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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  Best deal available - 2007 GMC Canyon
  By DJS - April 29 - 3:07 pm

  I bought my SLE Crewcab, 5 cyl., auto, 4x4 last August, worked it hard this past record snowfall winter. The 4wd and locking rearend made it unstoppable. The truck listed at $25.6K, after rebates, dealing, and GM points, paid $18.5K before tax. This was about $10K less than Toyota or Nissan. I do mainly city driving, short trips, only 3-4K miles/year, so mpg is not a great concern. I am not surprised that it wasnt hitting the epa ratings considering the few miles on the truck, short trips, cold weather, and use of 4wd.

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  Great vehicle - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By dave bishop - April 29 - 1:56 pm

  Rides nice, drives easily. Love the XM radio with controls on the steering wheel. The OnStar gives you peace of mind. Lots of storage when back seats are down. It is everything I expected it to be.

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  Good truck - 1991 GMC Sonoma
  By Capt Phil - April 28 - 2:36 pm

  Bought this Sonoma used, from private party, but was a previous utility company truck. It had about 70,000 miles then, and now has 130,000. Its handy, and has hauled well over a ton(!) in the bed, plus towing a heavy trailer. The 4wd shift lever on the floor is far superior to the later push-button models, which are much more complicated, more expensive to repair, and cannot be shifted on-the-fly, as the floor lever can be (2wd to 4wd hi, only - you have to stop to get it into lo 4wd). All in all, a robust little truck, easy to get into the tight off-road places Ive taken it. I also have a lumber rack, which can put excessive strain on the bed supports. I had mine reinforced.

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  Good Vehicle - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Michael - April 28 - 12:45 pm

  Very spacious and comfortable. I am surprised on how little cargo storage room there is. It has a huge center console but that is it. Gas stinks but ,hey, its a big vehicle. The interior is all plastic and the fake wood finish scratches very easily. Even most chrome accents are plastic underneath.

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  Professional Grade - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Rick - April 28 - 11:00 am

  I have owned my GMC Envoy for over 2 years now. I drive my truck usually on weekends and for road trips. I had only 3 problems so far. The first was the wiring harness going to the left tail light, the center 12 vdc adapter blew a fuse. Thirdly, my gear shifter handle became loose. This will be my last american vehicle that I will buy.

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  My Black Beauty - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Kevo - April 27 - 3:27 pm

  I believe that this is the best looking truck of all time. Gas mileage stinks! I love the black and the ZR2 because of its lifted gift.

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  My $5700 bargaine - 1999 GMC Envoy
  By bigbux98 - April 25 - 10:05 am

  I paid $5700 for my Envoy, with 77,000 miles on it. It was in very good condition and so far, I have had to replace one ball joint. Other than that, it has been dead reliable. I pray I never get to see a $2000 headlight replacement.

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  Nice truck - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By M & K - April 23 - 11:43 pm

  I like my truck. Pretty good gas mileage for a V-8 (about 18-21 city and 22-24 highway). Comfy ride. A few problems with the rear driveline. Had to replace both u-joints about 6 months ago and now it is squeaking and clanking again. Rear axle probably needs to be rebuilt. 3-rd door is nice, but back seat as a little smaller than Id like. Pretty good power and towing capabilities. Heater is bad- not very warm and I have to put it on high to even feel any air flow.

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  My favorite in the price range - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By choppers70 - April 22 - 6:36 pm

  I drove just about everything I thought I could get off the lot in the low $20Ks. Everything felt like plastic junk. When I got in the Envoy I knew it was the one I wanted. Felt like luxury but in my price range. So far so good. Some minor issues with rattling noises that need fixed but other than that Im pretty happy with it.

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  Great large SUV - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Great large SUV - April 20 - 12:56 pm

  Bought it as a lease return with 36K. 5.3L, AWD, 17" wheels. Wanted a Denali, but not the mileage. Surprisingly tight turning radius! Loaded with moonroof, Bose,DVD,etc. No surprises. Very comfortable, enough space for family, very good power. Suits me perfectly! Gets slightly better MPG than my 98 Blazer with V6. 100 more miles per tank.