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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  VERY GOOD TRUCK - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By BRIAN - May 21 - 6:56 am

  Enjoy the GMC truck very much. Rides great and can see out very good. My wife loves the truck and the way it handles. Comfort is first class, and the crew cab is wonderful. Our god children enjoy the crew cab very much. No problems so far. Anyone looking for a crew cab truck so look at the GMC.

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  Denali is tops! - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Mike, Cheryl&Garrett - May 18 - 2:43 pm

  Overall the ride is great. The tire monitor wasnt working at purchase (warranty issue). The nav system is excellent. Stock DVD player is not as current/fancy for what you can buy aftermarket given the same price. The front door required more force to close (warranty issue). The Denali has a leather interior with the exception of the 3rd row seat. My 2000 Yukon XL had leather 3rd row seat, but the 2005 Denali is now vinyl. 05 Denali no longer comes with protection stip on the roof. Front grille should be metallic versus chrome-over-plastic. Last 00 Yukon XL was in a 70+ mph head on collision with 4dr Honda. We are survivors. The Yukon XL is a life saver.

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  Luv my new XL - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By LuvmyXL - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I have been extremely pleased with my Yukon XL. It handles and rides so comfortably. I strongly recommend the second row captains chairs. It really makes it easier to access the third row of seats. I love the cargo room!. We actually hauled our wooded swingset boxes (they were huge!!) home with both seats folded down. So much fun to drive!!

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  ?? - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Ralph gallo - May 17 - 10:00 am

  this is great truck ! no question about it .

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  Buy One! - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By Joeqc - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought this used 2000 Yukon XL after researching for a Suburban/Excursion for a better part of a year. Anyways, the vehicle is outstanding, even as a used unit. The 5.3 really pulls in the mid range,and the mileage is about 13.3 in town, and I got 17, and 17.5 highway driving 70-75, with the air on!,,,also the kids love the view from it and size.

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  Great Truck - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By Mike - May 13 - 1:37 pm

  Just so nobody gets confused, after reading all of the other reviews the biggest complaint was fuel economy. I gave fuel economy a 10 because I knew what I was getting into and the fuel economy is expected per the size and weight of the vehicle. I have owned 17 cars and the thus far my 2008 SLT Yukon is the best one. It has a lot of interior space it performs well on the back roads and highways the seats are very comfortable for short and long trips it is fun and easy to drive the all instruments are within arms and easily accessible and the configuration of all instruments are easily learned.

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  2500 Yukon XL - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By kinggr - May 13 - 10:06 am

  Excellent vehicle for hauling whatever you need. Gas mileage isnt that great, but the utility is excellent, and the Quadrasteer option is amazing.

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  SLT 4x4 Yukon - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Rob - May 12 - 5:43 pm

  After coming from a BMW X5 pile of junk, this Yukon is a dream come true. Very comfortable to drive, pleanty of power, love the xm & navigation with back up camera. Not a single problem so far, and gas mileage is much better than the BMW. I look at it as the cost of transportation, how else are you going to get 4-7 people around in one vehicle?

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  I love my GMC - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By coolbusn mom - May 12 - 5:29 pm

  I bought my Acadia the day I first seen it. It is safe and fun to drive, not to mention easy to get into and out of. Only complaint is the interior isnt easy to clean or keep clean. I am a school bus driver and safety is number one with me so believe me when I say the Acadia is tops! In the ice and snow this past year going to work was easy(The kids hate it when bus drivers make it to work) So, if you drive it once you will fall in love and if you purchase one, you will not regret it.

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  Settled - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By Lu - May 11 - 11:40 pm

  I test drove 6 vehicles before I settled for this one. This one wasnt even my 1st choice but I couldnt pass up the great deal I was getting and so far its been good. The handling is pretty good and fuel economy is what can be expected out of an AWD SUV. The vehicle comes with a lot of standard features(denali) like heated seats, remote start, etc. My only real problem is the 3rd row seat. Does not fold down to the ground and is made for children. Other models like the 2008 Toyota Sequoia and 2008 Lincoln Navigator can sit full grown adults back there and does fold down to the ground and other crossovers of GM do this so why not the full size SUVs.