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:

• 

  Had to share - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By cj21 - July 26 - 11:52 am

  I am the person who always looks at the reviews of cars but never write one. I must say I am compelled to write one on the Terrain. Ive had my SUV since Feb. 2011 and I must say I donÂ’t have any major complaints. I use to drive a KIA and that was a lemon. Before that I drove GMC vehicles. I am so glad to drive a GMC again. It was a defiantly change for me going from a V6 to a 4cyl. As far as the gas mileage goes, I am concern about how long a tank of gas for me will last. It last about a week and half to 2 weeks. ThatÂ’s a lot longer than with the KIA V6. Overall I am glad I got the Terrain. ItÂ’s good on bumps & long road trips. If you want to buy this SUV I think you will be happy.

• 

  Very, very dependable! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By swkntexas - June 25 - 7:19 am

  I am the second owner of my 2002 Envoy. Bought it in 2006 with 52k miles. It presently has 110k and had never once needed repairs. Ive had to replace the battery and tires, but those are expected repairs. Yesterday, I took it in for the 90k service and also requested a complete check of all parts, engine and otherwise. The original rotors and brake pads were due for replacement - but, I was told they could last another 2,000 miles. The serpentine belt had minor cracks, and was told it would last a few thousand more miles. Needless to say, I replaced all that was found after looking at the old parts myself. After 110k there have been no major mechanical problems. Very impressed.

• 

  Great vehicle! - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By dsinc72 - June 24 - 4:06 pm

  I have had my Terrain for approx 3 weeks now and I love it so far. The interior is very spacious and comfortable, and the ride is very smooth and quiet. The engine does not accelerate super quick, but it is a 4 cyl, so that was expected. I recently drove to Tucson (slight drop in elevation) and got 34 mph, and 29 mph on the way back (sticking to 75-80mph). After a week of driving back and forth to work and in town, my overall avg. was just under 25 mpg. For the people stating they cannot get good gas milage from their Terrain, how fast are you driving? If you are going 85-90 mph, you are not going to get good gas milage on the hwy.

• 

  Love it!! - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By jodi0725 - June 20 - 8:52 pm

  We got a new Acadia in March 2011, after a car accident totaled my Equinox. Test drove the Traverse and Acadia and liked the Acadia much more. It drives so smoothly and we love the back up camera. We got the 2 bucket seats in the second row, which is great with 2 small girls. My only complaints are: sun reflection off the air vents and console can be blinding and the windshield wipers located on the same lever as the turn signals take some getting used to. I still turn on my wipers when trying to turn on my signal, and vice versa.

• 

  Luxury car snob "loves" her new Terrain!!! - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By minnow4 - June 20 - 10:50 am

  So Im one of those people who has only owned high-end luxury cars for the greater part of my adult life. We needed to replace my Q7 after 5 years of owning what we felt was a severely over engineered, annoying vehicle. We purchased a Saab convertible but I was kind of uncomfortable in it after 10yrs of driving an SUV, so we decided to trade in my husbands car & got this & Ive taken it over! I absolutely love everything about it, the Audi got about 15 mpg at the end and this is just so nice when we have to visit the gas station. Its very well appointed and Im really enjoying the OnStar system. Ive been singing its praises to anyone wholl listen! Buy with complete confidence!

• 

  Love this SUV - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By hailtopitt - May 28 - 8:06 am

  My family decided on Terrain because we wanted something smaller than our gas guzzling crew cab truck. We went with the Terrain SLE-1 because it has a great safety rating, had all of the features that we wanted, and our local dealership is very well regarded. So far, we are not disappointed. The four cylinder is nothing spectacular, but it does the job in a very hilly area. Driving in eco mode, we get less than the listed mpg, but we typically see 20/25/30 for city, combined and highway. The interior is extremely comfortable, and the cabin is well designed. We love the sliding back bench as well.

• 

  Fun to drive - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By benedicttb - May 23 - 10:58 pm

  I have had my Acadia for a month and find it fun to drive. The engine has lots of power and excellent pick up. I have 2500 miles on it and found that after 2000 miles the town milage is about 17. It was lower 14 for the first 1000 miles. On the road I got about 23. I have an all wheel drive one, and I suppose the 2 wheel drive model would do better. The sound system is great, and I will continue with xm radio. The seats are very comfortable. I got the one with 2 bucket seats in the second row which causes less friction on who sits in front. I like the size since I can carry a lot more than I could in 4 runner or the jeep my brother has. When you use the phone the fan stops.

• 

  Cant wait to pick up my new car! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By lmbt969 - April 17 - 12:41 pm

  My family is picking up our 2010 GMC Terrain on Monday (tomorrow) and we are SO excited! It is actually used with 30,000 miles but its new to us! We took the car for almost an entire day last week (my very close friend is the manager of the dealership) and absolutely loved it. I drive a 2008 Tahoe for work and just cant imagine spending that kind of money on gas considering how much city driving I do. I love love love the interior and exterior styling of the Terrain. I agree with the "numb steering" feel, but Im used to it from the Tahoe. We were impressed with the gas mileage, but long term remains to be seen. We were in the market for a 4cyl SUV and this one fit the bill!

• 

  Our third Yukon still love em - 2011 GMC Yukon
  By drat19 - April 13 - 10:36 pm

  The 11 Yuke does just about everything better than our 06 did. The ride is smoother, the seats more comfortable, and GM has finally caught up to the competition in terms of refinement and the usefulness of the electronic gadgetry. The stereo and nav system are very solid, and the iPod integration via the USB port is killer. It also looks gorgeous (esp. in the RJT color)...we began receiving parking lot compliments the first place we parked it, and that continues. You dont buy this vehicle for the gas mileage you buy it because you want it for what it is...the most capable true full-size SUV on the road. Towing, cargo, passenger comfort - the Yukon has it all.

• 

  Right choice - 2011 GMC Yukon
  By hjt777 - April 13 - 2:40 pm

  I traded in my 8 year old Trailblazer on a 2011 Yukon Denali. Im hoping to get the same result with the Denali as having 0 problems in the future. Good to hope anyway. The Suv drives real smooth on the road and is fun to drive. Size works fine in the garage and the wife has no problems driving. Rear view camera and nav are a welcome addition. no real negative comments as after 500 miles I have zero buyers remorse.