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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  2006 GMC Envoy 4.2 I6 - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Ian Brown - April 12 - 10:31 pm

  I used to have a Jeep Wrangler with the 2.5 liter engine and the AX5 transmission. Tons of fun to drive, but the transmission is not a drivers transmission, I smoked two of them before trading it for my Envoy. The 4.2 I6 feels stronger than what GMC gives it credit for, the Envoy has a tighter turning radius than my old Jeep! And it is absolutely wonderful to drive! It has excellent driving manners, and you can feel vehicle response in your feet and hands with nothing left vague. My cockpit space feels luxurious and my daughter cant quit raving about the lavish wood grain interior, ventilation, leather seats and well appointed use of chrome. I dont miss my jeep in the least.

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  Worst GM Car Ever and Last - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By gmfannomore - April 2 - 11:20 am

  I bought this Acadia new off the dealers lot at the end of 2010 and thought I got a great deal. It now has 70K miles. Between recalls and service bulletins its been in the shop close to 15 times. Since December alone, its been in 5 times. First, for a Service Bulletin to replace a timing chain, then every two weeks since for some other trouble code or fault. GM should be ashamed to have their logo on this car. Ive asked for a full refund due to the failure of the engineering not living up to the "Professional Grade" motto, but been laughed at. Ive been a GM fan for 40 years and am now selling everything GM I won because GM has failed to make this right. Never again.

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  Lemon in the making - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By ericdm33 - April 2 - 10:33 am

  I was really looking forward to owning this vehicle when I purchased it. Now just 5 years and 70k miles in, Im currently dealing with my 3rd breakdown. This was my first American built vehicle ever, and it may very well be my last.

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  Never expected this from General Motors - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By chris2314 - April 1 - 8:47 pm

  I purchased my 2008 Acadia brand new and was very pleased, until the transmission went out, the roof started leaking, head lights malfunctioned, etc. The vehicle is not worth the price you pay, and GM WILL NOT stick behind their product. Every attempt was made to void any warranty work on my transmission, and the process is still continuing today. Rebuilt transmission has been in for 16 months and is failing again. No assistance from GM. I am being told it is my fault the transmission is going out. I have been a proud GM owner as long as I have had cars, but the service and support from GM has changed that. I will never own another GM product.

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  LOVE my Terrain! - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By Cydney Odom - March 31 - 5:27 pm

  I bought a 2011 SLE Terrain with 18000 miles on it. I have had noting negative to say about it thus far. It rides smooth. Getting great gas mileage. Low road noise on the high way. I think the 4 cylinder engine is powerful for what it is. I have a 511" girlfriend and she fits very comfortably in this vehicle. Overall, I am thrilled. Would absolutely purchase one of these again!

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  Lemon many times over - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By jjh92212 - March 17 - 6:30 pm

  I am not usually one to write reviews on vehicles, and I find it ironically funny that many people have the same complaints about their GMC Acadia that I do. I purchased this vehicle on a "deal" which I should have never done. Now looking back on it, the 2007 was probably the worse year for this vehicle. I have already replaced my transmission, the power steering has gone, had to weld the exhaust twice, and also had the rear-windshield washer hose leak all over the fuse box causing the entire vehicle to short out basically. So I laugh at people who write dont believe the reviews..... Well... you are wrong my friend. This vehicle should have been pulled off the market many times over!

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  wont buy another one - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By joey72 - March 12 - 4:22 pm

  We paid over $65,000 for this beast and was happy with it for a while. Tranny slipped and brakes slipped none of which the dealer could duplicate. We serviced it regularly and waxed it every 6 months and garaged daily. In August of 2014, the Denali had to be outside at night but was waxed in that month. December I noticed that the paint was getting weird on the top and front engine cover. I tried to wax it off to no avail and reported it to the dealer. He gave me the GMC reps name and number but never heard back from my message to him. It is now March and when I finally spoke to him in February, he said he would report it but it would not likely be taken care of. I will not buy GMC.

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  Dont believe all the bad reviews - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Nick Schoendorf - March 12 - 8:49 am

  Purchased my wife dream truck finally now that the price has come down a bit. I havent had many issues at all with it and it has 160k miles on it. i replaced a cv axle and the eval solenoid. I do all my own work i never ever let anyone touch my vehicles. the headlights are not that hard to change people whine too much. the truck rides great, drives great and has been very fun to drive.

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  cute car but unreliable with ongoing issues - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By aestabrook - March 7 - 12:48 pm

  I purchased this car new in 2010. within 6 months there was trouble. oil issues, check engine light with no real causes, throttle body replacement, stalling on the highway, stalling on side roads, general unreliability. I have been towed into the dealer 9 times since purchase for dying on the side of some road. It burns oil for no reason. GMC and dealer just say too bad, and tell me to check it every 1000 miles between oil changes. I typically add between 1 to 2.5 quarts every 1500 miles. The car is comfortable, and spacious for having two car seats in it, BUT that comfort does not outweight its ongoin challenges. I would get rid of it if i had the money to.

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  Glove compartment light - 2013 GMC Acadia
  By Gerald Roy Longbottom - March 4 - 8:08 am

  Is it even possible that in 2013 a vehicle can come with no light in the glove compartment. Could this be a factory omission or cost-cutting. I need a flashlight at night or I must to exercise my sense of touch!