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:

• 

  Best Large SUV in its class - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By John Mearis - February 3 - 11:40 am

  The comfort and ride is unmatched for its class. The Denali beat out Excurison, and Surband hands down.

• 

  It Wont Die - 1995 GMC Yukon
  By Georgian - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Prior to my possesion, the trans. just basically collapsed. I had the entire trans. replaced & i havent had any trouble with it since. The space is above and beyond. Recently I went to go pick up a Double-size mattress. I wasnt quite sure if I would fit, but I took the risk, and sure enough, both the box springs and mattress fit perfectly!

• 

  Average Car - 2002 GMC Safari
  By tbuchler - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive had problems with my Safari. The sliding psgr door and rear hatch either stick or wont open. Took it to the dealer to get resolved still have same problem. Recently had problems with transmission and oil cooling lines leaking only at 42000 miles. Not impressed with fuel economy or front leg room. I am 62 and wife is 57". It does pull are 3300 lb popup camper great which is our main reason for buying it.

• 

  Rattle Trap - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Matt - February 2 - 12:50 am

  Bought this truck with 28,000 miles. Was great until 40,000. The rear Air spring compressor went out, the factory CD player jammed and had to be replaced, Needed new A/c O-rings, the airbag needed to be serviced, theres a popping noise in the front end now, and the interior is flimsy and cheap. There are tons of wind noise and it seems like theres a new squeak or rattle every month. The fact that i can remove pieces of the interior with my bare hands is downright pathetic.

• 

  Great Luxury but Capable SUV - 2017 GMC Yukon
  By JNE - February 1 - 9:40 am

  We did alot research on SUVs and found some challenges with capacity, luxury and a reasonable price. We really liked the Lexus LX 570 but the price 90K+. We looked at the Infiniti QX80 and while it was clearly the most luxurious the exterior was less than desirable. We considered the Cadillac Escalade but found that it had the same capacity and motor as the GMC Yukon Denali at 20K+ dollars more with interior differences. We also considered the Tahoe but when we priced it out with all the options it was the same price as the Denali. All in all the Yukon was the best bang for the buck and quite frankly it just looked better. Our research showed that it was a mix of happiness with owners from 15 and 16 years as these models had alot or recurring issues. We learned that many of the issues were to be resolved in 2017 and decided to lease one. Ours is fully loaded and we really like the technology GM brought to the table. The onstar app and myGMC app are designed well. Our only issue is that sometimes the apple play doest start when connected to the iPhone and we are unsure if it is the USB port or the iPhone cable. It gets great gas mileage as well. We really like the look and the ride and love the fact that is a truck base SUV vs a car base which provides us with more options. If you are looking for a luxury SUV with technology, towing and capacity to seat that is truck base this is your truck.

• 

  My SUV - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By linda lou - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Handles well, VERY comfortable ride and we desin ged interior.

• 

  GMC finally got it right - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By William - January 31 - 10:30 am

  This is a remarkable vehicle with almost every feature a luxury vehicle should have. I traded in my Infiniti QX4 so I had high expectations from the beginning. I’m used to a bit more luxury with leather surrounds on the doors and dash but have tried overlooking this in favor of the 7 passenger seating, which is very practical with the grandkids. It’s one of the easiest vehicles to get passengers into the third row seat and I’m guessing that other manufactures will follow suit soon. It’s also the quietest vehicle I’ve driven in years. It’s so quiet that you can’t hear the engine shifting gears unless you mash the accelerator.

• 

  First impressions - 2004 2wd Envoy SLT - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By bocaratonfl - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Took delivery first week in august. All city driving so far. Avg mpg 15+. Rides and handles great. Plenty of gadgets to play with. Will take on first road trip this weekend.

• 

  Not Too Shaby - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By james cris - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought a used Yukon (certified). Best vehicle I have ever owned. Great engine, but it sucks gas if you dont use it properly by constantly being impressed by the sudden influence of power. The captains chairs in the front are very comfortable. Music radio okay. I was very worred about the 2WD feature since I was trading a 4wd vehicle. The stability control is acceptable on this vehicle and the vehicle is heavy enough to provide enough traction on snow covered roads and heavy side street snow. Very impressive. It doesnt snow that much in Dayton so it will be hardly missed. better gas mpg than the 4wd i am sure.

• 

  2008 Yukon Hybrid - 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
  By Disappointed - January 27 - 11:10 pm

  If you are considering this vehicle for the gas mileage, forego the Hybrid and purchase a regular Yukon. Based upon the advertising, I thought that it would be worth spending the extra money for the mpg. Its not. Driving under normal conditions (acceleration and braking), I am averaging just 16 mpg, or less. The sticker on the vehicle said EPA Estimate of 20 City/20 Hwy (However, the fine print says "16-24 depending upon driving conditions" (paraphrasing), which give GM a great deal of flexibility, while disappointing the buyer! GMs Hybrid technology is questionable, to say the least. They want you to drive slower than the rest of traffic on start-ups, and brake slower than normal.