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:

• Piece of crap!!! - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By Susan Smith - March 22 - 4:14 pm

  This car is only 5 years old and needs a new engine, bought it used one year ago! Piece of crap! GMC never ever again! You left me broke!

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  2010 GMC Terrain Do not Buy!!!! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Ever - January 14 - 7:47 pm

  Very expensive for junk suv!! Rather put more $$$ to Toyota Rav4 or Honda CR-V.

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  This car is not worth buying. - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Bryan Thompson - January 4 - 4:31 pm

  We purchased this car used and have had 5 recalls now, and the latest issue is the throttle body breaks. We had the dealer check this out before we left on a trip and they assured us everything was fine. On an 8 hour trip to Houston, we receive and error message that the car is powering down. It basically makes you slow down and pull over. Nothing you can do. We had the car towed to the nearest dealer and another repair. Very disappointed in GM as many of the websites I read say this should be a recall but to this point, nothing from GM. The MPG is way off. The car is now burning oil. Ill be taking it in again. Please dont buy GM cars.

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  Do not buy this car 2 - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Erica - January 2 - 12:23 pm

  Cannot comment or add to my original review, so Im adding another one. I posted my review in October, 3 days after we got it back with a rebuilt engine, the motor was losing oil, bear in mind there was never an oil light, but we checked the oil every other day, we took a 2 hour trip, then had to drive another hour to help a friend, apparently that was just too much for the engine, in that time it had used up the oil and simply died on a random country road. Spun a bearing. Second motor in 6 months. No one will rebuild or sell this motor because they cant warranty it, its such poor quality. Id like to add that the traverse, escalade, Acadia, and enclave all have this motor. I wont be buying any of them either. When we get another motor in this car we will be taking it directly from the mechanic to be traded in. Ill have at least 6 grand added to the cost of a new vehicle, if I get the average trade in value for this hunk of junk.

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  Giving More Cash - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By lsrry - December 16 - 12:00 pm

  Dont buy it worst piece of junk I will never by another Chevy as long as I live I was a Chevy man never my envoy I replaced the engine pulleys ,fuel gauges, Windows modulated dont work after recall,nine recalls and the vehicle still garbage

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  2.4 ecotec is a scam - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By Paul - November 22 - 4:24 pm

  This car and other gm s have the 2.4 ecotec engine in it which will leave you disappointed and broke. The Ecotec consumes oil which will lead to a faulty motor. Please google the 2.4 ecotec oil consumption before you consider purchasing this vehicle.

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  SAVE YOUR MONEY & SANITY! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Alyssa - November 16 - 7:52 pm

  I purchased a used 2010 GMC Terrain SLT-2 AWD from Harris Mitsubishi Dealer (Everett, WA) in April 2015 with ~83,000 miles. Everything looked great and the cost was in my price range. When I asked the salesman about the CONSTANT CLICKING NOISE while the engine was running he said "thats normal for a 4 cylinder" Purchased this vehicle with the reassurance that it has been detailed, oil changed and mechanically inspected/ approved. I also purchased their 3rd party warranty (Protective Asset Protection) with hopes to be pro-active and a responsible car owner... - May 2015: Low oil light comes on, I return to Harris Mitsubishi Dealer to be told that they just "forgot to reset the button but my oil is fine". They reset it and told me to come back as directed on the reminder window decal. *NO repairs preformed at this time as directed by Harris Mitsubishi* -June 2015: While driving my Terrain dies multiple times when slowing to a stop. Must rev my engine to keep it on. Took immediately to Seaview GMC Service Department (Lynnwood, WA) Diagnostics come back with a TIMING CHAIN ISSUES and my Terrain had been LEAKING and now RUNNING ON NO OIL. *Preformed ALL recommend repairs by Seaview because this part was cover under factory warranty* - October 2015: Check engine light turns on and clicking noise seems to be more regular. Took immediately to Seaview again and now diagnostics show CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAS FAILED and my AC COMPRESSOR is FAILING. $175.00 for diagnostics alone. Catalytic converter is not covered under my warranty and since the ac compressor has not failed they will not replace this. Seaview recommend not driving until these parts are replaced, quoted me at least $1,200 just for the catalytic converter part alone. -November 2015: Researched online for answers only to find out that all of these issues are consistent with other numerous Terrain owners. When I contacted GMC direct 1-866-996-9463 with my frustrations, facts and safety concerns I was told essentially that its a used car thats out of warranty, but they will look into it.... ****My advise to YOU is invest your good hard money into some other vehicle****

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  Expensive Peice Of Junk - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Tommy - November 14 - 8:02 am

  I bought this 4 cyl SLE 2 Terrain in 2011 with just 9k on the clock. At first I thought it was a nice car for the money and offered a lot of comforts and conveniences. After 20k miles it needed at timing chain. after 40k miles it needed another timing chain. Shortly after that the ac would cycle on off every 10 seconds. Took it to GMC for ac check and they said was ok. Took it back at least 8 times and they started changing parts and every time they touched it it got worse. Finally they told me it needed a new evaporator because it was leaking. So I took it to another shop for a 2nd opinion and they said they could not see or find any leaks. So back to GMC again and they started messing with the computer. Only to make it worse. Than Yesterday driving home I hear a growling noise coming from the tranny and than my car stoped and I had to get towed to GMC. The next day GMC told me the tranny was toast and it would cost 4400 dollars because I am out of warranty. This car has only 4300 miles on it and has never need driven hard. Dont but a Terrain its bad news

