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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  SE Kansas Review - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By Murph - February 26 - 1:22 pm

  We have not had any major mechanical problems with this vehicle. Interior light lenses on the doors all came off and had to be re-glued. Replaced hoses, belts, oil changes, etc., at intervals recommended. We are not an off-road family, but took it across the forest roads of Colorado, which made me thankful we had a 4x4. This was a really fun trip. The GMC is worth the extra $500 or so over the Tahoe.

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  Youre missing out... - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By DirtyD - February 24 - 11:50 pm

  I test drove every make of truck and this one got my money. Sharp truck and a real headturner with my Black Z-71. Power is great and off road ability is only topped by a Wrangler (Im an avid Jeeper). Cant say enough about the ride comfort and quiet demeanor, very nice interior. I was looking for a truck, not a Prius or Cadillac. This is the perfect truck.

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  A month of interstates and mountains - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Tom - February 24 - 8:36 pm

  Ive found the Canyon 3.5 liter excellent for fast interstate and slower, steep mountain driving. The two stage 4wd has also been very good on snow. The OEM tires, however, have limited "stickiness" in spite of their "all season" rating.

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  Best of Breed - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Tuner66 - February 23 - 10:51 am

  I love my Denali. This is my second Denali and forth Tahoe/Yukon. Prior to purchasing this one, I searched and compaired all of the full size SUVs, and for the price and performance, the Denali is the best out there. Also, there arent 2 million of them on the road.

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  Wow, what a car - 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
  By Carmine Calitri - February 21 - 11:46 pm

  As a former Ford Expedition Loyalist, I was getting tired and broke waiting for Ford to come out with a SUV Hybrid. I drive back and forth to San Diego from Las Vegas two to three times a month. I bought this car last weekend because of the employee pricing, that did away with the proclaimed ROI that all the web sites said for the price make sense. Wow, what a car! I put over 400 miles on it in town, which would have equated with two tanks in my Expedition. When I did fill it up it was 15.00 cheaper than my Expedition. Right there is a 100 savings in just the first week. The vehicle looks great. The vehicle drives like a dream. Havent taken it over to SD yet but Im sure itll be great

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  I love it! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By tara - February 21 - 2:26 am

  This is the perfect car for our family. It is comfortable, easy to drive, and perfectly arranged inside. The fuel economy is decent for a vehicle of this size, and it drives so well. In the last month I havent been able to find anything about this car that I dont like!

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  GMC YUKON - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By DBL - February 18 - 2:00 am

  GREATCAR TO DRIVE HANDELS GREAT TURNS ON A DIME

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  Back to basics. What a truck should be. - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Michal - February 12 - 2:00 am

  If you dont need leather interior, DVD players, 4 wheel drive, and a useless cab extention, this is one great vehicle. GMC builds their vehicles like a truck, not a truck-looking car. I have loaded it many times and it rides great. This truck fits in standard parking so it also makes a great get around town ride. My last GMC served me well for about 8 years before I traded it in on this one. I will probably keep this one as long if not longer.

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  Truly Fine Vehicle - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Dave - February 10 - 12:02 am

  Excellent stability smooth ride, and is easy to handle. Looks great outside and inside. The third row seats are easy to remove, providing plenty of room for travel items. Had a 2000 Yukon and loved it. . .however, this 2005 is better than I imagined.

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  Good SUV - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By Lee Medimaolle - February 8 - 1:52 pm

  This the 2nd Yukon Ive owned. The combination of an excellent engine, solid ride, and good looks make it a great value. Additionally, repairs and replacement parts are inexpensive. I would recommend this SUV very highly.