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:

• 

  Buy a Yukon - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By cdfmedic00 - March 2 - 2:00 am

  My wife was stopped to make a left turn and some guy hit here at > 55mph and his Dodge truck was totalled and our Yukon had very minimal damage ($5500). Thanks GMC for making a great vehicle.

• 

  Love this truck - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Hobe - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 1 Ford Explorer and then 2 Expeditions and decided it was time for a change. My brother owns an 02 Denali and after careful review decided on an 03 Denali. Had a aftermarket DVD player installed for the kids, got the factory installed sunroof, captains chairs with heat, and cant get the wife to give it up so I can drive it! Replaced stock air filter with K & N airfilter and what an improvement in performance.

• 

  Great!!!! - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By lo123 - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Great job well built,handels nicely,good looking body style excell.power very easy to drive and roomy.

• 

  My Yukon - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Stacey Taylor - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I feel so safe while driving this automobile, and to me, thats the most important factor in what I drive. I have two schoolage children and a husband that require trips to school and to the doctors office on a daily and weekly basis. We always travel in the Yukon because its so easy to manuever and the feeling of being safe in case of an accident. We Love It!

• 

  Great Large SUV - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By missyuma - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I have no complaints on this Truck, its a pleasure to drive. I LOVE IT!

• 

  satisfied - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By ronald vance - March 2 - 2:00 am

  excellent vehicle to drive and for tow

• 

  Great - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By C Dizzle - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Great i love it

• 

  Love it, my all time favorite - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By cmf - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Im not a car person but now I am. Ive owned a previous SUV and it was a good car but this one is superior. I travel alot and my husband is out of town often so I have comfort with the On Star system, satellite radio for those remote areas.

• 

  Kids Are Grown, STILL LOVE IT ! - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Roberta - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Our kids are grown,and I am usually the only one in the car,but it is the best thing I did for myself. You can get in and out of the tightest mall spaces,turn on a dimewhile sitting heads and shoulders above everybody else. I love that I could go to Homegoods and decide to take advantage of that beautiful 3x6 double glass curio case, and fit it in without having to leave the extra seats home,to fit it in.Not to mention,to load and unload the cargo area is the lightest,easiest thing ever.The Denali is the most omfortable"Big Boy". I will get one again.Love GM products,and this baby is exactly like The Caddie Escalade..

• 

  Over life of ownership, not bad at all - 1996 GMC Sonoma
  By Tobais - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I had some issues with this truck early on. Kept having wiper motor problems, had to replace whole unit for around $700. Turns out it was a recall, so I could have not spent the $$. I bought the truck with 35,000 mis on it in 98, currenlty have 96,500 in 2004 and it runs great. Change the oil every 3000 or so, had a tune up at 85,000 and so far, the only major repair was the wipers! So long term, it has been a good, relabile little truck. Cannot complain at all. Only thing I notice is in very cold winter weather the door locks tend to freeze up, so I have to leave it unlocked then..