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  Transmission Problems - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By its me - November 13 - 12:23 pm

  My husband brought this 2011 vehicle in March of 2015 and Im now having transmission problems. WHY is it that this 2011 with only 83,867 miles on it having transmission problems????????? I also hate the silver lining around the vents, the sun blinds you from it. The front headrest are not comfortable. The navi is very generic and plain. I cannot Bluetooth my droid which is a BIG problem for me. I was he hadnt purchased this for me. I really HATE it. Now we have to worry about either getting a new trans or trading it in. DO NOT PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE.......

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  Thanks GM - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By T.J.L. - November 9 - 6:39 am

  Thank You GM, I just wanted to take the time to express my thanks to you for making my selection to purchase another vehicle so simple. Being a loyal GM customer starting with a purchase of a new 1963 Chevrolet Impala from "Z-Frank Chevrolet" (Petersen Ave Chicago, Illinois) and continuing to buy G.M. vehicles throughout the years (3 in this household-1996 Jimmy 4x4, 1999 S10, 2001 GMC Sierra) and working in the automotive field over 30years. As an "engine-power train" mechanic in the Military (1968-70) inc. Viet Nam working on tanks & APCs w/GMC 6v & 8v diesels, and continuing in the civilian world as a auto mechanic for 20 years, it has given me the knowledge and understanding to evaluate and surmise a variety of automotive problems. Moving into the automotive insurance industry as a field appraiser/adjustor I frequently have to determine the causes of auto-accidents, be it a result of a drivers judgment or in some cases mechanical failures. My experience in the past with GM has been satisfactory in the majority of instances which required intervention with local dealerships and representatives of whatever division represented, however, you have now enlightened me to refocus my outlook and to "LOOK AGAIN" (Im sure you heard that phrase?). In Re: your case # 1-138599825 I was one of the lucky people to purchase a 1996 Jimmy 4x4 "SLT" for my wife. It came complete with all options including all the wonderful "shared" mechanical failures of the many other 1996 Jimmy & Blazer owners. One of the best unadvertised features incorporated is the "Russian Roulette Brake System" (more fun than a tornado) It will sure make your adrenalin glands work to their maximum capabilities, although our laundry bill has risen! Wooo!..,what a rush! I just love to play the included free game "Will it or Wont it Stop in Time-ver 2.0". At 59 yrs. old Ive had a full life anyway. As of today with 39,430 actual miles I have been blessed with the privilege of requiring my 3rd brake power booster. I sure like that, it makes it easy to remember the number 3, like also the 3rd alternator. Shucks, if Im lucky, they will both catch up to the 4 batteries! To bad, the driver power window regulator motor is only the 2nd , oh well "Sh~~ Happens ! ". We where extremely privileged to repair the front brake failure @17,000 miles or so (wow, we were lucky. We usually have to wait for at least 30,000 miles or so.) and I only had to pay a percentage (hmm..,?`~@##*-) Hats off to that "great engineering design" in the elite manufacturing process. I am excited and really looking forward to the seeing the transmission dissected which will be in the future for sure, I can hardly wait. Little did I know after I tried to pull out the trans dipstick @13,000 miles, lo and behold you cute little devils included a hidden bonus of a sexy shade of brown stuff embedded in the tube. I just love all those little extra things you include @ no-charge. Geeze, I didnt hear from you guys about that service bulletin,(one of over 250) that led to fun and games $@ the tranny shop with a old version of "Flush & Fill". I felt a little sad I didnt get to play your new improved game. Living in the desert with the constant temperature over 100 degrees I can hardly wait for the ac compressor to die again. It seems to be lagging, only had to replace it once so far but Im sure it will see what the other components are doing and will join the game. I know by the oil spots on the driveway we do have some unknown players trying out for a place in my wallet. Wondering if maybe they made the hoses with "natural-breathing" rubber? Its a shame we have never driven it off road or we could have really enjoyed ourselves, with some of the other neat mechanical failures I read about in the hundreds of pages posted on the internet by other "Happy Owners" of the same year and type vehicles. I guess I can be thankful that you have sparked my curiosity to determine the trick you use to make a "power brake booster" FAIL twice in less than 40,000 miles... not really sure if I will keep the "Jimmy" long enough to figure that one out! Seems I found some replacement vehicles but Im not sure my wife is ready to give someone else the chance to have all the fun playing the newest modestly priced "$590.00" OEM Full featured GMC game "Kill-her now? Will it or Wont it Stop in Time.., ver 3.0" or also available @ a local repair facility the Lite version "Maybe it Will, Maybe it Wont" after-market @ a slightly lower cost. Again, I want to personally THANK YOU and congratulate your company for not standing up to your product. Most of all, thanks for providing me with a whole new outlook to "LOOK AGAIN" P.S. please let me know if you decide to make the "Corvair" again. I sure would like one. T.J.L. aka "jimmy-deep-pockets"