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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  Large Family Rescue Vehicle - 1994 GMC Suburban
  By Jay Alexander - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Other than clunky sound during back-up, (which could never be corrected),I am extremely satified with my first SUV. I had station wagons until then. It is reliable, more-less comfortable seating for all 8 passengers (a little less in third seat as can be expected). Mileage at 16 highway is not terrible, but 8 MPG city is not good. I highly recommend the Suburban.

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  great features - 1999 GMC Envoy
  By esclade - May 27 - 2:00 am

  a lot of features on this truck make it stand out from the rest in its field for instance power folding driver and passenger mirrors, built in 6 disc changer up front, a built in air compressor in the back, and you cant forget about the headlights.

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  An SUV that rides like a car! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Susie Q - May 27 - 2:00 am

  My GMC Envoy is awesome, it rides exactly like a car. I recently traded in my 2000 Toyota 4Runner for a GMC Envoy SLT and boy what a difference. Bye, bye to that rough truck ride and hello smooth sailing. You cannot beat the 0% financing..... You definitely get more for your money when you buy American!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  High miler, still purring! - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By camelot4 - May 26 - 2:08 am

  I bought this truck 3 years ago with 120000 miles on it and it just purrs. Smooth, quiet, comfortable and even with all those miles it still doesnt burn or leak any oil. I haul a 260 gallon water tank in the back and it doesnt even phase the old girl. Just a great truck!

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  Best in Class SUV - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By tropical1 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Yukon is extremely nice. Bose system and DVD entertainment are definitely worth it for the kids. My only complaint is gas mileage but it is still higher than I would have guessed. Anywhere from 15-20 mpg.

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  Great Size and Power - 2009 GMC Yukon XL
  By j_stew - May 25 - 12:46 pm

  We bought this vehicle purely for the size and passenger capacity. From that aspect, the vehicle is great - love all the room, the overall design, and general looks of the vehicle. Also love the power and "go anywhere" feel of the vehicle. We have, however, had this car in the shop more than any vehicle weve owned. Constant accessory / electrical issues (power seats, vented seats, heated seats, power door locks, driver air, power mirror). It still looks great and we still enjoy taking it on long trips when its working, but if there was another good option with this much space and power, wed take it.

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  Best car I ever owned - this is my second one!! - 2017 GMC Terrain
  By Ingrid - May 23 - 2:16 pm

  The Terrain not only stands out for its looks, but it drives great, is dependable, comfortable, offers great features, and is decent on gas. I loved my first one so much that I got a new one. I did look at a few other vehicles, but none in the same class even compare. I have owned almost every make of car out there and the GMC Terrain has been the only one I ever considered owning a second time around!

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  Great Little Truck - 1994 GMC Sonoma
  By Whami - May 23 - 2:00 am

  This has been a wonderful little truck. It has been used as a courier vehicle for the past 4 out of 5 yrs that I have owned it. Still going great. Replaced the clutch & starter. Then the engine at 210,000 because of timeing belt. Body has held up great. A/C compressor went out at 200,000. It has carried average of 40,000 per yr in miles and with the newer/used engine will last another 100,000.

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  Big Bruiser - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By ANK_Massachusetts - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I was concerned about reliability given some of the reviews I had read on the internet. Anyway, picked this up at 47K and now have 69K on it. Changed the oil and lubricated the chassis every 3.5K. No problems to report The YUKON is big and comfortable with smooth acceleration from that big V8. The dual AC can make it COLD fast and the heated seats were such a relief this past winter while the car warms up. Would not buy it new! Too much money! But a few years old w/ under 50K is a fair price. Too wide for my garage unless I fold the side mirrors

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  I like my Jimmy - 1995 GMC Jimmy
  By Betsy - May 21 - 2:00 am

  Its a 4dr, 2wd, SL SUV. Bought this SUV in 96 iwth 30K on it. Now have 225K on it. Rides rough on long trips (slight frontend shimmy) and otherwise I cant say anything bad about it. In all those miles, with very few exceptions, I get in start it up and drive. Handles well in traffic, handles well on forestry service roads. Never dreamed it would last this long and still going strong.