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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  Beauitful - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Beautiful - May 16 - 2:00 am

  My husband was the one who made the final discission to buy this car. I did not care what SUV I got only that it was a new one. After driving this car I can only say one thing "beautiful". I dont only mean how it looks...but how it rides. The ride is so smooth, its like riding on air. I dont know if its just that I have not been driving my Jeep Cherokee for so long I never knew that a SUV could be so smooth. I can only say that I feel beautiful when I am in it. What a CAR.

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  Best Ride So Far - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Hornedfrog - May 15 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many types of automobiles. 68 Corvette Convertible, 91 Lincoln Continental, 93 Toyota Camry V6, and I traded a 99 Jimmy SLT in for the Envoy. This is the best ride I have ever experienced. The Engine is strong across the band width and quite. The ride is as smooth if not smoother then the Continental and it has a turn radius so small (my wife’s Rav 4 does not turn as tight) it is scary. The only complaint I have is the fuel tank size and I wished I had waited for the XL for the extra people hauling. I have not had one problem and believe it or not, not a single GM rattle has popped up. So far this SUV has been flawless.

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  A great vehicle with over 100k miles - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Bayer - May 14 - 2:23 pm

  I have over 100k miles and still have yet to have the first problem. The tires last to about 50k miles, it tows like a mule and rides very comfortably. It still idles like it was new; you cant tell its running. GM did a good job with this machine!

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  Buy Toyota - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By APL - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car from a GMC dealer with extended warranty. the dealer sucked. They refused to change any parts. So I took the vehicle to a private garage. Within the first year I had to have the ABS brake sytem replaced, the fuel gauge replaced then the ball joints started to go. At 114000 miles I had to have the intake gasket replaced, the mechanic said hes never seen a gasket deteriate like this before. I used to buy toyotas and I decided to try GMC my next SUV will be a toyota again.

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  family fun - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By n. thompson - May 13 - 10:00 am

  great family vehicle, fun and easy to dirve.

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  I am comforatable driving this GMC - 1994 GMC Suburban
  By HappyGMC - May 12 - 2:00 am

  This truck is a very dependable ride, I can get into it with confidience that I can get from point A to B like if it was brand new......with over 100K of miles it runs great....It will be a while before I get rid of this nice ride.

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  GMC Denali - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By Teenybutt - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about my car except for some of the interior features, which I feel should have been a little more upscale for the price.

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  my toy envoy - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By gtb32 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  iv always drive sedans ,this is my first time in suv ,so its been almost two year"s this june. love to drive it im retired and take all over town.so let me say love to drive .

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  2003 GMC Envoy SLT - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By joy41 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the best suv i have bought. I wanted leather and 4wd . We looked at every mid-size except ford We love this auto

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  Underrated American SUV - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By Steve Sherrod - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Four wheel drive with the touch of a button. Comfortable cloth power seats, great moonroof, Bose stereo, and gas milage is good-- I average 18 mpg in city traffic and much better on highway. Complete instruments on dash are eash to read. Cruise control is straightforward. Dealer service was quick (overnight) with free rental car for minor recall and one leaking seal.