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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  I love this car - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Love this vehicle! - May 25 - 9:32 pm

  I really love this car! I bought it new in 2004 and it has 82,000 miles on it now. The only things I do to it are regular oil changes and tire rotations. I also changed the tires at 50,000 miles. I do not care for the third row seating as it is a pain to climb over the second row. Also the power and acceleration are not that great. Otherwise I will buy another Yukon when I buy my next vehicle.

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  Beautiful - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Trena S. - May 25 - 8:38 pm

  I have owned my truck for a while now. I bought it used with fairly high mileage. All in all I am extremely impressed. The gas mileage could be better but the comfort and reliability make up for it by far. I have changed my oil every 2500 miles and havent had any real problem with it yet. I would reccommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Better than what I expected - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Achris - May 25 - 2:10 pm

  Bought this Envoy used at 48K miles. So 10K miles later no complaints. Easier to drive than most other SUVs. Good acceleration, however dont expect a lot of MPG if you tend to speed. Though looking at these other reviews I get about 19mpg on this with normal driving.

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  Great truck, bad MPG - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By kthomas1975 - May 24 - 11:19 pm

  Great truck, horrible gas mileage. Ive averaged 15 mpg. This truck has plenty of power, great ride, quiet cabin (except for the roar of my V8 when I accelerate. leg room is great. Im 65" tall, and love to sit in the back with my toddler when my wife drives. I wish I had opted for more options, and the Tahoe is exactly the same truck, but several hundred dollars cheaper similarly equipped at most dealerships. If you dont do long commutes, and have a need for lots of room, you cant go wrong with a Yukon or Tahoe. I have 40,000 miles and have never had any problems.

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  the best of the best - 2017 GMC Yukon
  By maurice newman - May 22 - 3:59 am

  not cheap,big,very comfortable,very modern (tech over the top) beautiful suv. we love it.

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  2004 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 4X4 Std cab SB 5.3 - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By p145897 - May 22 - 12:08 am

  Just turned 100k. Even though this truck has been meticulously maintained and never abused, it has had the transmission replaced (at 67K), sound system (at 25K), intermediate steering shaft (3 times), HVAC controls (at 75K), front rotors (2 times), instrument panel (at 70K), steering wheel control modules replaced (80K), etc. There is so much slop in the drive train that I would never consider using as a tow vehicle. Good for going to the dump and grocery shopping. Limited slip (rear) is demonstrating signs of impending failure, just a matter of time.

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  GMC Sierra Crew Cab - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Brad - May 21 - 8:30 pm

  Responsive, strong, quiet, and comfortable ride. Excellent fit and finish. Pleasure to drive:-)

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  Towing Ability - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By nickmatt - May 21 - 10:00 am

  The 5.3 ltr. is rated to tow a 7,700 lb. (max) trailer. I purchased a trailer and at a weight of 5,000 lb. the Yukon does not work so well. The dealer reps assured me that the 5.3 is a "STRONG engine more than capable of towing the close to the max rating". I had my doubts and I was right. The 5.3 is not a very strong engine I would avoid towing much of anything.

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  VERY GOOD TRUCK - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By BRIAN - May 21 - 6:56 am

  Enjoy the GMC truck very much. Rides great and can see out very good. My wife loves the truck and the way it handles. Comfort is first class, and the crew cab is wonderful. Our god children enjoy the crew cab very much. No problems so far. Anyone looking for a crew cab truck so look at the GMC.

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  My Denalli - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By gwk46 - May 20 - 11:22 am

  I purchased this 07 Denali, would have rather had a Tahoe, I think better styling. But love this Denali, fun to drive, comfortable, great turning radius. As most have mentioned could be better MPG, but for its size not bad, 16-18. But I have to bite the bullet and drive this size vehicle due to bad knees, back, ankles, so need this size and would absolutely buy another. One of best vehicles I have ever had, no problems. The vehicle and dealers service dept. are better than sales dept. Wouldnt buy from this dealer again. Great in winter in MN, now have 35,000 on it no problems.