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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  Joes Denali - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Joe Denali - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle. Third row seating should be an option not standard. AWD is a gas guzzling feature. Should be on demand 4WD. All in all, I love my Denali, plenty of power, room and very comfortable. Gas mileage could be better, getting about 15mpg.

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  Duramax - 2010 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Andrew - June 14 - 10:23 pm

  I think it is a very good truck. But I can tell you I think a tin can has more thickness than the sheet metal used on this truck from past years. It is so thin I am amazed it is holding. I also noticed a lot of the quality is gone everything is cheaply built and poorly attached. Other than that the duramax and allison combination is by far better than Ford and Dodge.

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  Hello - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By Joey Brown - June 13 - 2:00 am

  All cars need a dvd player and game connections for the children.

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  2nd gm suv - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By dog2 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  i purchased this vehicle on gms supplier discount program,for 28,000 i got a sle version w/slt options ie:sunroof,diferrent ext and interior trim packages,comfortable ride,nice power,great looking suv,13 mpg in 600 miles and i am not babying it

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  Very Good Mini-Van... Great Value! - 2002 GMC Safari
  By HeatherB - June 11 - 2:00 am

  Great family vehicle. Reliable and comfortable.

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  decent work horse - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By mwiegold - June 4 - 2:00 am

  Weve had this truck 5 years - put new brake pads on every 25,000 miles - too often for me but we tow a lot. Main complaint - the stupid service engine soon light comes on frequently and the local idiot dealers have not been able to find a real fix. The light will stay off for a few months but then comes on - usually a "misfire" code - they do some lame work - but very expensive because its never covered by warranty and it lasts a few months - then we do it again! i would probably be better if off if I disconnected the light - it runs just fine and can really tow a load....but the idiot light drives me crazy!

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  No problems. No worries. Nice truck. - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By AzMax - June 1 - 2:00 am

  62,500 miles and not a single repair. This is my third vehicle of this type (two Tahoes and one Yukon) and I will buy a forth when Im done with this one. Vortec 5300 is smooth and powerful making it a breeze to merge and pass on the freeway. The tight turning radius (better than a Camry or Accord) makes it equally at home around town. The 2WD is a much better ride than the 4WD version in my opinion.

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  Eye for a Detail - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By RaginCajun - May 31 - 2:00 am

  I really analyzed what I used my previous truck for. I really didnt haul any large loads in the back bed, nor did I pull a trailer with a heavy load. I mainly used it to commute to work, haul my family around, recreation, go hunting, etc. This truck fit as close to perfect as possible. Its not too bulky, nor a tinker-toy. So far, Im very satisfied with the truck.

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  Better than Jeep - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By lubnag - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Its a great truck overall. Fun to drive, love the horse power and handle of this truck. Specially the look, make everyone take a second look when drove by them. The 6 disc BOSE system is awsome, plennty of power.

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  Great but can improve to excellent. - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By aztlan78 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  My experience with the Yukon so far has been excellent. The Yukon handles very well. This was my first SUV I ever owned so I thought driving it, do to its size, was going to be difficult and it was not.