Mileage is what I expected. Traded in an Olds that left me stranded twice-I am thrilled. I have had this Envoy for 6 months without a care.

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  My 4WD Livingroom! - 1997 GMC Yukon
  By Craig Ross - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I luvez my truck. Lovez my truck. This will be my 5th Chevy/GM truck in a row. Im coming from Porsches! I have fallen in love with the simple things in live that just work now that im in my mid 30s. I have had lots of fun in GM trucks because I can forget about worring if they will work or not. I just sold my 1995 Tahoe LT 4-door for 7 grand with 200k on it running perfectly! It was never in the shop and I just wanted to get into a vortec motor for a bit more power and also get pushbutton 4wd for my wife. I got a used 97 Yukon for 9k.These are just the best THINGS with motors on the road. I treat them like crap and the always work.

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  Kens critique - 1992 GMC Sonoma
  By ken jennings - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought from friend with 166,000 miles on it. Has been in major front end collision, but well restored. Runs great, no rattles, clanks, etc. Everything except the cruise works. Easy to work on. Ive helped him several times on things before I bought it.