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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  Great Family Car - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By mtaylor - December 11 - 1:10 pm

  They have thought of everything when designing this car. The V6 is enough power even with a full 6 passengers. We have the captains chairs which allows kids and adults to easily get to the back seat. The back seat seats 2 adults comfortably or 3 kids. Captain chairs are comfortable.

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  Little giant - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By mike jewell - December 10 - 12:19 am

  It feels like a small swift SUV, but it has plenty of room for everyone to sit comfortable. We traded in a Lincoln Navigator and we are glad we did. Nothing against the Lincoln, but it was getting old 15mpg. we are definitely getting around 21-22mpg. So far very happy

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  Awesome! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By en4rcer - December 8 - 2:00 am

  This was my first SUV purchase and I am in love (or lust). I had test driven several other SUVs in its class including the Jeep Grand Cherokee. I have had no problems with the Envoy and it is a fun vehicle to drive. I am about 15 years younger than the "average" Envoy driver - and it shows when people considerably older than me compliment me on the Envoy. Great ride, loaded with features, and has what seems to be a reliable and powerful engine.

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  Low Cost ,Reliable, Great Vehicle - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By R Krebs - December 6 - 10:53 am

  Purchase new eight years ago. 26 MPG. Truck receives scheduled maintenance, and has performed flawlessly. Radio was replaced (defective from factory), one set of brakes and 2 sets of tires in 105,000 miles. Orig. exhaust and clutch, water pump, etc. 4 cyl. is underpowered, interior is stylish but uncomfortable for the passenger b/c of uneven floor. Small passenger compartment cools down really fast in the summer and heats up fast in the winter. Great vehicle for commuting or suburban 2nd car. With a low end price tag this vehicle has exceeded my expectations for 8 years now!

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  Love It! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By sebl - December 2 - 5:23 pm

  What more could you want from a vehicle? Better gas mileage (mine averages 21) than SUVs yet with the same amount of space (actually the Acadia has a longer wheelbase than the Yukon). All the extra features you could ask for and comfort, visability, space, etc. The cars message screen actually tells you "Ice possible, please drive with care" or reminds you that the blinker is on. All for less than $40k...try and get a Tahoe loaded for that!

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  Outstanding SUV! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Happy in Huntsville - November 30 - 8:18 am

  I bought this one used a year ago. I have driven it to and from work and on long trips several times and am very pleased with everything about it. After putting 20K miles on it - I have had zero problems. I average 18 - 19 mpg work and back, 21+ on long trips and 16 pulling a bass boat. Love the power and ride!

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  SLS Short Bed 6 5spdMT Great Truck - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By Owned for Five Years - November 25 - 10:15 am

  Owned mine 5 yrs & very happy with it. SLS, standard cab (2 seats), 5-speed manual trans., 2.2L 4-cyl., stereo with single CD, manual door locks and manual windows. 19-22 mpg city, 24.0- 25.6 mpg hwy range about 350-360 miles/tank. Rides better with a load in the bed. Very reliable. Interior gauges easy to see. Daytime running lights & it switches automatically to night headlamps, very useful. Comfortable. Perfectly engineered for its purpose. Good looking exterior. I added a soft tonneau, then a cap when I could afford, which helped gas mileage 1-2 mpg. Great visibility without cap, limited but acceptable with cap. Small bump in bed where gas tank is, not a big deal. Good turning radius.

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  GOOD BUY - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By TCLIF - November 21 - 10:00 am

  LAZY BOY ON WHEELS

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  A-1 - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Ray/Gordon - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Due to the fact I live in a national forest next to a higher elevation mountain, and I can easily have snow and ice when the lower lands do not, I need 4wd. My Envoy is "peppy" and comfortable. There is plenty of room for driver, passengers, and baggage. I could easily rate my Envoy a 9.5.

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  Love this Truck - 1999 GMC Sierra Classic 1500
  By Bobby E - November 20 - 6:46 am

  I have had many cars and trucks foreign and domestic. By far this is the best and most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. We live on acreage and the 4x4 is like a billy goat. The only thing mechanical that has needed to be replaced are the power window motors and the gas pick-up in the gas tank. I have not even needed a brake job probably because I do little towing and it is driven more like a passenger car. I take very good care of my truck,oil and transmission fluid changes, wash and wax and I am careful when I use the 4x4. Gas mileage around town is 15-16 and on the interstate 18-19. It is more comfortable on trips than our cars. Feel very safe in all kinds of weather. Love it.