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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  DMAX - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Herc - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I have put 52000 miles on this truck and it has performed well. I had a few problems at first but the only problem I still have is the AC. The AC still does not blow cold off and on during the summer. Been in 6 times for it now it is out of warrantee. I tow a 5th wheel rv and a 36 flat bed trailer and it does supurb.

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  GMC still doing it - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By mtjhiggs - April 16 - 10:00 am

  The best suv on the market. Not to mention the biggest.The Yukon XL is the way to go if you have kids and want to travel. My two kids ride in the middle row bench seat (watching their favorite DVD of course)and the family dog gets the comfy third row seat all to himself while our collection of luggage and other junk rests comfortably in the back for the 6 hour trip to Grandmas about every three weeks. Dont let the fuel milage scare you. We get 19 hwy 13.5 city. Not bad considering the truck weighs 2 1/2 tons. Definately go for the Autoride suspension even if you are not going to tow a lot it helps with body roll in corners with a vehicle of this size.

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  Great truck - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By MSR - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Big enough to carry everyone and their gear, but sporty and fun to drive. Great pick up. Very comfortable. Highly recommend if you need max passenger and cargo space.

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  GMC Yukon - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Jim Sander - April 14 - 10:53 am

  My last three vehicle have been GMC Yukons. They are an all purpose vehicle that is also very driver friendly. With a whole family loaded in the vehicle I feel very safe as well. It handles better than any SUV I have driven in the past. Its easy to park, it rides very smooth, and has all the extras for the whole family. I would never consider buying any other vehicle in this class. As a matter of fact, I will probably never buy a car again.

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  Love It - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By andreas - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Upgraded from a Rodeo to a 2002 SLT and I couldnt be happier. Kids (and I) love the stereo in the back. Seats are comfortable and roomy. So far havent had a single problem. Would recommend to anyone to at least drive it.

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  Love It - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Andreas - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Upgraded from a Rodeo to a 2002 SLT and I couldnt be happier. Kids (and I) love the stereo in the back. Seats are comfortable and roomy. So far havent had a single problem. Would recommend to anyone to at least drive it.

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  The SUV - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Emily - April 8 - 12:23 pm

  I love this car! It has the DVD which my kids love for long car rides and it drives like a dream. It truly is the SUV!

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  Does what we wanted it to do - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By Charles Nicholson - April 7 - 4:41 am

  Purchased to tow a travel trailer. Very comfortable and smoothest ride of all the SUVs we test drove. Tows without issue 7000+ lbs. ated for 8500. I like the v4 mode but wished it would do that while idle. MPG is ok considering what it is.. I got about 10-25 with trailer and 15-20 without it.

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  Does what we wanted it to do - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By Charles Nicholson - April 7 - 4:41 am

  Purchased to tow a travel trailer. Very comfortable and smoothest ride of all the SUVs we test drove. Tows without issue 7000+ lbs. ated for 8500. I like the v4 mode but wished it would do that while idle. MPG is ok considering what it is.. I got about 10-25 with trailer and 15-20 without it.

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  Sweet-looking truck, but....... - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Adam - April 5 - 5:40 pm

  I purchased a SLT Crew cab 4wd with the all-terrain package. The finish on the truck is awesome, and the chrome with the silver birch color great. Ive gotten many compliments. Ive been impressed with the mpg of around 20.5, and this truck handles great. My only issue is that my starter went bad @1000 miles. I found myself stranded on my way to the beach. GMC did take care of me and fixed my truck, but Im disappointed to have mechanical difficulties so soon. There are also not many parts available yet for this model. I hope this proves to be a dependable truck in the long run.