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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  Great Luxury SUV - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Daniel Garcia - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Plenty of room for my 3 girls and their friends. I have the 8 cyl 5300 vortec, and its got plentyof get up and go. Great comfort on long road trips. With optional entertainment in the rear rows for the kids who dont seem to have the same taste in music. Has an eye catching exterior. Very stylish. I am very pleased with my new SUV and feel comfortable that my girls are safe.

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  Best All Around - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By NedFink - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Great around town-Super turning radius. Suoer road trip car and very capable off road. Split removeable thirs row is a great featuere. Build quality is fine but the gas milage is a little scary (14 around town, 16 hwy). Despite the price, the vehicle is recommended.

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  GMS ups and downs - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By John Brozowski - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 2003 2500 GMC Yukon XL SLT in October, 2003 with the 8.1 Liter engine. I tow a 8500# trailer regularly, and I noted this car is not available for review. Here are my thoughts: 1. Towing capability is great compared to the previous design.The engine, transmission and suspension handle the trailer very well.model. 2. The interior, for $49,000, is still too much plastic. Vinyl 3rd seat? 3. This same truck in a pick-up model is about $10,000 cheaper. 4. GM continues to design big cars for small people. The seats go too far forward, The plastic running boards sag under my weight of 215#s.

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  denali with wheels - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By groundeffx - July 4 - 2:00 am

  we had an navigator and thought we would try something else wrong choice next vehicle will be a navigator no ifs ands or butts.navi is a all around better vehicle the only good thing is the denali gets 1 - 2 mpg better thats it .

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  What happened? - 2000 GMC Yukon
  By What happened??? - July 3 - 2:00 am

  When I purchased this vehicle it was used and had 50,000 miles on it. It was a great ride, smooth, and felt sturdy. Ive had the the 2000 Yukon for a year and have had a few mechanical problems. Other than that, I have enjoyed having the car. Its sharp looking!

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  Sierra 04 - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By cminer - July 2 - 2:23 pm

  I traded an 04 Chevy Colorado. The Colorado was a little too small. The Sierra is pretty nice. Highway mileage is 18-19 and city is around 15mpg. I bought a sport-side because it looks good. I knew the bed was obviously smaller but the main drawback of the small bed is the lift over when you are standing on the side of the truck. Too much reach is required

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  1999 Sonoma - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By Zedd - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Good acceleration, rear end has tendency to fish tail on full speed turns (like Freeway exits). I recently had a problem with the heater, it stopped working. Dealer said it wasn’t covered under the warranty because the heater core was clogged. Surfing Edmunds I found there was a TSB about my exact problem. Still the dealer refused to cover it. I called the 800 Customer Care number and after much insistence and a $300 deductible it was fixed. Other than that I have no problems. Its not the greatest on gas mileage.

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  99 GMC Yukon SLE - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Darcy1 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy the pick up that this vehicle has. The smooth ride and comfortable interior.

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  So long GMC! - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By jimb - June 25 - 10:00 am

  We switched from a pathfinder to a yukon for the extra torque and room, but this yukon has been a lemon! I cried the day it came off warranty. Heres whats been worked on: - pasenger window motor failed - brake lines rerouted per recall - steering linkage rebuilt - those darn running lamps - 3 replaced - abs module ($1k) Plus the doors squeek and the car groans on full-rotate-turn. To top it all off, GM service departments are the worst I know in terms of scheduling, turn-around, accomodation (e.g loaner or shuttle)

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  Trouble Free (so far)! - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By reb - June 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought truck 11/2000 with 55k miles, put 20k miles on it so far, and havent had to put a dime into it. Overall, a great little truck, and with the 2.2 4- cylinder and a 5-speed, it gets 27MPG highway on regular gas - which is hard to beat in a truck! Fun to drive and a great 2nd vehicle.