General Motors introduced a line of Diesel V8 engine engines for their C/K pickup trucks in 1982. This engine family, designed by GM division Detroit Diesel, was produced by GM through 2000, when it was replaced by the new Duramax line. AM General's subsidiary General Engine Products (GEP) still produces a military variant of this engine for the HMMWV.

The General Motors light-truck 6.2 and 6.5 L Diesel engines were optional in all 1982 through 2000 full-size GM pickups, SUVs, and vans: Chevrolet and GMC C/K series pickup trucks, Suburbans, full-size Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Jimmy and their replacements Tahoe/Yukon, full-size Chevy/GMC vans and their successors Express/Savana, as well as motor homes. The engine was standard on AM General HMMWV, Hummer H1 and Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle vehicles. The ready availability and low cost of these engines has made them popular for conversion projects and kit vehicles. These engines are often a popular choice for conversion in Land Rovers, Land Cruisers, and similar vehicles.