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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  Eye for a Detail - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By RaginCajun - May 31 - 2:00 am

  I really analyzed what I used my previous truck for. I really didnt haul any large loads in the back bed, nor did I pull a trailer with a heavy load. I mainly used it to commute to work, haul my family around, recreation, go hunting, etc. This truck fit as close to perfect as possible. Its not too bulky, nor a tinker-toy. So far, Im very satisfied with the truck.

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  Satisfied - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By NorDot - May 31 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased car. So far Im impressed with the quality, fit and finish. Handles more car like than a SUV. This is my 6th SUV and by far the best. Mileage is what I expected.

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  Better than Jeep - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By lubnag - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Its a great truck overall. Fun to drive, love the horse power and handle of this truck. Specially the look, make everyone take a second look when drove by them. The 6 disc BOSE system is awsome, plennty of power.

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  Great but can improve to excellent. - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By aztlan78 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  My experience with the Yukon so far has been excellent. The Yukon handles very well. This was my first SUV I ever owned so I thought driving it, do to its size, was going to be difficult and it was not.

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  Best full size ever - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By Pbear - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Yukon for 3 years and 30,000 miles. I love the power, handling and comfort this vehicle offers. I have had to do only regular maintenance which usually includes the front hubs at around 100,000 miles. This thing fits 4 foot by 8 ft sheets of plywood inside and is still is capable of 19 mpg on the highway!I average 16 overall with mostly rural driving in the mountains. This vehicle is just as well built and reliable as my Honda Accord!

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  nice surprise - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By gamer05 - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I read a review on this site that said their yukon shakes at around 70mph. Mine does too. There is no evidence of abnormal tire wear though. Other than that this vehicle has been remarkable. It is a dependable, secure ride. Very smooth ride for an SUV. Press the accelarator with slow and steady pressure for the best acceleration...

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  Beautiful Machine - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By JJTabu - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This Denali is a dream to drive, smooth, quiet and easy to handle. The seats make long distance travel a really enjoyment. The seperate stereo sound systems for front and back make the kids happy not to mention us adults. The view of the roadway is execellent and makes avoiding problem ahead easy to see. The 0n-Star system has help several time once when we came over a hill to witness a head on accident. On-Star has some there quickly in the remote area.

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  Id buy another one - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By mkww33 - May 29 - 2:00 am

  It is absolutely the best vehicle i have ever owned. Its fun to drive, reliable, handles well, does very well in snow and it comfortable. The design is sporty yet you know you are in luxury. GM really did a good job of thinking of the consumer on this one.

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  Good truck if you are OK with the MPG - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By tr709 - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I originally wasnt interested in the Denali, but I stumbled upon a killer lease deal ($399 mo), so I went for it. My only complaint with the build quality was with the exterior door handles in which both fronts came loose. Im currently getting 15.5 mpg in 80% highway driving and with my recent move and longer commute, Im paying for it. You will need to rotate the tires on schedule as the fronts will wear by 25k if you dont, But that is common with most trucks. Overall I have been satisfied with my truck and the reliability has been very good, routine maint, tires and 1 headlight bulb have been it. I now have 38k miles on it.

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  A Superb SUV - Superb - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By jayoh - May 29 - 2:00 am

  GMC Envoy handles like a large sports car. I have no idea what some professional reviewers are complaining about. The car does not lean in turns. The steering is a good blend of smoothness and ease. The seats are the best. The off-road capability of this SUV is on par with the very best off-road vehicles in the world. Highway performance is great, but there is a little wind noise. The six cylinder engine is very powrful and you dont need the eight unless you tow a huge boat. The conveniece package is great and On-Star is the best idea in finding your way around the country. Overall, this is ten. I just wish the sun roof was larger and less noisy.