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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  this car stinks - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By sue - March 13 - 8:19 pm

  My husband bought me this car. Its been back to the dealer about 16 times in 11 mos. its been at the shop way over 30 days, Two days after picking the car car up it flooded out, so now my new car smells like a swamp. almost got myself and my children in an accident because it revs out to 8000 rpm in order to go to 40 mph. This car is dangerous, I get 6 mpg the water sprays in when its raining. the window switch has blown out 4 times tranny not working right steering colom replaced thrush washer replaced the head liner due to water damage but they cant find a leak This car is a $700. a month peice of junk!! I have to rent a car to go away with because this car unreliable & unsafe.

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  What a piece of junk - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By VeryUnhappywenvoy - December 15 - 10:00 am

  -Seven recalls -Chronic electrical problems -Lowest quality car ever owned, basic functions adn features that fail -Wind noise like a sieve, back to the dealer 3 times and no relief.

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  To many problems - 2017 GMC Yukon
  By chris - June 29 - 1:44 pm

  Raising the gas mileage up to 22 mpg has created major issues. The engine has yet to be refined, the 8 speed trans is also having issues. My son has a 2015 and the kids have broken 2 exterior door handles off, the engine has to be replaced, computer problems (Gremlins). Quality for the price is just not there. I own a 2003 Yukon since new and it has 275k no work has been done on the engine or trans, bottom line is that they are not built the way they used to be. For close to the same price as a Denali, we bought a Mercedes Benz GLS 450, tows what we need, better warranty, built like no other SUV, and much better resale value. Dealer customer service is also second to none. Drop it off once a year for oil change service and inspection, get a loaner with out even asking.

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  Do Not Buy!!! - 2016 GMC Yukon XL
  By JT - May 20 - 2:56 am

  I am so disappointed with my purchase of the 2016 Yukon XL Denali. The issues with this vehicle in just 1 month are endless. The main one being the brakes are sooo bad. I got in an accident after 1 week, because the brakes on the car just dont work. The quality of the seats are so poor, you can feel the springs in the seats. The transmission keeps slipping. I hate this vehicle. DO NOT BUY.

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  DON"T BUY THIS !! Several options Dont Work !!!!! - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Susheel - April 4 - 12:11 am

  I owned a 2014 Acadia Denali and for some strange reason decided to trade for 2017 model. New 2017 model sucks ! Lane departure warnings DO NOT WORK. NO BEEPS if you change lanes without turn signal - Regardless of your speed or which streets or freeways you are on - I tested this along with 2 people from dealership - we drove over 100 miles testing this !!!! ( 0f course after I leased it !!! ) - Never Worked . Front Collision does not work unless you are about to HIT the Vehicle ahead - beeps if you are about 10 feet away at 30 MPH - If you are parking behind a car, it will beep only if you come within 8 inches !!! DEFEATS the purpose of having this ! MY 2014 Acadia Denali worked fine - it would beep if I changed lane without turn signal and would also beep if I came close to another vehicle - depending on my setting - far,medium or near ( forward collision ) . Front Auto Braking does NOT WORK . I went to 3 other dealers to show me how it is supposed to work - They were all surprised to see it does NOT WORK !!!! I assumed that 2017 acadia denali would be better than 2014 I owned and assumed that everything that worked on it will work better or at least the same way - NO NO NO ! Big Disappointment !!!!! Also new 2017 Acadia is Way too Small !!!! Please TRUST ME - Before getting this , do ask the salesperson to show how all the features work - Trust me , you will be disappointed. The ONLY good thing is that I leased it and will get RID of this [non-permissible content removed] in 2 years ! Have previously bought 2011 and 2014 Acadia Denalis - WILL NEVER BUY or Lease GMC again in my life.

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  Poor metal quality in major engine parts. - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Roger - January 15 - 2:37 am

  Lifters collapsing. Serviced every 3000 miles. GMC should recall on this but refuse to admit and wont help. Wanted to buy American. Never again!

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  Poor metal quality in major engine parts. - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Roger - January 15 - 2:37 am

  Lifters collapsing. Serviced every 3000 miles. GMC should recall on this but refuse to admit and wont help. Wanted to buy American. Never again!

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  One Poor Truck - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By mllambert@bellsouth.net - January 2 - 12:42 am

  Some of these vehicles have issues knowing when to shift. I have had this truck back to the dealer countless times for this issue. I have even had the region service tech work on the truck twice. The story is the same "it is a characteristic of this model" what a very poor excuse for GMC. They have no idea what they need to do to fix this. I have complained to GM as well as the dealership and NO ONE does anything. I am a very regular buyer of GM vehicles. one every 16-24 months. After this experience I will never own another GM vehicle again or work with the dealership. Thankfully I leased the thing so I can walk away in 36 mo.

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  Beat up by GMC - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Tom Murphy - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I am havong major problems with my Envoy. It started from the day I drove off the lot. The envoy is sitting in my back yard and has been for close to a year. GMC will not perform ant warrenty work on it. They also will not perform any recall work on it. The complete experiance has been awfull. I have a folder at home that is about3/4" thick of all the paper work that tall this has created. I dont know what to do at this point.

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  Poor Quality Truck - 2015 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Randy Shuck - June 10 - 6:26 pm

  The day I brought the truck home I noticed that the heater would not change from defrost.Then after a couple of weeks water leaked on drivers side front and back.All carpet had to be replaced.Then water leaked on passenger side.The truck has 3100 miles on it and has been in the shop 16 days.Im wondering what will be next.Its obvious GM dosent build a quality truck any more.