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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  2008 GMC 2500 Diesel - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By John - December 29 - 11:13 am

  I bought this truck from a local used car dealer. I drive this truck mostly through the mountains of southwestern PA hauling my travel trailer. I previously owned a 2005 F250 diesel. There is absolutely no comparison between the two trucks. This GMC outperforms the ford in every way possible. I never thought I would say this considering my grandfather, my father, and I have been ford guys our entire lives but the proof is in the way the truck drives, handles, pulls, and the reliability I have experienced with this truck. I have driven this truck for more than 15,000 miles and overall I am completely satisfied. I have to say that this is by far the best truck I ever owned.

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Thomas A Stevenson - December 28 - 12:32 pm

  We have a need for a vehicle capable of towing a travel trailer, and carrying cargo as well as people. The vehicle will also be used for deer and elk hunting, as well trips to the airport with passengers and luggage. This new Yukon XL SLT, fills the bill.

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  Fun Trailering - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Desert Bum - December 28 - 10:00 am

  allways wanted a four door auto, but never expected to get it in a truck.

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  Loving it! - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Patricks Denali - December 28 - 3:29 am

  I absolutely love driving this vehicle. That V8 w/302 horses under the hood ensures your entry onto the highway is a seamless transition. The ride is extremely comfortable and quiet. It rides just as smooth as my 2006 Lexus GS300 AWD! This is a well built vehicle with nice amenities. The Nav system does eliminate the 6 disc CD, however, I never listen to CDs in the car. I listen to my XM satellite radio. My wife and I test drove all the competitors product and decided to purchase the Denali. What a great decision!

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  So far, love it. - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Woof - December 27 - 2:56 am

  I bought my 08 SLT, Diesel on New Years eve day, 08. I have put on 17,000 miles mixed mostly highway and suburban with a good bit of weekend warrior hunting and camping trips. I commute in this baby and my combined mileage is 15.7 over the last 9 months. Thats with a cap on the back,and with 35 miles a day in hardcore SF Bay Area highway traffic hell. I dont tow but it will haul a back end load of hunting equipment, dogs and coolers full of meat. Honestly, I could use a lesser truck for most of what I do, but when I need to step up this truck takes it and keeps going. I can stick 3 dogs in the back of the cab, w. seats folded and they ride in comfort and one of them clocks in at 120lbs

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  Big wheels for grown ups - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By smithu - December 26 - 10:45 pm

  Coming from a 2001 Tahoe I was caught off guard. I love to start the truck from inside my house just to hear the boom of the exhaust outside! For a family man this is a hot ride. Numerous features from adjustable petals for my short wife, to the booming bass Bose system when Im alone. Im glad I saved my chips and got the Denali over the slade

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  Denali review - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By silverchevy - December 26 - 2:43 pm

  I love the Denali! It drives more like a Mercedes M, but smoother. The fit and finish is amazing. The sound (or lack of it) is great! The MSRP on it with Nav, rear ent., sunroof and 20" wheels is $54,500. I paid approx $47,900 ($500 under invoice).

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  Driven the way you would like to driveit - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By JOPY/NY - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This is the first brand new truck I have bought, and I would have to say I do love it, I compared the Escalade when buying this truck and found I enjoyed the more firm ride as opposed to the soft swaying ride the escalade offered. It corners nicely considering its a truck it holds the road quite well, I just drove through the 2ft of snow we just had and it was a dream with the stabila trac keeping the truck from quick turns and not allowing the ass end to spin out,

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  Denali = Outstanding Value for your Money - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Lav_tip - December 19 - 2:55 pm

  I really enjoy this vehicle. I personally like the nav system and dont really care about the whole "CD" issue. Oh by the way, I also own an 06 Lexus GS300 AWD and my wife owns an 06 RX330 and neither one of us listens to CDs. We do however enjoy our subscriptions to XM satellite radio. I test all the competitors products and found that the Denali was equivalent to the 4Runner, Pathfinder and the other American products as well. I love driving this vehicle. I drove it from Herndon, VA to Knoxville, TN and it performed extremely well and was a very comfortable ride.

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  Fun on the open road - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By TP - December 19 - 11:25 am

  This has been a great truck thus far. The ride and comfort are on par with an Escalade for about $10k less. Plenty of room for my family, especially on long road trips. Some may comment of the gas mileage and say that you should wait for the hybrid version, but by the time you wait, the actual gain/benefits from the hybrid will be small.