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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  Great family SUV - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By Creative_rajiv - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I have a 5.3L Yukon SLT. It is a great SUV with excellent pickup and smooth ride. Lots of space and third row seating is of great help.

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  Smooth ride - 2000 GMC Yukon Denali
  By Tom D. - April 8 - 12:40 pm

  I have always liked my Chevy truck and I wanted the same power and comfort in a family vehicle. My wife and I test drove severel SUVs. None felt near as solid or sturdy as this one. We love everything about this SUV. Hopefully we can get a newer one in a few years. Until then we will just enjoy this one.

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  good - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By tclloyd - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Fun to Drive

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  Best of the Breed - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By sknabt - April 7 - 10:46 am

  I decided to replace my SUV with a full-size truck. Choice came down to an 08 Sierra SLT vs. an 07 Tundra Limited (08 Tundra priced way out of my budget) because Ive always bought Japanese. Tundra has nice powertrain but falls short in every other category, especially its bloated price. GMC SLTs greatest selling point is its luxury grade interior. Tundra is very weak here. GMCs shift at any speed automatic 4x4 is far better than Tundras crude hi/lo 4x4. GMC has better crash test scores than the Tundra. This is the 1st full-size truck Ive ever owned but driving it is actually a joy. Parking is a learning experience but the parking assist makes it doable even for a newbie like myself.

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  GMC Sierra duramax - 2004 GMC Sierra 3500
  By Rich in suffolk - April 6 - 2:00 am

  You can always ask for more, but this truck gives the best of all I have ever driven. The Duramax is quiet and it seems to have more pep than my old 350 gas. Over the road unloaded I have gotten 22 mpg at I-95 speeds. Pulling a medium size 5th wheel is a pleasure. The allison transmission is absolutely super. I will buy another. By the way my other car is a Ford ambulance (diesel), the powerstroke is great but cant hold a candle to the duramax. The Dodge is just too loud.

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  2001 Sonoma SLS EXT Cab, 2WD - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By danman - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This truck is excellent from every angle. It is a very comfortable ride, the gas mileage is exceptional, and the truck has plenty of power for a four cylinder vehicle.

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  2004 Denali is pretty kewl - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By HYNTROPIC - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Other than it being a gas guzzler shoot, its a beauty!! I absolutely love it, it was a Christmas present this year from the husband and whew am I in for a real treat come summer months. I was alittle skeptical after reading some reviews from others with past model years but so far everything is smooth sailing. This is our 2nd GMC and this one is 2nd to none.

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  WE LOVE IT!!!! - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By K Duran - April 6 - 2:00 am

  WE REALLY LOVE THIS CAR!! WE EVEN PUT A DVD IN THE PASSENGER VISOR AND PUT IN TV!! GREAT CAR

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  Better than 1997 - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Duck11 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  After owning a 1997 Yukon, I was not sure much could be improved. But our new 2004 is amazing. Interior comfort and appointment is so much better. Exterior styling is outstanding. The new 17" wheels are a great add-on. The ability to get a sunroof and DVD (not available in 2003) is worth the extra expense of a 2004 model. Turning radius is beyond belief. You can actually park the Yukon in a normal parking lot. Gas mileage is about the same (18/15) and reliability is not yet known. Theres no denying....2004 Yukon beats Expedition, Sequoia and any other full- size SUV.

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  Love it - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By ChukkD - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Yukon and I cant say enough about it! Reliable and tough.