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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  MPG farce big time - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By teamtrout - October 2 - 11:46 pm

  The vehicle rides great, low road noise, smooth handling. But where is the great gas mileage. Just got mine and drove from Norman, Ok. to Springfield, Mo and got 20.7 mpg!!!!! Even though its not broken in yet it should get more than that. Spent the extra bucks to get the gas mileage but now...Im still poor.

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  Gas Mileage Tanks - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By kristarc - September 27 - 7:49 am

  My husband and I researched many vehicles before deciding the Terrain was the best SUV for our needs without sucking our wallet dry. I have owned the Terrain for a month now. My daily driving is mostly highway and I am only getting about 23 miles a gallon. I didnt expect to get 32 but I did expect more than this. The vehicle also shifts hard and jerky. I think GMC needs to review their claims of great gas mileage before many others are misled. They also owe myself and thousands of other people gas cards!!

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  Very Disappointed - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By maysdmm - September 22 - 6:38 pm

  I have had numerous problems with this car. Water pump, brakes, stabilitrak system, computer, gasket problems. I use to get 17 MPG in the city, now it has dropped to 13 MPG. Thankfully all of these are covered under the warranty. Love the style and design, but the reliability is pathetic.

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  Totally dissapointed - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By jauno - September 20 - 8:57 pm

  Should have known better. Why did I but an american car. Traded my wifes 2002 Mitsubishi with 110k miles the never gave a single problem for a 2008 Acadia. What was I thinking the car has been in the repair shop more time then I can remember. Problems with brakes, rear gate, brakes, electrical short, had replace radiotar and latest the transmission. Its sad to say but from the get go I had my doubts about this car and because I didnt fell comfortable buying american, I had to spend another 2 grand on a extended warranty. I only purchase the car because wife fell in love the style and color of car. All I can tell you is that IIl never buy an american car again.

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  buy a yukon!! - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By tragedy - September 19 - 9:39 pm

  i bought this truck its a 99 yukon 4 yrs ago it currently has 139,500 miles. ive replaced all brakes,water pump,radiator,battery brakes i did just so i could feel secure,others i believe had something to do with the weather where i was living and coolant not being fresh it was 7 degrees when my radiator cracked lol.. ive not had any issues with the truck never stranded ive posted it 3 times to sell it and 3 times i blew off the buyers lol i got cold feet i love my truck and cant see myself selling it for no reason other then bad gas mileage but i bought a shadow bike to make up for my gas mileage so ill keep it now really reliable truck i recommend it to any1

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  good vehicle - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By collegekid20 - September 15 - 12:25 pm

  my jimmys a 2001 that i received as my first vehicle a couple of years ago i put around 20,000 miles on it myself and its still below 100,000 miles and it runs amazing the only major problems ive had so far is my brake calipers seized up which is my fault for letting it sit too long, my spedometer doesnt work quite correctly and my fuel sensor is a little dirty but other then that i beat the crap out of it especially in winter and it still runs amazing, but if you dont keep up with it maintence wise then yea youll have problems, but thats with all vehicles

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  Good, but more couldve been done from 02-09 - 2009 GMC Envoy
  By wns808 - August 30 - 4:55 pm

  Used to have an 09 Envoy SLE 4 wheel drive, loved the car but due to financial reasons I traded this vehicle in for a more affordable, efficient vehicle. The drive was smooth, Bose stereo was good, even a Hitch came standard although I never used it.

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  myjimmy - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By scotto1 - August 29 - 7:35 pm

  i bought mine this year and the 4 wheel drive didnt work. it turned out to be 40 dollar dash switch so i was lucky. sunroof also doesnt work but other than that im glad i bought it. its got good power and doesnt hurt too much on gas. its the perfect thing for me!

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  My take on Mileage and Interior Design - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By sood02491 - August 12 - 11:45 am

  Bought Acadia Denali 2011 - Have 1800 miles on it now. Mileage: I drive on Highway 5 Los Angeles back and forth to work. I leave home around 6.30 A.M - Get 22-24 MPG Leave work around 4 P.M -Get 16-17 MPG City : 14-17 MPG Do not go by the on board computer that shows how many miles per gallon you are getting - Calculate yourself - Fill Tank - Note mileage - Drive and put some miles on it and then Fill again to see how many gallons you used. Interior: I have owned Navigator, Audi A6 before. I traded Accord to get this - Accord had way more leg room than this - Find it hard to rest left foot when driving - Get very frustrated because of poor design - Not enough leg room.

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  First GMC - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By bhallett21 - July 20 - 11:17 am

  Ive only had my Terrain for 2 weeks but so far it has exceeded my expectations. Gas mileage has been between 24-25 mpg combined driving with eco on, fine with me for the size of the vehicle. I bought a 4 cyl because let’s face it you dont really need all the power of a V-6 unless you tow things. The inside of the Terrain is excellent, I "upgraded" to the SLE2 because I wanted some of the features. Its drives like a dream, I just got out of a lease on a Nissan Altima Coupe and the suspension on the Terrain absorbs bumps much better. Its no sports car but I didnt expect it to be. Anyway I think it fits its job and place in the market perfectly.