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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  Old and still running well. - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By R W - July 9 - 12:49 pm

  125,000 miles and still running like a champ. Hauls our 3000 lb travel trailer well, but uses a lot of gas when towing (9 mpg). When not towing I get 18 mpg on the highway. Replaced fuel pump two times in two month (also replaced steering gearbox and alternator, but after 113,000 miles, I suppose thats OK). The engine itself is solid as a rock. 125,000 miles and no leaks. It runs very smooth even on heavy acceleration. Ive heard from a lot of people, including mechanics, to watch the tranny. Had a spring break in the tranny, but was inexpensive to repair.

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  Cant beat it! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Debbie - July 8 - 3:48 pm

  Going from a Acura sports car, to a GMC Envoy, I was impressed. Both had the power and comfort I needed and enjoy. The kids like that they can listen to their own music from the back, when they forget to bring something along for the journey. Its very open and roomy I dont feel closed in like some SUVs. I dont have a blind spots, and the sunroof is perfect for more openness. Testing other mid size SUVs, Im happy to say.... this was a perfect choice.

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  Awesome!!!!! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Matthew - July 8 - 8:16 am

  We just got our Terrain last saturday. We LOVE this truck. YOu dont feel like your in a huge suv but it has plenty of room. We love the electronics on it. LOVE onstar. The backup camera is very nice. I got into it the other day and a message came up on the nav screen with weather information in the city we are in. It told me about tornado severe thunderstorms and flooding. Where it was and when the storms would pass. As usual Gm did another fantastic job with this truck. You would NOT be disappointed! It beats the competition by miles!

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  Drives like a Dream - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Joe - July 7 - 2:10 pm

  I am very happy with this Arcadia. It has a great ride, nice looks and is fun to drive. It gets decent gas mileage for its size. The interior seem to be of high quality. I have had it for two weeks and every day I like it more and more .

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  My second Terrain - 2016 GMC Terrain
  By Nwmo - July 7 - 2:15 am

  Love the Terrain. Great ride. Handles great. The 4 cylinder motor is a little sluggish but its my only complaint. Get about 25 mpg on Hwy.

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  Utter Satisfaction - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Supercore - July 6 - 8:45 pm

  I just returned from a 5,361 mile trip, and could not be happier with my GMC. Averaged 20-22 mpg on the highway...except for the Interstate in West Texas which as an 80 mph speed limit, and I was pushing it to get home after 40 days away from home. I constantly had people complimenting my GMC, and commenting how much better looking it is than the Tahoe. Driver comfort is excellent, vision is excellent, Bose was excellent, and the constant compliments were very satisfying. The retractible running boards drew rave reviews and everyone said that they did not know they were offered. But, also everyone said that was worth the price for added comfort and ease of entrance and exit of my GMC. GMC has created an excellent SUV that defies the stigma of SUVs. I could not be happier with my investment. Most of all, you feel safer with full length air bags and rising abov" the normal traffic. Great job.

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  Will Never own anything but GMC - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Steve - July 5 - 2:40 pm

  This 2005 Pickup is my 3rd GMC pickup I have owned and I have never had any issues at all with all of them. This 2005 is probably the best one yet, Its rugged, tough, stirdy. Drives like a real truck. Stay true GMC your pickups are the best.

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  Great SUV - 4WD Yukon - 1996 GMC Yukon
  By 1996 GMC Yukon - July 5 - 12:46 pm

  Great car. Great ride! Super performance, will pull anything! Great family car, farm vehicle, contractor utility or just all around luxury. Take it anywhere from the swamps to the white tie dinner! It will never embarass you or let you down. Take care of it and it will take care of you!

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  I Love My Truck!! - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Kiki - July 4 - 12:46 pm

  This is an awesome truck! It is big, nimble, powerful, and gorgeous! Lots of storage space! The extended cab is great - large enough for women, children, dogs, and groceries to ride comfortably. The first week I got the truck, I hauled a packed Audi, a packed bed, and a packed cab with two dogs and a passenger. There is no lack of power or comfort! Although Ive only been averaging. I have also been hauling a lot of stuff all the time. Its hard to know what the mpg would be without all the work. Then again, why buy a truck if you arent putting it to work? The Sierra beat out Chevy because Chevy was too boxy (read ugly) and it beat out Tundra on overall features and handling, hands down!

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  Great truck! - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Vixter - July 4 - 2:00 am

  What a pleasure to drive! Traded a 2000 Expedition for my Denali and do not miss it one bit! Interior is cushy, personalized settings are superior. Solid, smooth ride, without the beastly, top-heavy feel of the Expedition. Huge improvement in acceleration with the 325 hp motor.