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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  Tough Truck - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Reckless Driver - January 24 - 9:31 pm

  Bought it new. Been very tough on it, towing several tons through the 120° desert. In 2006 I put almost 50k miles on it. Survived some crashes, which, in a smaller car would have caused some major damage. In 2008 it started running funny, occasionally making some wierd sounds and smoke coming out the tailpipe. After it warmed up it was fine. Just recently, at 150k miles we found the problem. One of the valves is sticking. Also, at 130k miles the radiator and A/C began acting up, and it definitely has a leak. Now it makes terrible noises when the motor is cold, and idles at 500 RPM higher than normal under said condition. I feel itll seize up in the next 10k miles, its on its last leg.

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  BIG BABAY - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By Mike - January 24 - 3:04 am

  I purchase this truck at 112,000 miles in 2002. I like the smooth ride it gives on the highway. It handles like a car. And Great for big familys and a true work horse. But I replaced alot of parts on it. Running up a repair bill of $4000.00+

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  not bad for GMC - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By scott S - January 23 - 11:12 pm

  What can one say about a underpowered truck. It drives great but maybe you should have bought a Honda engine to power this beauty. Id suggest the 2.4 Honda crv engine. This truck drive great and gets ok gas mileage as long as you stay off the highway. Whoever thought of butting 4/11 gears in a underpowered truck. Oh, maybe thats it, I see you have to compensate for the lack of power by gearing the truck low. The lack of quality is amazing, Ive had to replace the third door handle three times until I fabricated and metal substitute. the emergency break actuator two times.

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  Excellent Value - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By Denali2002 - January 23 - 9:13 pm

  Perfect SUV for a family of five, surprisingly MPGs is not as bad as we were expecting...average 16-17 with the 6.0L. Handles great in the Wisconsin winter roads.

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  172,000mi on my suburban - 1995 GMC Suburban
  By sean - January 22 - 11:33 pm

  iv hauled my lawn mowing trailer and use it to drive to louisiana i still get 17mpg interior is like new iv been egged and paintballed this is the prettyiest white ever it blinds u it so bright good buy

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  Great Car - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By DA - January 22 - 8:12 pm

  Best car I have ever had and I have had a lot of them. Had the car for 2 years, 41K on it. Never had a problem, never been in the dealership other than an oil change. Started making a whining noise it was just a little low on power steering fluid which was easy to fill. We love our Acadia.

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  2004 GMC Canyon Extended Cab - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By stan - January 22 - 12:48 pm

  This truck has been dependable. I had to replace a speaker that blown. I have a check engine light that has been on for months, the mechanic said it was something minor an 02 sensor. Braking is excellent but when I stop suddenly it sounds as if its metal to metal.

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  Reliable...having problems now - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Eric Deitz - January 20 - 1:22 am

  this vehicle i got with 111,xxx miles on it and it now has 133,xxx on it...everything was running perfect until the check engine light came on...my mechanic has looked at it 4 different times and cant figure out whats wrong with it...still in the shop being looked at...other than that gas mileage was terrific for its size and very roomy....i put HIDs in and gave it new headlights and it looks good at night

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  Got my moneys worth - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By BeSwift - January 19 - 2:42 pm

  Bought new. Outstanding reliability. Now is 8 yrs old, has 203k. Up til now, NO major problems (starter, battery, etc). Now stuff is starting to go up, but heck, with 200k plus miles, it SHOULD! I maintain my vehicles and am looking for a low milage used replacement for it now. Best vehicle Ive owned.. Not perfect, but pretty damn good!

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  Gets the job done - 1992 GMC Suburban
  By John - January 18 - 12:54 pm

  I bought it in 1998 and now have 170,000 miles on it. As everyone says, it gets the job done no matter how big or small. Used ones always seem to have new transmissions, but I always use 3rd gear going up and down hills so the torque converter doesnt have to work, and the trans still seems just fine. Bought some Michelin LT265/75R16 tires for it 60,000 miles ago soon after I got the Sub and they are still going strong although Ill replace them before going in the snow again. Its resale value is so low that its not worth selling and I keep it around for heavy hauling - its still just a sturdy GM pickup with a fancy covered rear. I get 14 mpg or more on the road at 75 mph.