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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  DENALI RULE - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By GREGG STEWART - July 25 - 2:00 am

  THE GMC YUKON DENALI IS BY DESIGN EYE CATCHING AND WONDERFUL TO DRIVE. THEIS VEHICLE IS THE SAME AS THE CADILLAC ESCALADE FOR ABOUT 5K LESS. INTERIOR IS VERY SPACIOUS AND COMFORTABLE WITH THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM AWSOME.

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  yukon - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By john duckett - July 25 - 2:00 am

  note**** my yukon is a 5.3 litre motor which is not offered in your survey.

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  Very dependable truck - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By DWN - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this truck now for 5 years. I am the 1st owner. This truck has been absolutly flawless. The ownly thing that has been replaced is the altenator. It has been to the dealer for only the altenator and routine maintanence.

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  way - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By cooldude - July 23 - 2:00 am

  the best truck ever

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  Denali, better then any others - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By jacey99 - July 23 - 2:00 am

  This truck is the best automobile Ive ever owed. The ride is very smooth. The trucks body is wonderful. I stand behind the denali this is my 3rd one. Have test driven many suv and have the denali to be the best. We like them so much my husband bought one for himself.

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  Best SUV of its size - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Tiki - July 23 - 2:00 am

  This vehical is smooth like glass. It has power along with elegence and grace. We desided to purchase our Denali just prior to the birth of our baby girl (Jordan). We knew that the extra space would be helpful. Not long ago, we were involved in a auto accident that could have taken our lifes. But thanks to our choice of vehicle and by gods grace, we are still here. We were hit from behind by a SUV traveling 60-70 mph. The Denali maybe total out but, we will get a new one soon. For us, the Denali ranks #1.

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  Loven It! - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 1st GM in 30 yrs - July 22 - 10:30 pm

  Bought 3 months ago; now have +10K mis. Love it. Been 30yr Ford guy. 1st GM truck ever considered. Bought the wife an 08 HHR liked it & got me to consider a GM again. Traded my 03 F2504dr 4x4 diesel (loved it) had +180k mis;still miss the big 600#ft torq. Dealer offered me a 2-day GMC test drive! Hated the "luxury" dash; reminded me of dads old gran marque, yuk. Wanted more lux but that dash was a deal-brkr. Added SLE pref + NFL pkg & leather/sunroof. Passengers cant but I can notice fr V4 to V8 pwr surge. No tailgate lock!? Will buy one. Has 3.42 rr gear; hard accel into 2nd gear causes rpms to fall out of pwr-band then comes up. Ctr of hood vibrates continually while driving.

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  Love my Denali! - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jeff C. - July 22 - 10:30 pm

  Power, performance, and FUN to drive! Quadrasteer whips a better U-turn than a Volkswagen! It takes about a lane and a half to cut a tight u-turn. The 6 Liter engine has lots of power, but GUZZLES the gas! (The power is well worth the gas guzzling when you need it.) I change the oil and put in gas. I have had it 1 year TODAY and have 35,900 on it allready! GMPP Warranty was $4K extra! Very pleased with the truck & reliability, but the dealers who fix it work too fast and I have to point out the shoddy repairs. Biggest problem, the factory tonneau cover leaks water into the bed, and is constantly breaking. I have had it replaced TWICE (under warranty) Both times it was re-installed wrong.

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  My GMC - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Tim Webb - July 21 - 4:06 am

  Really like this truck. However, would like to see further advancements in the interior design.

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  Torquey little gem - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By jim - July 20 - 5:52 pm

  Most surprising for this 2.8L diesel was just how fun the trans/engine combo is to drive! Really. In town driving requires little more then a feather touch on the gas pedal. The engine just pulls you along strong and the trans gets the gears right without any busy shifting. The interior is very quiet and a smooth ride. Fuel economy is a real world 27 in the city driving and 31 on the highway (I drive 77mph.... at 70 I get 33). I do get a little "wind flutter" from the factory toneau covered bed above 55mph but you only notice it if your listening for it, which I was. I like the style of this truck. Just the right size for my retirement lifestyle. Glad I put up the extra bucks for the diesel option. PS your review form does not offer the Longbox crew cab trim option with a diesel engine.