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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  I love this truck - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Love this truck - May 26 - 1:23 pm

  I have had this truck for 2,000 miles and about 6 weeks with no problems at all. The truck is solid and fun to drive. I love the exterior design. It looks rugged. I replaced my 1995 Dodge Dakota to get a real truck. I am extremely happy with my decision.

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  Best kept secret is the GMC Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By gaines - May 20 - 8:09 pm

  Great vehicle! Has power, comfort and safety features galore. Fuel injected v-8 can run with anybody, yet if you keep your foot out of it gets relatively good mileage. We have the SLT XL package. Its loaded with leather and all the other bells and whistles. Do yourself a favor, drive one when you get serious about looking for a quality ride.

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  Great Truck - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By pyusmc66 - May 19 - 7:44 pm

  Bought this truck 12/30/09 with many incentives, but you are never going to beat a dealer on a negotiation. Got a fair price. Disabled Vietnam Veteran who uses this truck primarily for towing a fishing boat and around the home hauling. Extremely comfortable on my back. I love the Active Fuel Management which is very good at maximizing mileage with cruise. Also love all the bells and whistles bluetooth, onstar, sound system, quiet interior, mp3 etc. Have been very happy with the drivetrain even though the 6 speed auto became available on this model in 2010. Would absolutely recommend this truck to anyone and love buying American and glad GM is doing better.

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  MY 2500 HD - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By MY 2500 HC - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Overall Good Truck. I am impressed with the sturdiness of the truck. The 6.0L has provided plenty of power with only occasionaly towing. However, the engine began knocking for the first 5 minutes on start up at about 17000 miles. GM says its o.k. but extended the engine warranty to "make me feel better." Had to have work done on steering column as it began knocking when I hit bumps. Speaker in passenger door had to be replaced. I am now noticing some delay or slip in the transmission when the stop light turns green. A little scared where this all might lead. Dont have the Allison.

• 

  Good little truck - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By gabe - May 15 - 5:17 pm

  Good little truck. I use it for work pulling and hauling light loads, works out great. Plenty of power for a V6 4.3L.

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  GMC 2015 Denali ***LOADED***** - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By Sady - May 15 - 2:00 pm

  Bought the 2015 Denali w/ all the bells and whistles in October 2014. At that time, the new body style was very hard to find, because it was so new. I have owned for over 2 years & have 49,000 miles on it. Have major problems when going 65 to 70-75 mph on freeway with the transmission-- while driving and increasing the speed on highway, it feels like the car "jerks" as it accelerates. Its horrible! Have taken to dealership 3Xs complaining about it & they look @ me like I am crazy. I am getting ready to trade it in due to high mileage...other complaint is the usb ports--always tearing up my iphone cords. Miserable! When you plug your phone in into the usb, it automatically connects phone to vehicle...if you arent paying attention, end up missing texts, phone calls, directions. I do love that you can use OnStar w/ directions, & remote start from your iphone...great little perk. Love the 3rd row seats and cargo...haul kids & dogs

• 

  GMC 2015 Denali ***LOADED***** - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By Sady - May 15 - 2:00 pm

  Bought the 2015 Denali w/ all the bells and whistles in October 2014. At that time, the new body style was very hard to find, because it was so new. I have owned for over 2 years & have 49,000 miles on it. Have major problems when going 65 to 70-75 mph on freeway with the transmission-- while driving and increasing the speed on highway, it feels like the car "jerks" as it accelerates. Its horrible! Have taken to dealership 3Xs complaining about it & they look @ me like I am crazy. I am getting ready to trade it in due to high mileage...other complaint is the usb ports--always tearing up my iphone cords. Miserable! When you plug your phone in into the usb, it automatically connects phone to vehicle...if you arent paying attention, end up missing texts, phone calls, directions. I do love that you can use OnStar w/ directions, & remote start from your iphone...great little perk. Love the 3rd row seats and cargo...haul kids & dogs

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  8.1L tons of gas power! - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By black dog - May 11 - 4:50 pm

  The torque and power of the 8.1L is incredible, but be aware at the gas pump. An average of 9.1 mpg will be all youll get. Towing large campers or trailers is no trouble what-so- ever. Especially in lower range gears the 8.1L begs for more. All around I love the truck, including a great interior and stock stereo.

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  1995 Yukon - 1995 GMC Yukon
  By Capt2u - May 10 - 6:11 pm

  This has been a great SUV, 156K and going. Ive owned it for 10 years, replaced the starter, radiator, alt. regular oil changes and tires thats it! Drive it all over the western U.S. Hauls the boat kids etc. If you need a relaible people moving go to the fun truck, buy one of these!

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  08 Acadia not delivering promised MPG - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By muddy1 - May 9 - 4:46 pm

  The Acadia is great in every way but MPG. The new EPA estimates are at 16/22 but unless you always drive downhill with a tailwind its impossible to achieve. Were stuck at 14MPG in mixed town/highway driving and can only get to 19 on the highway. Given the 6 speed transmission I dont understand why we cant get more out of it. I also would like to see the vehicle that the EPA drove to measure estimated MPG. It just doesnt seem possible.