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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  Work horse - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By Joe - April 11 - 1:44 am

  With some mods it is by far the best vehicle you can own. Installed rims with bigger back spacing to eliminate some of body roll and make clearence for 14 inch aftermarket rotors and callipers. I replaced exaust amd installed ram air intake, electric fan, throtle spacer and performance chip to increase fuel milage, end result being avg 23mpg mixed city hwy driving. The truck has 135000 miles on it and besides the mods the only thing changed was the fuel pump. Verry reliable and strong engine good body and after nine years still no rust.

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  2004 GMC Envoy SLT - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Lori - April 9 - 11:13 am

  Love this vehicle! It rides like a car and is big enough to make me feel safe while driving it while not be a huge gas hog. Granted, its not great, but not that bad. Love the leather and the XM radio, and the heated seats rock! So happy I went with this after looking at TrailBlazers, Equinox, Tahoes, etc.

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  Yukon XL - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By DaveCC - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Good solid feel to this SUV. Fun to drive, big improvement over windstar van. Solid feature from XM radio to memory seats that remember your personal preferences-pretty cool. Gas mileage a little lower than expected. Performance is outstanding.

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  Clunking but love the vehicle - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By lizaanne - April 6 - 7:05 pm

  Ive had my Acadia for one year and I love it! I did the transmission software update and it made a big difference. Unfortunately the dealership goofed it up when they did it and it was registering 3.1 miles on the odometer for every one mile I drove. I checked the mileage with with the highway milemarkers. The front end makes a clunking noise when just starting to take off. I learned from another review that the clunking noise is the anti-lock breaking system engaging. Other than these two issues I love my Acadia! I hope everyone elses issues are resolved quickly.

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  Excellent Crossover Vehicle.. - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By SLT-1 - April 6 - 5:21 pm

  I just love this car and I am very pleased with the quality and service I have received. I get in the car and it seems like the car does all the driving for me, sometimes I forget where I am going and I miss my destination. Only thing I wish I had was XM radio, but other than that it has everything that I need. I am gonna upgrade with the same vehicle in a couple of years. GMC has once again out done themselves..Great job!

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By Denali XL 2006 - April 4 - 11:46 am

  The Denali XL is the best on the market. Even though it is expensive it is worth every penny. I searched for a vehicle that would be suitable for the entire family for 2 months. When I saw the Denali online I told my husband this is what I want. The drive is beyond smoothness. Very comfortable.

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  Almost Perfect - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Dennis - April 2 - 8:16 am

  I was considering a truck or truck based SUV, but high gasoline prices made me consider the Acadia. So far my mileage is just shy of 21 mpg for the first 3000 miles based on a 50/50 city/highway mix. Handling is much better than in previously owned SUVs; passenger/cargo space is also much better. This is a big, heavy vehicle that feels nimble and has reasonable performance.

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  Yukon SLE 4.8 - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By Chuck - April 1 - 11:55 pm

  This is my 6th SUV and I must say it is by far the best. Ive only had the Yukon for 2 months and have put 2K miles on it, but so far it has been totally problem free. As it is getting broken in, the performance and gas mileage (currently between 18 and 19) are improving. For its large size it corners really well which I attribute to the stabilizer bars. If put into passing gear around 50, it appears a little anemic, so if I were to do it all over, I may opt for the 5.3 liter or get 3.73 rear end.

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  Very Happy With My Jimmy SUV - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By anthony - April 1 - 5:29 pm

  I had to replace my lifters on my Jimmy after 7 years. And the check engine light always comes on, but they never find anything wrong with my SUV. Other then that, great American SUV. Would buy another one, very happy with my GMC Jimmy

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  2007 GMC Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By ThorPower - March 31 - 2:35 pm

  Traded in a Yukon SLT for this vehicle. Very happen with the driveability of the Acadia. Mileage is not as advertised nor all that much better than a Yukon. Drives more like a car than a truck. Have had mini vans, this has almost the same amount of storage space. Have had seals replaced on transfer case already for leaking. Also had a time on freeway where I had to kick it down to passing gear and absolutely nothing happened - could have been a potential hazard. Update to vehicle electronics afterward may have rectified problem.