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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  Great small truck - 2000 GMC Sonoma
  By Sonoma w/ 20s - July 25 - 2:00 am

  This was my first new car, and I hope Im has happy with all my future new car purchases as I have been with this one. Fun to drive, been extremely reliable, despite all the customizing Ive done. I recommend it ot anyone

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  yucon dog - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By ivan flowers - July 25 - 2:00 am

  its all good the truck runs great nice body and wheel base. it tow boats and having the rear seat is nice.

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  2003 Denali XL - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Howard Hunter - July 25 - 2:00 am

  Great truck - rides like a cadi

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  DENALI RULE - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By GREGG STEWART - July 25 - 2:00 am

  THE GMC YUKON DENALI IS BY DESIGN EYE CATCHING AND WONDERFUL TO DRIVE. THEIS VEHICLE IS THE SAME AS THE CADILLAC ESCALADE FOR ABOUT 5K LESS. INTERIOR IS VERY SPACIOUS AND COMFORTABLE WITH THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM AWSOME.

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  yukon - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By john duckett - July 25 - 2:00 am

  note**** my yukon is a 5.3 litre motor which is not offered in your survey.

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  Second Time Around - 1995 GMC Safari
  By Southern Moon Again - July 24 - 2:00 am

  If youll look, I wrote a review 07/12/02 on this same vehicle. Now passing into the 260K mileage range, I just wanted to again say that GMC makes one reliable ride. In fact, since then weve added to (not replaced) our GMC family with a Suburban that after the first 25K seems to be as solid as the Safari that I still drive every single day. 260K: no oil usage, no loss of power, good looking. I cant say enough good things about the GMC Safari.

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  Very dependable truck - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By DWN - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this truck now for 5 years. I am the 1st owner. This truck has been absolutly flawless. The ownly thing that has been replaced is the altenator. It has been to the dealer for only the altenator and routine maintanence.

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  way - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By cooldude - July 23 - 2:00 am

  the best truck ever

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  Denali, better then any others - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By jacey99 - July 23 - 2:00 am

  This truck is the best automobile Ive ever owed. The ride is very smooth. The trucks body is wonderful. I stand behind the denali this is my 3rd one. Have test driven many suv and have the denali to be the best. We like them so much my husband bought one for himself.

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  Best SUV of its size - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Tiki - July 23 - 2:00 am

  This vehical is smooth like glass. It has power along with elegence and grace. We desided to purchase our Denali just prior to the birth of our baby girl (Jordan). We knew that the extra space would be helpful. Not long ago, we were involved in a auto accident that could have taken our lifes. But thanks to our choice of vehicle and by gods grace, we are still here. We were hit from behind by a SUV traveling 60-70 mph. The Denali maybe total out but, we will get a new one soon. For us, the Denali ranks #1.