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 - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Jim1bo1 - March 2 - 2:00 am

  This truck rides great. About the only negative is that it is big and the fuel economy is poor, but if you want power to tow with a ride second none, this is your vehicle. I have taken this on some long trips over 2,000 miles and still enjoy getting behind the wheel of this one.

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  Love My Denali! - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Faun - March 2 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I have gone through NUMEROUS cars in the last 10 years, and this is by far my favorite. The few things I had to get used to were, the turning, parking, & fuel consumption ($49.00 fill up 31 gal.). Those are the "negatives". For the positives, I could go on and on...but most importantly, you get a lot of respect on the road. The kids love it and we can haul all of their stuff, and all of us (5), VERY comfortably. Its a beautiful vehicle that is a pleasure to drive. The feeling of being safe, with the size and build of the car along with having Onstar, gives me incredible peace of mind.

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  Denali is the best vehicle Ive had - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By some guy - March 2 - 2:00 am

  This is an amazing vehicle, I highly recommend. We test drove a Durango, it was in a completely lower class. Denali worth the extra money.

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  awesome - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By termite - March 2 - 2:00 am

  we LOVE our denali. Best car we have ever owned it is awesome. Only thing I do not like is that the rear seats do not recline all the way.

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  Love My Yukon - Thanks GMC! - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By truvalgal - March 2 - 2:00 am

  WOW! This Yukon LX is the Best! I can finally cart all the kids and their stuff, in the luxury I love! Thanks GMC - the Yukon LX is a real winner!

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned! - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Dave Hackler - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I trade annually, and Ive owned many different vehicles. The Yukon Denali XL is my all time favorite. For ride and comfort I dont think you can find anything to beat it. The larger 6000 series engine make acceleration smooth and unlabored. Handling is a breeze with the power assisted steering. We test drove the Toyota Sequoia and were pleased with that, but we were convinced by the much more stable ride found in the Yukon.

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  my car - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By speeder - March 2 - 2:00 am

  love the ride and size. plus on star is the greatest.

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  Takes a good hit. - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Vanderburg - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Before I made my first payment I was hit by a stupid non insured and non licensed driver from the front panel to the rear panel down the drivers side of the Yukon. The stupid driver then totaled out the Ford SUV behind me. The Yukon stood its ground and took body hits but never attempted to roll. Its a perfect protection for your family on the highway. No serious bodily injuries were suffered even though all the driver side windows were knocked out and it cost $15,000.00 to repair. It still looks and runs great. For me to give a compliment like this to General Motors is unreal. I have always been a foreign car driver. Keep up the good work GMC.

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  Denali Love Affair - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By RL Stevenson - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Best Vehicle Ever --(Im 69) The wife made me buy it.

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  the denali experience - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By niko is a dog - March 2 - 2:00 am

  the best car i have ever owned!