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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  Overall Good Vehicle - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By Robert - January 5 - 11:27 pm

  We bought this car when it was a year old. It had 30,000 miles. It was great up until about a month ago. at 90,000 miles the water pump went($600) then the heater went out($300) And then after having all this repaired and EGR Valve went out. The dealer told us it wasnt under warranty and it would cost $1200 to fix. I expect some wear and tear on the vehicle. So overall its been great.

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  Perfect small truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Andy - January 5 - 9:59 pm

  I have taken this truck across the US twice going from Florida, to Maine, back to Florida, and then to Michigan. Ive gotten as much as 24 MPG at 75 MPH with 5 people, and luggage. I hauled a 3000lb trailer from Florida to Michigan with no problems, and got 17 MPG while doing it. No problems on climbing steep hills in Tennesee, or with braking. I love this truck. It is perfectly powered for a small truck. It has also performed excellant during the Michigan winter with its traction control, even in my steep driveway with snow.

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  Its OK - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By juniegravy - January 3 - 7:08 pm

  Vehicle used mainly for city delivery. Fuel economy 23 mpg on route. Has manual shift which is ok, but no vette. Handles 3000 lb trailer ok when called on. Id give it "considerly above average" over all.

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  Comfort at a cost - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By S. Virgilio - January 2 - 5:48 pm

  Purchased with 30,000+ miles on it, by 120,00 it was toast. Comfortable and roomy interior, great sound system and dash design. Travels well on highway. Disappointed with performance. Rear drum brakes went a week after purchase engine ruined due to gasket/coolant problems even though scrupulously maintained. Weve gotten well over 180,000 on our other vehicles. Last GMC big rig Ill buy.

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By tall one - January 1 - 12:34 pm

  This is a well designed SUV. I am 65" and fit in it with no problems - one of the few trucks that I can. There are a few recalls out on it - get those taken care of - and you have great vehicle. More then enough power to get you down the road. Plenty of useful options too.

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  like/love it - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By riz - January 1 - 10:00 am

  Had two problems within 6 months...the 4x4 went and gear box had to be replaced as well as the pwr box in the seat, controls the power seats and heater. Otherwise, love it. Avg. mileage is 14, not bad. Love the cargo room! 3rd row is heavy but can be handled by one man and comes out easily. I am 6 and could use more leg room. Captain chair arm rest is too close to body to lay comfortably. This new design is not smart. Have added bull bars for a great look better buy than the Navigator and Expedition.

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  The Jimmy that could... - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By HellHound - December 31 - 4:31 am

  As a former GMC mechanic turned US Marine, I know these trucks better then most. Being stationed in N.C. it sees all types of miles and weather. It has yet to fail me. I read most of these complaints and all I see is poor owner maintence. The only major problem I ever had with the truck is I spun a main bearing while pulling a much larger F-250 out of 1ft. of mud. But my little GMC did it with out hesitation. $400 in parts, no biggie! The power these trucks create and off- road abbility is mached by very few in there class. The engine is relible, strong,and decent on gas. I have 6 friends with the same truck who have never had a problem. Take care of this truck and it wont let you down.

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  Corvette SUV - 2006 GMC Yukon
  By nwwriter - December 31 - 1:11 am

  Excellent SUV for the price. If you are looking for a luxury SUV to provide the best performance, handling, comfort, cargo capacity, amentities, technology, reliability, then this is the SUV to purchase. In addition, 0% financing and excellent prices. Tested MANY SUVs and the only other to beat this one out is the Toyota Land Cruiser/Lexus 450 but much pricier and Toyota salespeople are terrible to deal with.

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  Pleased - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Gary - December 30 - 6:36 am

  We enjoy our 2500K HD Diesel powered truck except the cloth seats (front) are not comfortable on long runs. We are of average weight and find ourselves having to stop frequently. The seat become flat and loose cushion after being seated for short lengths of time. Order leather bucket if you can.

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  Is it Montana tough? - 2014 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By awenaw - December 25 - 9:19 am

  Just bought a 2014 GMC 2500 Duramax with z71 off road package 3 weeks ago, currently has a little over 2000 miles. Went huntin two days ago in a couple feet of snow and while crawling in 4lo up an old logging road I managed to twist the mounts on the front drive axle, destroyed the axle seal, broke the universal joints on the front drive line and cracked the transfer case. The truck just has so much torque at low rpm its unbelievable. Love the Duramax/Allison combo but I seemed to have found a weak spot GM didnt find during testing. The ifs as well as everything behind the t-case stayed true and held strong but the 4x4 components failed under very little stress and throttle input.