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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  2002 Denali - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Gjfisherman - May 23 - 2:00 am

  One of the best vehicles Ive ever owned!

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  The Perfect "Mom" Car - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By ajhdaisy - May 21 - 11:50 am

  GMC couldnt have designed a car any better than this one! The interior is roomy and comfortable and it doesnt have the top-heavy feel of most SUVs and is very easy to park. The parking assist is also handy (the back glass is up high and you dont have the best view of the back). Gas mileage could be better but what do you expect, it is an SUV...well worth the room in my opinion. This is the perfect car for moms...plenty of room and easy access to all seats (captain chairs & third row). I couldnt have designed it any better myself!

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  2004 Crew Cab Canyon - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Tab123 - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my CrewCab 2wd caynon for 2months.I Love this truck.It drives like a nice car has lots of room the leather seats are comfortable for long road trips.I avg 21mpg around the city of Charlotte and have avg 25 onthe highway.I highly recomend this truck over compatable models.

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  2004 Yukon - LOVE IT!!! - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By teggerman - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Awesome SUV!! Very comfortable and easy to see out of. Interior is very quiet and very well built. My MSRP was $40,640.00 we bought it for $30,333.00. Edmunds TMV is $31,940. I cant imagine buying anything else. Drive one and you will fall in love.

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  Heaven on Wheels - 2000 GMC Yukon Denali
  By harry - May 16 - 2:33 am

  Its heaven on wheels. The Vortec 6000 engine, luxurious leather captain seat, and bucket seats are remarkable. The exterior is so well finished and it is just so fun to drive. Its acceleration is out of this world considering it is a full sized SUV. My opinion, if you dont have get one!

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  Second Time Buyer - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By happy driver 53 - May 16 - 2:00 am

  I am a second time buyer. I owned a 2002 SLT Envoy, & now a 2004 SLT Envoy.I gave my 2002 Envoy a 7, but liked it enough to give it another try. I have 1,000 miles on my 2004 and so far I will give it a 9.5. Some suggestions – my 2002 had a 4.10 rear end and my 2004 came with a 3.42 rear end. I recommend the 3.73 or 4.10 rear end because city mileage seams about the same and the 3.42 is sluggish compared to the 4.10. Get the intermittent windshield wipers, do not get the RainSense wipers. Get the 6 disk radio upgrade with Bose Premium Speaker System. Get XM satellite radio.

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  great suv - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Rick verzal - May 15 - 2:00 am

  nice ride and features

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  VERY NICE - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By PHILLIP - May 15 - 2:00 am

  tHIS IS A GREAT VEHICLE.... I HAVE OWNED 4 NOW, WOULD BUY ANOTHER

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  LA Freeways and The Yukon Denali - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By R. Lynn Forsberg - May 15 - 2:00 am

  The new 2004 GMC Yukon Denali is one of the best vehicles I have ever driven. It works well in heavy stop and go traffic in the LA Basin as well as in rural snow and ice road conditions. It is very quiet and comfortable for all condtions. It sits high enough to see what is happening ahead on the freeway to avoid the daily fender benders. I would recommend it based on the feeling of security on the road.

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  Best in all classes - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Autopilot - May 15 - 2:00 am

  I rate the Yukon the best in all classes of SUVs. I had a Ford Explorer that I traded for the Yukon. It was OK and never gave me trouble, but the Yukon has it beat all ways for comfort, ease of handling and the gas mileage is about the same even though the engine and vehicle is overall bigger. I love everything about this SUV