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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  The Ultimate Hauler - 1992 GMC Suburban
  By M. Morrison - February 20 - 9:42 am

  Love everything about my 1992 Suburban except putting gas in it. I purchased this truck because I work for a parrot and wild bird rescue on weekends and needed the room. So far, there hasnt been anything I cant fit in it...people, large cages...Ive had it through some trails on our property that our 4x4 Kaboda has trouble with and have yet to be pulled out. Absolutly no reliability issues as of yet...I prefer this engine to the newer Vortec engine with the troublesome intakes. If you dont mind $130.00 fill-ups, its the ultimate hauler!

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  Best Vehicle Investment Ive Made - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By dingo6120 - February 14 - 10:36 pm

  I purchased this vehicle when there were no others on the road. I was 1st impressed with its individual styling. Very soon after I was delighted with its interior appointments and comfort. I now have 125,000 miles and still no mechanical issues what-so-ever! This SUV (other than gas) has been the most inexpensive vehicle 2 own. I am not even close to looking 4 another SUV because most, even 5yrs later, are not as well appointed as mine. Neither do they have the comfort I am used to. The power I get from this inline V6 is remarkably strong. I can drive in any situation w/confidence enough to lead the pack if the law would let me. I hope to keep my great looking GMC 4 another few year

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  Happy Driver - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Jim - February 11 - 10:29 am

  Drive mostly around town and occassional highway trips. Handles very well for a 4WD SUV and is excellent on the highway. Ride is more car-like than Tahoes I have ridden in. Im very happy with this vehicle after 40,000 miles and will keep it several more years.

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  Autoride is amazing! - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Chad - February 8 - 9:51 pm

  The Autoride is amazing! Black with 20" makes this a stand-out truck. Easy to operate and park in the city. Feels like your driving on glass, even on the roughest roads. GMC resales better than Ford or Tahoe.

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  Edmunds is Harsh - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By craigcar - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Overall this is an excellent vehicle; I am baffled by Edmunds harsh review. The engine and transmission are great, the ride very "Cadillac-like", excellent interior room. I traded my 02 Trailblazer with 60K miles on it (and no problems in that time). I am pleased to have purchased an American vehicle that stands up to the rest (admitting my other vehicle is a 03 BMW convertible)

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  Poor Gas Mileage - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Sailer - February 6 - 8:16 am

  9.5 mpg city 10.7 highway. Door handle under armrest is a pain to get to. 5.3 engine would give enough power as I run empty 95% of time Needed 2500 to plow snow. Needs cup holders in dash.

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  44000 Miles of Fun - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By wsolveson - January 31 - 6:26 am

  I think I bought the first Yukon XL in town. This one was built at the GM plant in Mexico and has had the best quality of any vehicle I have ever owned. Awesome sound system. Trailers my 21 ft. boat smoothly.

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  Oh yeah Baby - 2004 GMC Sonoma
  By David - January 30 - 9:41 pm

  Ive owned this car for 2.5 years and Ive not had one problem with it and Im up to 50k miles. The drive is smooth and comfortable. Its got great pickup on the freeway. The only 3 things I dont like is the gas mileage, wide turn radius and the fact that my front windshield cracked after sitting in 104 heat during the summer for several with the windows rolled up...guess it couldnt handle the heat.

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  Best Truck on the market - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Russell - January 30 - 1:30 pm

  Original owner. 130k miles. RELIABILITY-Ive only had 2 problems, and 1 (speedometer) was a recall. The catalytic converter went out at 115k, but other than that, no rattles, no squeaks, not even a brake job. Overall reliability is good, better than my Toyota Matrix. DRIVETRAIN-GM says this V6 has less HP than Fords, but this pickup (w/3.42 rear end) sure feels stronger than my brothers (w/3.55). No oil leaks at 130k, no slips in the tranny. INTERIOR-I like it, but most auto critics say it looks cheap. Seats are plush and ride is comfy. Overall reliability may belong to Honda/Toyota, but GMs powertrain sold me. None of the tranny problems typical of Hondas, better engines than Toyota.

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  DENALI - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By GAGZ - January 28 - 1:33 am

  I just bought this truck, it now has about 6,000m on it. I LOVE it. Lots of power, tows great, very comfortable. Fuel economy stinks but what do you expect with a 6.2L V8? I love the lines of the body and the interior has plenty of buttons! I really dont have any complaints, although for the money i should get a backup camera... Oh ya, and its all time 4-wheel drive, i dont like that at all! NO burnouts!