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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  New car purchase - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By John Paul - August 9 - 3:10 am

  Bought new. I bought the 4 cylinder for the gas milage but I get only about 400 miles on a tank of gas on trips. They advertised it to get 600 MPG on atrip. Local I get about 19 MPG.

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  Envoy Nightmare - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By K Cooper - August 8 - 8:54 pm

  I have had my Envoy since Oct. of 2002 and now have just under 50,000 miles on it. I love the way it looks, rides and performs, however I have had way too many problems to list. Engine failure at 5,500 miles, transmission at 48K along with the rear differential. GM has covered most of the repair costs but the down time and reliability isnt good. Hopefully they have worked out the bugs for the 05s and 06s.

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  Good Family vehicle - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Ray - August 8 - 6:03 pm

  If you need a large, family car - this is it. We bought it for the 3rd row seat and storage behind it. We tried the shorter version but with the 3rd row up, you had little storage room left. The long version is the way to go. Handles well (braking, cornering, acceleration) for such a big vehicle. Be aware, even with an reasonable foot, it will average 15 mpg hwy and 12 city.

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  A great family vehicle - 1996 GMC Savana
  By M Pagel - August 4 - 6:40 pm

  We bought ours in the summer of 1997 with only 40 miles on it. It was customized by Autoform and sometimes it is tricky to get parts. The only major problems we have had in 9 years is the fuel pump and air conditioning hoses needed to be replaced all within the last 2 years. We now have 105K miles on it and it still runs like brand new. It is great for hauling people and things. We have been on some awesome trips to the Rockies and it has worked wonderfully. I particularly like the fact I can get a 4x8 sheet of plywood in the back so for me it works better than a full size pickup. The reclining seat levers are made out of plastic which tend to strip but are easy to replace.

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  GMC Newbie - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Matt - August 3 - 3:33 am

  This is my first GMC truck and so far Im pretty happy with it. I have to say though I got what I expected from a 3/4 ton truck. Pulls the loaded dump trailer with ease. Fuel economy is rather dismal but it is a full size pick up with a 6.0L V8 so what can you expect. My power steering pump "whines" which the dealer tells me that its just the way a 2500HD is. That is the one thing that bothers me the most about the truck.

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  The SUV that can live up to my standards - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By The4DrMonster - July 30 - 3:05 pm

  I bought this SUV when I was 17 because I wanted a reliable vehicle. It turns out i made a good decision. It has stood up to the unusual abuse of me driving it. I have taken it offroad and abused it got it buried in mud and had to be pulled out. The only parts that have broken have been caused from my abuse which was a transaxle boot and a bent ABS sensor. I have driven 33,000 miles with my foot to the floor and have experienced only routine tune ups. If it can handle me, it is extremley reliable.

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  Why GMC? - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By steven - July 28 - 10:16 pm

  I own a 1993 GMC 2 door SLE and it has performed well over the past 12 years. Its dependable and rides good. This is why I bought another GMC. I find the 2003 to be just as well built and dependable. The 5.3 engine is a good combination of power and smoothness I want in a vehicle, and my mileage runs around 17 mpg. Of course this drops significantly if I jump on it , or drive in the 70/80/mph range.

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  Good commuter! - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Tim - July 28 - 1:32 pm

  First the details: 2dr regular cab Z85 SLE with the 5cyl 3.5L automatic. I purchased this vehicle as a commuter and have been enjoying it a lot. I wanted the additional power of the 5cyl, but didnt need the extended cab. Combine the extra power, all the electric options/conveniences, and an automatic and you have a great commute vehicle. I looked at the Chevy Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, and a full size Silverado to compare. The combination I wanted was style, power, no extra cab, automatic trans, a way to transport the bike, and an occasional trip to Home Depot. This provided a great compliment to the weekend sportier car with a manual trans for more aggressive driving.

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  gmc sierra - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By scholljr - July 28 - 10:00 am

  This truck is more than worth the money. This truck has performed all of the light duty work that I have needed without any problem. The payload capacity is excellent as well. I highly recommend this truck.

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  Practical good Van - 2005 GMC Safari
  By PoppaRick - July 25 - 5:27 pm

  The Safari is a good practical van with AWD capabilities.Not fancy, but able to handle three kids and their sports stuff plus friends. Snow, and spring mud are not enough to stop it delivering service to our family.