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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  More bang for your buck - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Mean Machine - October 1 - 10:06 pm

  I completely love this truck. I modified this truck and added an additional 35 hp to the existing 403, wow! Need I say more! Added side steps 5" oval, bed cover with rear spoiler and lite, complete tint. Modified exaust for deeper purr, added air intake, Customized GMC Logo cyrstalized. Black it out completely, changed door handles to black got rid of chrome strip, added OMEX 6000K halogen kit, got rid of the orange on front head light assembly, changed tailpipe all black 5" oval, sits on 26" black rims, with a lowered supension kit 2"f 5"b, looks mighty damm good! Wish I could post a picture. This is what a real truck should look like, love it, love it, love it.

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  Featureful with a few issues - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Kiki - September 26 - 9:53 am

  Great looking truck on the exterior (except cheap paint is used) with lots of features, but only averaging 16 mpg even on long highway trips. Cheap interior all the way around - upholstery is the worst I have ever experienced in my life - it cant be cleaned with a vacuum and it is falling apart. I feel gypped because previous GM trucks had good upholstery. Carpeting is cheap, Plastic interior is very cheap, hard, and actually discoloring - the truck is only 6 months old! Even with all the problems - I still really like this truck! Strange whirring noises independent of engine, AC, brakes, or tires. I have no idea what fan could be so odd sounding upon starting and while driving.

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  My Acadia Review - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Patti - September 26 - 8:06 am

  I enjoy driving the Acadia. My only faults with it is a few design issues with the interior. If you want to charge your phone you cant put anything in one of the cup holders in the front. Very little storage space as far as putting things away so they dont move around vehicle while driving, other than back only storage in between two front seats and dash board. I was shocked there was not in floor storage for headsets. I also has a few blind areas when driving hard to see if other cars are in lane on passenger side, perhaps it would help if you could sit up a little higher in the vehicle. Overall it is a nice car even with these few issues.

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  Its a good one - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By ibuyalot - September 14 - 1:56 am

  I like the performance that it offers.This one is quieter than my 02 was and very much improved fit and finish on the interior.What I greatly dislike is the color choices especially for the interior.!!!!

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  2001 GMC 4x4 5.3 Z 71 SLE - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Joe D - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Overall Ive been fairly easy on this truck but occasionally have hauled very heavy loads. No problems. The smooth ride was a surprise to me. Engine performance is great. Milage is ok if you take it easy, otherwise it uses quite a bit. I think the interior is nice (despite what Edmonds say). Its a nice riding/functional truck. Cant find anything wrong with this truck yet (in almost 2 years).

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  New ride for mom! - 2018 GMC Terrain
  By Greg - September 2 - 7:46 am

  Ive spent the last 6 months helping my mom replace her 07 grand prix with 210k miles. She still has it but needed something newer thats awd and wont be in the shop alot. Weve been a gm family. She has my old rendezvous and i have an avalanche and a 2012 lacrosse. After looking at the new Crv and rav 4 she was going to lease a 2017 equinox but i told her how it was the last model year and the "new car" was actually dated almost 8 years. Thankfully she listened and waited. The new equinoxes had arrived but on the same lot were the new gmcs which we both thought looked better. Id never let her buy a new car especially one just redesigned so leasing it was a good choice. My only complain is the lag when switching into awd and teaching her when to turn it on and off. If it holds up well the next 3 years i might buy it out and let her get the refreshed denali thatll come out by then

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  Old battle wagon - 1991 GMC Suburban
  By Kenny - August 28 - 12:59 pm

  I originally bought a 2wd 88 Suburban for house projects and hauling. I found that this vehicle is actually fun to drive. I looked for the last model year for the best features and settled on this 91 GMC Suburban. The former owner took very good care of it. I love this truck. With the second row folded down, there is almost nothing that I cant haul.

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  SLT Yukon - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By knapper - August 26 - 8:19 pm

  After six months of driving and 21,000 miles, I have gotten to know the service staff at the dealership on a first-name basis. They have fixed loose moldings on the rear doors, worked on air conditioner twice (without the problem being fixed), turned the front rotors, and fixed a broken arm on a rear seat. When not in shop, it performs well. Gas mileage is in the 21 - 22 mph on the Interstate. It pulls a 19 foot bass boat with ease and is very comfortable. Overall I am not dissatisfied but the little stuff is a pain.

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  My GMC is still strong - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By Phillip T - August 25 - 2:32 am

  Not sure with the others, but with 162,000 miles, our Jimmy has never failed on the road. Great, timeless looks, comfy ride and comfy interior. Very reliable, in its time the Cat-converter was replaced at 150k, fuel pressure regulator at 155k (typical of these motors), and the rear axle seals leaked ruining the parking brake, and rear brake rotors, a 600 dollar repair. And recently the master cylinder was replaced due to a weak brake pedal. But no major failure ever, and still runs very strong. The 4.3L V6 provides great torque. And the 4L60E transmission is smooth, and originally responsive, though a bit sluggish sometimes. I love this little Jimmy, Ill drive it til the wheels fall off

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  Great Truck - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By ldiamo - August 24 - 7:23 am

  I have owned this truck for 9 years. Highway, city, offroad. Hot sun, freezing winters with heavy, deep snow and ice, and torrential rain. My version is a 4DR Extended Cab SLE Z71, 5.3L with custom cap and racks. This is a fabulous truck. Handles great and delivers fantastic performance under absolutely any condition and/or load. But it had growing pains: bad ABS brakes,and some electrical issues with power windows and doors, and extended cab hinges that didnt fit properly in cold weather. All fixed over time and the brakes are now very good(watch out for the door hinges, though.)Now in 2009 I am trading it for a Suburban Z71 for a roomier cab (family has grown). I will miss this truck.