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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  Denali - - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Dag - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought the truck new in Feb 2003. Loved it for the first 500 miles, then it started falling apart, Everything has been repaired but it took numerous.. did I say numerious, I meant countless trips to the service dept. From 500 - 25000 nothing but service. From 25000 - Now. much better. Very nice look, sweet! Like it enought not to part with it yet, wouldt buy another one.

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  Second Yukon - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By artie 92 - May 24 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Yukon. the first was a 1997 with 165,000 miles on it. I never had bit of trouble with it other regular maintenence. The 2004 is more that I expected.

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  Great Ride - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Dan - May 23 - 8:06 pm

  Great vehicle for golf trips. I load up 5 guys with golf clubs and luggage for a 4 day trip to Myrtle Beach. The ride is great and I use the GPS system all the time. Its great to find golf courses. Its my 5th Suburban, but, my 1st Denali and I love it. There was not enough difference between the Denali and the Escalade to justify the price difference.

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  2002 Denali - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Gjfisherman - May 23 - 2:00 am

  One of the best vehicles Ive ever owned!

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  The Perfect "Mom" Car - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By ajhdaisy - May 21 - 11:50 am

  GMC couldnt have designed a car any better than this one! The interior is roomy and comfortable and it doesnt have the top-heavy feel of most SUVs and is very easy to park. The parking assist is also handy (the back glass is up high and you dont have the best view of the back). Gas mileage could be better but what do you expect, it is an SUV...well worth the room in my opinion. This is the perfect car for moms...plenty of room and easy access to all seats (captain chairs & third row). I couldnt have designed it any better myself!

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  Total Lemon - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By East Texas - May 21 - 2:00 am

  Been in the shop 7 times in a year. Awful vehicle. Awful quality. Problems since day one. Very disappointing. This vehicle is a complete hunk of junk. Front end problems. Transmission problems. Steering problems. Interior plastic is popping off. Seat covers are coming off and coming apart. Paint is chipping off of all knobs.

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  Transmission Problems - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Homer - May 21 - 2:00 am

  My Yukon as a whole is wonderful. However, after less than 8000 miles I had to have the transmission rebuilt. This truck came with a TOW/HAUL mode and has never had a trailer hitch installed.

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  My GMC 4x4 - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Rusty - May 19 - 1:20 pm

  I enjoy driving it but dont like the tires that it came with, no bite to the road really lousy traction, looks like just street tires anyway. Dont care for onstar and the satellite radio, always blanks out with the trees and some hills around here. Also the paint job is really thin, should be better with a good clear coat.

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  Off Road Use Comments - 2000 GMC Yukon Denali
  By Bruce Beighle - May 19 - 10:00 am

  I have driven my 2000 GMC Yukon Denali in rough offroad conditions throughout the northern Rockies. At ~28k miles the transmission failed and was replaced (~$1500), at ~38k miles the fuel system failed and 4 main components were replaced (~$900), at 52k miles the front alignment pin & boots had to be replaced, uneven tire wear forced replacement of 4 new tires within 20k miles (~$500), a cracked plastic front grill was replaced (~$700) and several body parts have fallen off. In summary, this vehicle has been a very expensive lemmon and we cant wait to replace it with a more reliable and better built vehicle (e.g. Toyota 4Runner or Nissan Pathfinder).

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  I have become a GMC service expert - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By brad - May 18 - 11:10 pm

  My name is Brad and I have owned a 2001 GMC Sierra for a little over a year. The factory warranty has not expired and I have had to take it back to the dealership at least six times. From the seams on the interior ripping to the oxygen sensor going bad twice, this truck has been a real headache. I have the Z71 model and it is the truck I always wanted but after this one I am done with GMC.