MENACE TO SOCIETY IV

As big as the Yukon itself

By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor

Once again, we've come across a vehicle that fits the bill for a Menace to Society; the GMC Yukon GT. To begin, the Yukon is huge; step in height on our 4X4 model was extremely high. On the other hand, that height offers a commanding view of the road and excellent height for off-roading. This is a great truck, with a specific buyer in mind. GMC has hit the target dead on!

The idea of a two-door full-size sport-utility vehicle is an old one and seems to be dying. Ford, with the introduction of the 1997 Expedition, the replacement for the Bronco, is eliminating the 2-door model. Dodge eliminated the Ramcharger three years ago when they introduced their new Ram pickup. This leaves only the GMC Yukon and its' sister vehicle Chevy Tahoe, in the full-size two-door SUV market.

The Yukon is as solid as its Onyx black paint; the paint itself lended to the menacing effect of this truck. Full-body-on-frame construction is used when producing the Yukon providing superior torsional rigidity over unit-body construction. Tinted rear windows add yet another menacing look. The large, simple, all black grille feature makes a bold upfront statement and you won't mistake this truck for anything but a GMC.

The powerful headlamps, which included daytime-running-lights were bright. Many people, at night, flashed their high beams thinking the Yukon's high beams were in use. Lest you think the headlamps are the most powerful part of this truck, think again. The Yukon features a 5.7 Liter, V8 engine with 250 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission and an on-dash push-button 4-wheel drive system. This system worked extremely well, when we needed the 4-wheel drive it was there.

Unfortunately, the combination of a V8 and 4-wheel drive makes terrible gas mileage. EPA ratings are 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway. During our short week we achieved 14 mpg, Yukon also features a 30 gallon fuel tank; when we stopped for gas it cost more than $30, and that didn't fill the tank!

Access to the interior is difficult: you have to jump into the vehicle due to its' height. Running boards really should be standard on a truck this high. Passengers get a grip handle to make it easier, but not much. Getting into the back seat is even more difficult, having the height and the front seat for obstacles.

Our Yukon GT press vehicle was loaded with luxury features inside: full leather seating, remote keyless entry and a CD player are just three examples of luxury features you wouldn't expect to find in such a brute of a vehicle. Safety is provide by 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, side-door guard beams and a driver side airbag. The driver and front passenger ride comfortably in bucket seats separated by a large storage bin.

The storage bin features separate areas for CD's and a large middle bin for other items. On top of the storage console is a flip-up clip board writing area; something I really don't think should be on any vehicle. How many people need to write and drive? We all have enough distractions as it is. Overall storage space is good, but somewhat compromised because the spare tire is stored inside the vehicle. The tailgate is a two-piece design: the window goes up, and the tailgate comes down.

Supply and demand has certainly affected the price of sport-utility vehicles and the Yukon GT is no exception. The base price is $25,206 with options of $6,824 plus destination of $615 for a total of $32,645. That price, combined with poor gas mileage and a monochromatic black paint scheme make this a tried and true Menace to Society.