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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  2001 Yukon XL in NJ - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By Bajan1 - September 13 - 6:40 pm

  I love this truck. It has a vey nice ride in the city and on the highway. The performace and reliablity is outstanding. This truck will be in my family for a long time.

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  Lovin IT!! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Ivyrose - September 10 - 10:52 am

  I purchased a used Envoy in 07, no major problems at 96K, keep the oil change and enjoy the ride!

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  Buyer Beware - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By UpsetYukonOwner - September 5 - 9:53 pm

  To all who want to know how GM takes care of its customers I suggest you read my post. I am a 2003 Yukon XL owner, owned a 97 GMC Suburban prior. Be forewarned to anyone who puts miles on the 03 and forward Yukons and Chevy equals. There is NOTHING Professional Grade about these vehicles!!! To date my vehicle has had to have both front hubs replaced. I have 4 friends with a total of 7 Yukon’s including mine. On these vehicles 5 hubs have had to be replaced. Sounds like an issue to me. If the truck was used in city driving or off road I would understand but for an on the road truck this is not an acceptable quality level for a $48,000. truck.

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  OUR TRUCK - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By TRR - September 4 - 10:00 am

  WE HAVE HAD THIS TRUCK SINCE IT WAS NEW WITH NO MAJOR PROBLEMS AT ALL. ENGINE BELT SQUEEK UNTIL WARMED UP WOULD BE MY ONLY COMPLAINT.

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  1999 GMC Yukon SLT 4WD - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Charlie - September 4 - 2:11 am

  I bought my Yukon New and have owned it for 10 years now with 165,000 Miles. It was purchased for the four wheel drive. The drive train has performed flawless. Early repairs were leaky heater hose eng. block nipple Exhaust gaskets RR tightened the oil filter/cooler engine mounting. The original brakes are undersized and I replaced the front rotors with cryogenic cooled/hardened “Praise” units at 20k along with their stage III pads, rear brakes just the “Praise” shoes. These rotors lasted 120,000 miles. One problem engine not starting after a foggy nite or sitting awhile...The security light is on. OK after setting awhile. Overall the vehicle is stable with lower than Honda maint. costs.

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  Great SUV - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By bren24 - August 30 - 10:31 am

  We bought the car in 2005. It has ran great. Just like every other car out there, we have had to make annual repairs. We only paid 2,000 for it new and put about 1,500 in it since we bought it. We had to replace the motor in 2007. We are not mad about it because these things happen. But we got one from a junk yard for $800. This car is up to 158,000 miles and it still works perfect. The only complaint I have is the four wheel drive stopped working about a month ago. All in all the car has been very good to us.

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  2003 GMC - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Kelvin Bowman - August 29 - 8:30 am

  The comfort of the ride is outstanding. Able to pull trailers with ease. Not bad gas mileage for size of vehicle.

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  Good truck for its age - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Kansas Girl - August 28 - 11:50 am

  I bought this vehicle with 77K miles on it, one owner, maintenance record available. Have had to replace the water pump, fuel pump, spark plugs wires cap and rotor all of which are probably a maintenance issue at over 100K miles now. Have had problems with check engine light coming on and code says misfire in 5th cylinder. Have had it worked on at 3 different places and none can figure out the problem for sure...is it a valve or injector problem?? Probably a $700- $1500 fix. Never has left me stranded anywhere. Good overall vehicle with lots of options for its age.

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  So far good car.... - 2009 GMC Yukon
  By Jim Phillips - August 26 - 10:15 pm

  Wish the fuel economy was a little better. Also, the rear back seats dont fold down to the floor so the back not very functional unless moving out the very heavy back seats.

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  Great vehicle - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Acadia Georgia - August 26 - 9:10 pm

  Have owned 3 Yukon XLs, Yukon Denali. Envoy--love this vehicle! More leg room than Envoy, but hate the transmission. Too much surging, lagging, no pick-up, changes gears too often & at wrong time. Im a GM person, but the transmission needs serious improvement--its my only complaint about the car, but I dont know if I can stand this for 2-3 yrs.