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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  Not too bad! - 2000 GMC Safari
  By pacey - May 10 - 8:40 pm

  This is our 1st van. It is comfortable, handles well and easily sits 7 average sized adults. The rear AC is a must in south Florida. We use it to tote scuba divers and their gear as well as a personal vehicle. Some of the interior features need to be beefed up to stand normal wear and tear--The hand grip on the pax side dash-the covers on the hinges of the rear seats-the vent covers on the rear AC outlets and the covers on the seatbelt floor attachments.

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  Run Denali Run - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Karen Williams - May 10 - 12:30 pm

  I have never experienced such poor quality from a vechile. I feel sorry for anyone that has purchased a Yukon and is having problems. The amount of money spent on this vechile could have purchased several vechiles of better quality.

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  A HUGE truck - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By jarles - May 9 - 2:00 am

  We upgraded from a mivivan after moving to the snowy Northeast, and adding a couple of kids to the family. The truck is large, comfortable, and drives very smoothly. You only notice its size when maneuvering in tight areas and parking. Because we needed room for 6 and luggage, this was our choice. We would have liked to go smaller, but nothing else could offer the combination of passenger space, luggage, and the ability to drive in snowy, icy weather.

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  Too many broblems and no support ! - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By fred E. - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Have A 2001 yukon xl, the suv broke down on the road,got it tow dealership,they said fuel pump problem and I had to pay for it,because warrenty ran out at 36000 miles ,after week of rental it was ready and then few days later same problem happen, got tow to difrent dealership, fuel pump related again and 3 days later and since the second time this happen,my wife did not want to go any where far with it,and finally she calls me again today that the truck leaking some in the rear and was not stoping as she was backing out the drivway, tow again this time brake line came outloose,and in pass I had called customer service and were no help

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  GM is letting me down - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Not Up to Standards - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I very much like the Denali, but GM is lacking in customer service. I have owned my Denali for 7 weeks and tomorrow will be my 7th time back for service. The rear heat only works intermittently. The service department had it for a week, and the day I picked it up it stopped working. Recomendation from GM: Drive it around until it doesnt work, then bring it right in. This is great if you live near the dealership and you dont work. Tomorrows visit isnt about that. Today, the radio went on, but I had no reception, sound, XM, CD, or DVD. I have asked GM to purchase the truck back, but they refuse. Suggestions on how to get rid of my gremlins?

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  Great on the Open Road - 1997 GMC Yukon
  By jeffroks - May 9 - 12:39 am

  I and 3 other family members took this truck on vaction last summer. It is incredibly comfortable on the open road, and you have a feeling of safety when you drive it. Swallows great amounts of luggage. Took me through deep snow banks this past winter.

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  My Last GM product - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By wdh2 - May 8 - 6:07 am

  I bought this truck used with 50K miles; GMC certified + factory warranty remaining for 10K more miles. I have had lots of problems out of this truck. In less than 5 months of ownership; -the center console shorted out -the rear brakes locked up and burned up the rear-end which had to be replaced (not covered under warranty) -Lots of vibration in front end- the front end came loose from the truck and had to be re-welded -Power steering kept cutting off when turning (frayed line attributed to the front end separation) -Short in heated seats -Tail gate had to be replaced and now the new one will not open (dealer installed) -Transmission is now slipping This truck has only seen pavement

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  First Yukon XL delivered to my dealer. - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Joe - May 8 - 5:36 am

  The vehicle performs very well. Towing a travel trailer across the country I got 12 mpg which I thought was fine. Solo it gets close to 20. Over 6,000 miles it has used no oil and the computer says to change it at 15,000 miles. The fit and finish was a little disappointing. I need to take it to the dealer to have the strip on the passenger side replaced as it is falling off. The right rear wheel well also has a slight defect. Other than the finish problems the vehicle performs very well. The navigation system is very good and performs exceedingly well. It got us out of several problems with detours. The preprogammed trips are excellent.

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  Fun to Drive - 2009 GMC Yukon XL
  By Joseph - May 7 - 8:10 am

  Bought our Yukon in Sept. to have another towing vehicle and for family trips. Its been great. We are enjoying the cylinder shut down feature (v8 to v4) as it gets mileage around 17 when warmed up. Comfort and ride are great (go for the autoride). Enjoying the dual row heated seats and the autostart. Would like to see more details for the money (blind spot monitoring or mirrors, pin lights for night time cabin lighting, more cubbies for storage). I too would suggest moving the compass/temp back to the center. The overall fit and finish has been very good with only one problem with a plate cover in the inside the door handle. Vehicle has met our needs for volume, handling and comfort.

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  Beter then my tacoma by far - 2009 GMC Canyon
  By John Atmallis - May 5 - 8:36 pm

  Performance was based on the fact that it is a truck and a 4cyl. It is not fast or a sports car but for what it is performed great. quicker and holds the rode better then my Tacoma that is newer and has a 6 cyl in it and hasnt ever left me stranded or not start like my Tacoma continues to do.