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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  GMC Acadia - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By JOE88 - June 8 - 3:46 pm

  The car handles well on the edges, and you can feel the sporty ride on the highway and the braking system is actually great. The car has a very attractive exterior and my brick red interior with the entertainment system, navigation, dvd, rear camera and many other options and luxury makes driving this crossover far better than any other.

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  Initial Review - 2010 GMC Yukon XL
  By YukonXL_Man - June 7 - 1:00 am

  We ordered the Yukon XL the way we wanted it and are quite pleased with the ride handling low noise level. We got the SLT, SLT 2, Z71 plus the Red Tintcoat with Ebony interior. We have two large German Shepherds we travel with so buying a Yukon was no brainer. Used the USAA Buying Service and got a excellent deal. Compared Suburban LT to Yukon XL SLT and prefer the Yukon to Suburban based on the options available. Did not buy DVD or GPS system as they are way overpriced. We also opted to purchase the GMPP but shopped around to find the best price. No regrets about buying the Yukon XL it definitely satisfies our needs quite well.

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  Yukon XL - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By hondo101 - June 6 - 1:20 pm

  We got this SUV in July 2004 after 1 test drive. It ran so smooth and quiet, and was so comfortable, we had to have it. Our last SUV was an Expedition, and it was noisy and the doors closed like a cheap truck. The Yukon doors close, and its quiet like a Caddy! The handling is superb, and the power for passing and hauling is excellent!

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  Great SUV - 1996 GMC Yukon
  By Jeff - June 6 - 3:30 am

  I bought this truck with 96,000 miles on it. It now has 120,000 miles. The problems that I have had with it: 1) Thermal actuator switch for front axle. (4x4 only) 2) Fuel pump failed. The 4x4 actuator switch cost me $200 to replace. I did the work myself. The fuel pump failed after running it out of gas.

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  Great Truck - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Newpemberly - June 6 - 2:00 am

  This is the finest truck Ive ever driven for ride and design. Good work GM. You should get some market share with this one.

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  Owner - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Sue - June 5 - 8:55 am

  Smaller than the Yukon and easy to drive and get into parking spaces. Gas mileage is a lot better than the Yukon too. it has lots of bells and whistles and a wonderful sound system. (Bose)

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  Excellent Pick! - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By prpljett - June 5 - 3:53 am

  I shopped around through many dealerships and test drove all the pickups available and this one suited my needs. I got a good deal and Im extremely happy with my purchase. This is a gorgeous truck!

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  Best truck I have owned - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Damion Green - June 4 - 3:40 pm

  I love this truck. Great service from the dealership. Great truck all around. I have no complaints.

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  Found my perfect fit! - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Rob - June 3 - 6:06 pm

  Im a big & tall guy. Most vehicles today just dont have enought head, leg, and hip room. The worst feature on most cars today is the center console - it cuts into leg room. The Yukon with the split-bench front-seat is extremely comfortable for a guy like me. The ride and handling are great. Good acceleration and braking. Ive got a 2WD base model with the standard engine, and I get very respectable mileage for such a big vehicle: 15-16 around town and 20- 21 on the highway. I got mine without running boards, which is good for me so I dont rub my pants on dirt when I get in, but shorter folks like my mom have a hard time climbing up into the Yukon without the step assist.

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  Ultimate SUV - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By tonyd - June 2 - 10:50 am

  With a drop-down DVD player and a hand full of movies you can take the family on that 1500 mile trip without a fuss. Its big enough for all your luggage, tows trailers without worry, fits 6-8 adults without worry, offers sleeping room and seating postions, excellerates great, and handles like a Mercedes. After driving an S500 recently, I returned to the Yukon XL with a renewed point of view of how much vehicle this really is. The stable-track nearly eliminates body sway. The long wheelbase soaks up the bumps much better than a pounding/bucking ride Short-Wheel-Base SUV. Towed trailers 10,000 miles and I put a post-it note on the dash to remind me it was back there. Mercedes in GM clothing.