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:

• 

  2005 Denali Yukon XL - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By uptonmavrick - June 9 - 12:38 pm

  I purchased this vehicle with 209,254 miles on it for $7,783 + Tax/Title. The interior looks new but the exterior has a few dings and a little rust starting here and there. It Runs & Drives like NEW! Everything works! I burn no oil between oil changes but the rear seal leaks a bit. I purchased this for towing and know a few people who are also driving these GMs with over 200,000 clicks/no problems. These vehicles get driven hard and simply keep going. We tow Ice Houses, Campers, etc. Getting stuck is a regular occurrence. Forward, Reverse, Forward... Stomp it. These things keep going! Add gas & change fluids regularly. Simply AMAZING machines..........

• 

  If theres a better truck........ - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By ssd2000 - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Actually a 2001 but Edmunds doesnt have a field for 01 Denalis. Truck now has 30,000 miles, and thus far has been flawless. Plenty of power and averages .5 mpg less than a mid-size V8 Jeep. Friends say "nicest vehicle theyve ever rode in". If you doubt Air Suspension, test ride a Denali and Yukon back to back. If you cant tell the difference, then save yourself $8,000 and buy the Yukon.

• 

  Love my Duramax! - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By dozergirl11 - June 1 - 10:56 am

  I bought this truck with over 100k miles on it, but was obviously well taken care of, as it is now. I have pulled several trailers already that stretch the written towing capabilities, but she has pulled them all just fine with no squatting, and the tow/haul option does really well even with the larger trailers If I was going to buy a truck again, Id buy the same one. The SLE2 is nice inside and out, with my favorite part of the exterior being the cab lights. They just make the truck look sharp!

• 

  Everyone should have one! - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By DJC - May 31 - 10:00 am

  If your looking for the top of the line SUV on the road today with all the comfort and performance you can handle, this is the car for you.

• 

  Excellent Choice - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Rick - May 30 - 5:00 pm

  As a first-time truck buyer I was aiming more for a mid-size, thinking it the best place to find a good compromise between utility and drivability. However, when I got to the dealership and compared sticker prices I found I could get more for my money in the larger Sierra than the mid-size Canyon. The test drive was the clincher. The regular cab, 8ft bed WT rides as smooth as our mini-van and sits higher for better visibility. The build-quality is impressive; no rattles, tight seams and attention to detail. All knobs and buttons are within easy reach and the cabin space is generous. Utility- wise, well, there isnt anything that wont fit inside the 8ft bed. Outstanding truck by GMC.

• 

  Finely tuned, made for travel. - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By Randy Kling - May 26 - 1:24 am

  They are proud of this SUV according to the price. But when you drive it youll know why. I love the way the 22" tires look but we opted for the 20" tires with the bigger side wall for a smoother ride. All said this is a great car and I will own it forever.

• 

  Finely tuned, made for travel. - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By Randy Kling - May 26 - 1:24 am

  They are proud of this SUV according to the price. But when you drive it youll know why. I love the way the 22" tires look but we opted for the 20" tires with the bigger side wall for a smoother ride. All said this is a great car and I will own it forever.

• 

  GREAT!! - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By HOtPiNk037 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a really great truck. Very realiable and comfortable. You can depend on it. Smooth driving and very clean. Enjoyable. Nice truck.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 1997 GMC Yukon
  By YUK Driver - May 20 - 2:00 am

  I have over 122,000 miles on this vehicle and it is still holds VERY strong. I drive the new Yukons all the time for work, and my 97 runs just as strong as the 02. Very little maintaince and a very comfortable ride.

• 

  Great Yukon! - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By cmcnee - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I have purchase about 10 different vehicles in my lifetime. This has been the best vechicle I have ever driven! The ride is exceptionally smooth. It seems to glide. The interior is extremely roomy. I will never purchase another type or model again!