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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  3/4 Ton Yukon XL - Rock Solid vehicle - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Dave C - March 5 - 7:56 pm

  Ive owned this vehicle for about 5 yrs, putting all 96000 miles on it. Only repair items have been to reprogram the transmission (in warranty) and to replace a burned out seat motor. I tow a 7000 lb trailer with it about 10 times a year. When Katrina hit, my wife and I evacuated in only this vehicle with two grown boys, 3 cats, a dog, cat litter boxes, dog pillow, suitcases, computers, game boxes - everything they held dear and drove for 8 hrs on a single tank of gas. Yes, it gets 13mpg, but if you are shopping for a reliable SUV - you wont find any better. I havent even had to change the brakes!

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  Yukon - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Hawke - March 5 - 2:50 am

  Better mileage than my pickup! Handles great. Out-turns many mid-size cars. Finally - room for the whole family and their stuff!

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  Good, but could be better. - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By harrydownsouth - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I am a commuter who drives 35 miles each way for work. I like the size of the car and that it has room to carry most items but is small enough to look sporty and it gets acceptable gas mileage. The interior is fine except for one area, its arm rests are hard plastic and are very uncomfortable during long drives. The model has had several recalls, none of which were serious for me. I am able to use regular gas without problem. I am concerned about the long term expectency of the aluminum alloy engine. GMC did OK but the hard plastic arm rests and the recalls make me think they were not as professional as they claimed and could be better.

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  Adjustable back seats - 2011 GMC Yukon XL
  By jennymmh25 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I have only had for a day. But I compared with Toyota sequoia and the deal breaker was onstar. Unlocking is just a phone call away. Other than luxury and comfort sequoia has youkon xl denali beat. To get what you get in the sequoia you would have to buy a Cadillac for about 20,000.00 more and theyre still lacking. So GM if Toyota comes out with satellite unlock doors, see ya unless you do big improvement to inside comfort.

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  No Power - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By gary - March 3 - 6:13 am

  I pull a 26foot trailer and when it comes to a hill you think your in a 4 cylinder. GMC should not sell this as a tow unit.

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  Beware of Secret GMC Warranty - 1992 GMC Safari
  By rjd - March 3 - 2:00 am

  Generally nice - but: there was a secret GMC warranty on the paint which literally flake off after six years. GM denied responsibility claiming their secret warranty had expired and if the dealer didnt tell the customer (me) - too bad! The upshot - had to have the vehicle painted privately at my expense and now have EXTENSIVE RUST - something else that should never happen in this era of vehicle. Mechanically the vehicle has been fair, the rear A/C is a disaster - be sure to close off the coolant lines to the rear A/C - the rear A/C is not needed and you will otherwise have to add new freon EVERY Summer.

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  Fun all the time with Yukon Denali - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By ryan hodge - March 3 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed my new 2004 Yukon Denali, it gives superb performance, comfort and luxary. Also, it is a great highway vehicle averaging 19 mpg, which is not bad for a 7000gwt truck.

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  now the engine... when does it end money pit - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By kingspark33 - March 2 - 10:53 pm

  New transmission at 54,000 ($1500.00), new harmonic balancer at 69,000 and now a complete engine overhaul at 82,000 ($2400.00).

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  Very Satisfied Customer - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Michael Richmond - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had absolutely no trouble with this vehicle, and I was skeptical at first about the 5 cylinder engine. The only thing I feel could have used a little more thought is an absolutely trivial item, the center console is not tall enough to use for an armrest. I feel that if the only complaint I can find is the armrest, then I am 100% satisfied with my purchase. This truck performs well, it rides better than many 4x4 vehicles I have been in. The electronic selection for 2wd,4wdhi and 4wdlo is very convenient, just push a button and away you go.

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  I love my Denali - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By N.Hills - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I really love my Denali but very disappointed with the material used in and around the vehicle is coming apart. the molding on the inside and outside is constantly falling off, the headrest seats where they connect are coming apart. The guide for the seats to move forward and backwards is coming off. You will have to be an installer to keep the unit together. I was totally surprised at the manufacturing and material use in a General Motors car and a luxury car at that.I still feel that the tranny is loose but am told at the dealers otherwise. Other than those things it is a great vehicle.