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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  Fantastic Drive - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By GTT - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Have had this vehicle for two months and so far it has been a joy to drive and ride in. It is a very good looking and comfortable vehicle. The power it has coupled with the handling characteristics make it a pleasure to drive. The kids love all the features it has. They can watch movies every where we go.

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  Dream car... Nightmare repairs - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By KJ - December 29 - 2:27 am

  I LOVE this car, it was my dream car!!... But I HATE it... Transmisson replaces at 90,000 needs another at 190,000... Power steering went out 2 times... Liftgate issues (hydraulics and locking mechanism)... Sunroof LEAKS... Passanger windows stopped working at 100,000... Radio also stopped work8ng at 150,000... In general a MONEY PIT

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  GMC Safari - 1999 GMC Safari
  By Lyman Miller - December 29 - 2:00 am

  $800.00 to replace fuel pump at 65,000 mi. $1800 to rebuild transmission at 70,000 mi.$100.00, 3 times to clear throttle sticking condition off idle. This is my first GM product after 20+ years of Ford and Dodge. I wont buy another GM. Never had expensive problems with the other brands.

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  GREAT TRUCK - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By luv my truck - December 29 - 2:00 am

  The 2002 Sonoma ZR5 SLS Crew Cab is a great truck. I just traded my 2002 Sonoma SLS Extended Cab( 4 cylinder ) for this. There is alot more room inside the truck, it is LOADED with everything. The biggest let down for me is the gas mileage. The Sonoma SLS Extended Cab 2WD( 4 cylinder )was worse on gas than our 2002 Grand Prix GT and the ZR5 is just a little worse than the 4 cylinder. The truck is a little overpriced( $28,000 ) but is really worth the extra money. The Flame Yellow color is extremely bright and it catches alot of attention.

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  Love it so far - 2017 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jim Tr - December 28 - 11:23 pm

  Quite spendy

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  awesome redesign style - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By my07sierra4x4 - December 27 - 11:16 pm

  i recently purchased this 97 crew cab. it is awesome. traded in my 99 classic style sierra 1500 which i purchased new in 99. this truck is much better in style and power than my classic 99.i owned the 99 for 10 yrs and hardly ever had a problem with it. thats what sold me on staying with the gmc. was looking at switching to the new tundra until gmc changed the style of the new sierra. it is awesome. a real mans truck now.

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  Long term Update - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By qzationsa - December 26 - 6:14 am

  I wrote the review "looks good, drives poor" Here an update with 4000 miles. The truck has continued to be a disappointment. I had to replace bolt rear shocks due to leaks. The drives seat broke, twice. Im not a huge guy about 160 lbs and the seat keeps breaking. Drivability of this truck is poor, shifts are still very questionable both upshifts and down shifts. On a recent 650 mile highway drive, the truck shifted quite a bit on cruse at 74 mph. Average mpg on trip 17.3 Awful. MPG has declined and I average about 14.8. Compared to my 07 5.3 Silverado its about 3 mpg less. Maybe I got a bad one, but how many bad ones are out

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  bignfun suv - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By monkeybleu - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my yukon xl to haul myself and dogs to dog shows. Not only was it great for this, but a comfortable car for local driving. It is very convenient that you can fit 4x8 sheets of plywood in the back of the vehicle with the third seat removed and the second row folded down. Love the heated leather seats in the winter. The vehicle has needed a few repairs that no preventative maintenence could have avoided. Other than the reliability issue, its a great car.

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  99GMC - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Sandra Hegna - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Ride excel, looks great, mileage not as good as been told

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  GMC Envoy - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By mjlmii - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Very comfortable and easy to drive. several comfort items are nice surprises. great off road, with plenty of power and grip in the slick stuff.