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:

• 

  unhappy - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By Sharon - August 6 - 10:13 pm

  I have had the yukon back to the dealer meny times, for a water leak it took them over one year to fix it also burns oil and front end has a knock, I had ment with gmc and they were to buy it back, and when that day came the went back on the deal. This yukon has had 42 ingeriesas they are called, it has left me stranded two differnt times.windows dont work all the time, seats dont work, Garage door opener dont work but once in awhile.

• 

  A great family vehicle - 2015 GMC Yukon XL
  By mring - August 4 - 11:22 am

  We had a 2012 Traverse that was just to small for our family of 5 when we travel; started looking at other SUVs. My youngest daughter pointed out the Suburban that I thought was to big; but after looking at it found it was not. Then looked at GMC; more options for the $ decided to go to GMC. Glad I did took delivery in mid July; have 6k on it now; NO problems at all. Great vehicle; 4WD is very effective in the heavy rain in FL; towed my daughters car to FSU; didnt even know at times it was there. The engine shuts down to 4 cylinders when 8 are not needed to increase gas mileage; on one local trip got a high as 23 MPG; 150 mile in total trip; averaging over 19 on highway and 14-15 cit

• 

  Wind Whistle - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Moe44 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Since about 500 miles there has been a very annoying wind whistle coming from the front windshield area. Has not been corrected yet. Bad for a 53K vehicle. Battery goes dead sometimes and dealer cannot locate problem. I purchase a new vehicle about every year and most are GM products. These problems have me thinking of changing!

• 

  Best Full Size SUV - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By MasterD - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my GMC Yukon Denali 03 for just a few months now and I cant say enough positive things about this SUV. The Denali is a lot of fun to drive with exceptional power, stability, comfort and towing capability all in one package. GMC has really improved on their overall build quality and the engine is one of the outstanding features of this vehicle. Fellas out there - this is a vehicle you can use to haul your family around without lowering your self-esteem by driving a mini-van! This by is far the best vehicle I have owned.

• 

  best suv !!!! - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By bigjim7070 - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I looked at the competition and decided on the Yuikon XL Denali. It was the right choice! Handling and parking are a dream. The Bose stereo is the best! The air conditioning can cool down the entire vehicle in a minute. My kids love the rear stereo and heating/cooling controls.

• 

  Best vehicle owned - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Jeremy - August 1 - 1:10 pm

  Just took a 1300 mile round trip with the Acadia filled with 3 people, the dog and all our luggage, etc. Drove through pouring rain and up north through the mountains and never skipped a beat. Best part - avg over 22 mpg round trip driving about 75 on interstate and varying through 2 lane mountain roads. Very good family vehicle!!

• 

  Piece of crap - 2004 GMC Sierra 3500
  By Carlos Fernandez - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This was the worst vehicle i ever had. It broke down right as i was pulling out of the dealership. The dealership then actually charged me for towing it the 10 feet to the service area!! Turns out the axle was faulty. They also found that the radiator leaked too.

• 

  Still love it after 9 - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By CLIFFMO - July 29 - 3:46 am

  110000 mi and still original brakes and I tow a 5th wheel. Always serviced at dealer. Drivers seat leather needed replacement - outside edge, otherwise excellent wear and reliability.

• 

  Gordons truck - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By gordon - July 26 - 9:43 pm

  paint blotchy -rattle in seat belt harness (back 2 times for that still rattles) slip in rear end when taking off -vent didnt work trim piece had to be replaced. When cleaning truck chrome has splinters that catch teri cloth. molded mud guards dont fit snug to body also drivers door latch had to be fixed. and I ordered the truck

• 

  GMC Quality does not hold up - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Gilby40 - July 22 - 4:10 pm

  Truck was very good for 1st 2 years....After that Ive had to replace a wiring harness that caused the 4wd to fail and now a front end hub dealer said was caused by a pot hole and or/ moisture buildup (no way! I would have remembered hitting something that hard) ...The repairs are over $900.00 so far...I fad 2 other GM trucks since 92....This is MY LAST GM anything....I can hardly wait to see what will happens when god help me I go over 50,000 miles.