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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  Very nice vehicle - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By mike - June 25 - 5:02 am

  This is a very nice vehicle. I love to drive this and it has a lot of power, and has good handling. The 10 Bose speakers are really good. We checked out the Tahoe, Armada, X5, Escalade, and Pathfinder, and this had more power (except Escalade) than the rest of them and better fuel economy. This also has power running boards that people really look at. Very comfortable 4 captain heated seats.

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  Big and Beautiful - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By Kimmers - June 24 - 6:06 am

  This SUV rides so nice youd never know that you have all that car behind you. A pleasure to drive and own. Especially the heated seats. Thank you.

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  2nd Diesel, Im keeping this one - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Justin - June 23 - 10:20 am

  This is the 6.6L with the Duramax/Allison combination, not the 6.0L. I previously had an 05 with similar features but wasnt worth the buyout at the end of the lease. There are things I liked about the 05 that the 08 lacks but most of all, Im very pleased with the truck. Towing is great. Crewcab 8 bed is a long truck though. Park it at home if you intend to go into a city.

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  Lets be honest - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By TommyO - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I really like my Yukon XL. But it doesnt show up in the ratings. Its better than the Sequoia/Expedition types because of the cargo space behind the third seat and the ability to tow. I had a 97 Suburban and this new unit is much improved in ride and engine. But its the size coupled with the ease of operation that makes it the king of the road. It remains to be seen if reliability is any better - the Suburban was a little weak, but not so weak I didnt get another GM.

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  SLT-1 with 3.0 Engine - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By erj - June 21 - 3:36 am

  Very comfortable to drive, although a bit stiff on some roads. Quiet, sound system is excellent, love the USB capability (just set up thumb drive from your PC). After 2K miles, mileage on typical commute is about 21 mpg (DIC says 22.4, its wrong). Getting used to automatic downshift on glide to stop (kicks in at 45 and 35 mph). Big issue is the dead spot at about 35 mph when you want to accelerate into freeway traffic (a brief delay, then the engine kicks in). Visibility to the back corners not good. Went with Terrain since the trim levels were better aligned for me than the Equinox (for 3 months, couldnt find an Equinox anywhere close to my specs). Styling evokes strong responses!

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  Best thing Ive ever owned - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Chris - June 20 - 3:12 pm

  I bought the truck brand new with 3 miles on it. Nothing has went wrong with it in five years, so if you take care of it, it will take care of you.The truck has got 90,000 miles on it now and most of it is highway miles. Did some modifiyng but an air intake system and a AIC model in it and I get about 42 miles to the gallon, before it got 37.

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  170000 mile review - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By Wishbone - June 20 - 1:32 am

  I bought this truck new. The biggest complaint I have is the warranty is not good. At 30000 miles the rear axle went out. They rebuilt it with no questions asked. At 40000 miles it went out again, again they rebuilt it and no questions asked. I never towed anything and never abused the truck. The mechanic said he heard a whine at 50000 miles and he was overriden by the rep that was deaf and said he heard nothing. At 52000 miles the rear axle crapped out again and GMC said it was out of warranty and I was on my own. Got a junk yard axle and have had no problems with it since. Ive replaced the A/C compressor and the fuel pump, but no other major items and am at 170000 miles! Love this truck

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  6 years and many miles... - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By Jakers - June 18 - 11:59 am

  I bought mine new in 02. I traded in a 97 GMC Yukon that had many problems. My 97 was basically a dog after the first 25K miles. The 2002 Yukon is head and shoulders above the earlier body style. So far, 127k miles on the 2002 model and nothing but routine maintenance tires and oil. I have been rough on this vehicle but do maintain it. In the current economy fewer people will be able to own and operate a vehicle like this. If you are one of them, this is an excellent SUV to own. The 02 Yukon has exceeded my dependability expectations. Grade it a A+

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  Outstanding - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Mitchell White - June 18 - 11:29 am

  This is absolutely the best overall vehicle we have ever owned. We have owned this vehicle one year now and have put just over 14K miles on it. Our gas mileage on the highway is 26, city 18, with an average of 23 combined.Please note, we did not begin to see a significant increase in gas mileage numbers until around 10k miles. The room inside is great. You can haul just about anything you want in the Acadia. I would like to see the tilt steering wheel improved. Other than that I just cant think of much to change.

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  Still a great SUV after 10 months - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Hung - June 17 - 4:30 pm

  It has been a great SUV with spacious, smooth, sporty look. I have been happy for the decision that I have made to purchase this crossover SUV over "soccer mom" minivan. My whole family, especially my kids loving it. They dont want to ride on other vehicles exception this one. My kids ususally have nice sleep and they wouldnt get tired when wake-up after a long trip. I got average 16-18 in city and 22-24 on highway. I really dont like its 6-speed transmission shiftings. It easily gets into low gear at high RPM when going up hill even at 10 degree upward. It has made me feeling that there isnt enough power.