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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  Envoy Review - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Joe Envoy - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this vehicle for 36000 miles. It provides a good ride and reasonably decent handling. The inline six has plently of power for towing and going. The transmission shifts smoothly and firmly. The interior provides plently of room for dogs, suitcases and general gargo hauling. This SUV is comfortable, quiet and a joy to travel in.

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  good - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By The G - March 12 - 2:00 am

  it makes me feel safe

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  Is a "Green SUV" an Oxymoron? - 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
  By Ralph - March 11 - 7:36 pm

  After having owned the Yukon Hybrid for about a week, I have found the Yukon fun and easy to drive with excellent gas economy. The hybrid takes some getting used to--it sounds like a golf cart when starting out. After considerable research, we replaced a 4WD Tahoe and the difference in the mileage is startling and pleasing. We anticipate the difference between the conventional and hybrid will be obliterated in three years or less because of the gas. The interior is comfortable although the seats are harder than the older Tahoe. We took out the 3rd row of seats (not getting them was not an option)for more storage on trips. Overall, an excellent vehicle.

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  Too many kids - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By pete - March 11 - 8:46 am

  I needed something that could fit 6 kids and still had the room for other things like a stroller fit for twins and groceries. This is the best vehicle that I have ever owned. The most reliable and definitely the best looking. The gas usage isnt nearly as bad as my friends told me before the purchase. But with this many kids I had no choice and it was a great one

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  Yukon - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Hawke - March 5 - 2:50 am

  Better mileage than my pickup! Handles great. Out-turns many mid-size cars. Finally - room for the whole family and their stuff!

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  Fun all the time with Yukon Denali - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By ryan hodge - March 3 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed my new 2004 Yukon Denali, it gives superb performance, comfort and luxary. Also, it is a great highway vehicle averaging 19 mpg, which is not bad for a 7000gwt truck.

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  Very Satisfied Customer - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Michael Richmond - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had absolutely no trouble with this vehicle, and I was skeptical at first about the 5 cylinder engine. The only thing I feel could have used a little more thought is an absolutely trivial item, the center console is not tall enough to use for an armrest. I feel that if the only complaint I can find is the armrest, then I am 100% satisfied with my purchase. This truck performs well, it rides better than many 4x4 vehicles I have been in. The electronic selection for 2wd,4wdhi and 4wdlo is very convenient, just push a button and away you go.

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  I love my Denali - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By N.Hills - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I really love my Denali but very disappointed with the material used in and around the vehicle is coming apart. the molding on the inside and outside is constantly falling off, the headrest seats where they connect are coming apart. The guide for the seats to move forward and backwards is coming off. You will have to be an installer to keep the unit together. I was totally surprised at the manufacturing and material use in a General Motors car and a luxury car at that.I still feel that the tranny is loose but am told at the dealers otherwise. Other than those things it is a great vehicle.

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  Denali is the best vehicle Ive had - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By some guy - March 2 - 2:00 am

  This is an amazing vehicle, I highly recommend. We test drove a Durango, it was in a completely lower class. Denali worth the extra money.

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  awesome - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By termite - March 2 - 2:00 am

  we LOVE our denali. Best car we have ever owned it is awesome. Only thing I do not like is that the rear seats do not recline all the way.