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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  Would not buy again. - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Ron - November 19 - 2:00 am

  We liked the idea of 32 MPG highway but it has fallen far short of that. We are only getting about 25-26 MPG on the highway. We mostly drive about 68 mph with cruise control. GMC should be charged with false advertising. We took it into the dealer, Dick Norris of Clearwater, Florida and they supposedly checked it out on the "Computer" and found nothing wrong. We have already told everybody that asks about the Terrain and we mentioned the gas mileage problem to all of them. We are now stuck with this "Lemon" for three years and will never buy another GMC product. Sorry, but just telling the truth.

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  2011 GMC Terrain - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By wayne macewich - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Purchased 2011 Terrain SLT 2 FWD 4cyl about three weeks ago. Traded in a Ford Explorer V8 AWD that got 16-17 MPG & Im now getting 22 plus MPG for my daily driving. Never used the AWD & the V8 to its fullest potential, so it wont be missed. The Terrain is very quiet and the Pioneer sound system is one of the best Ive ever heard. Cant say anything negative about the Terrain so far.

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  Good Vehicle - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By Pat S. - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2001 GMC Jimmy SLS used in 2004. It was a dealer buy-back because of electrical problems. I have 118,000 miles on it with no serious mechanical repairs. Yes, it has needed brakes, but thats normal. Had a serious vibration problem which was found to be missing washers in the hood hinges. A cheap repair and its quiet. I like this vehicle a lot. My only regret is that it isnt 4 wheel drive.

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  Knock on wood - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By Dennis - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I have done nothing except for regular maintenance on this vehicle. 1 fuel pump. Two sets of front brakes. 1 water pump. The interstate ride is phenomenal if you can afford the gas. 11 miles to a gallon. 1 tune-up in 10 years. We are overdue. We load it up and go. No thoughts of breakdowns so far. Please Lord, dont let this little bit of bragging jinx me

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  Love my Terrain - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By Dan - November 7 - 1:00 am

  I have had my Terrain for 4 months now, and the more I drive it the more I fall in love with it. Its comfortable, and really makes me feel secure while on the road. The room in the backseat makes hauling passengers a breeze.

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  gmc canyon - 2010 GMC Canyon
  By canyon - November 5 - 2:00 am

  i was looking to get back into a truck. my local dealer had one z71 sle ext cab on the lot. test drove it and got it. i was a little concerned with all the negative reviews, but did research with other owners. they told me its a solid truck. so far, i love it! only had one headlamp replaced due to condensation.

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  Great Car - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By FirstGMC - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving the fully loaded 6 cyl model for almost 10,000 miles, and my wife and I both love it. Weve gotten a lot of (favorable) comments. The ride is great, the fuel economy has been just as advertised, and the NAV system, Bluetooth, and other features are great. Ive had a couple of minor issues, but the dealer was able to take care of them with no problems. Id recommend this car to anyone looking gfor a small SUV.

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  I Love This Car - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By Very Satisfied - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I lease new automobiles quite often, and this GMC SLT-2 is the most pleasurable car that I have ever had. Its comfort and elegance are top- notch. Because it is a leased car, it did not cost me much more per month to go for the top of the line, a decision that I do not regret in the least. The extras that come with this style is worth the added cost.

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  An SUV thats actually fun to drive! - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By Mike - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Were new to this vehicle but have owned plenty of prior high end SUVs and this Acadia Denali is one incredible vehicle! Our last vehicle was a 2007 Yukon Denali that we also loved but its amazing how far GM has come in just 4 years. All the bells and whistles and this thing drives like a car. Great engine in that V6 too with plenty of power and pulls all the way to our 70 MPH speed limits with ease.

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  Good Vehicle hate to see it go - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By dnt - October 25 - 2:00 am

  The SUV has been great, it has got us through many long road trips. Monthly payment was getting to much so had to downsize to a small car again, but looking forward to being back in a FORD Focus again. Anyone who has mentioned the seats dont fold down flat, WELL THEY DO. We didnt think so at first either until my husband went out one day and figured it out, reading the manual really helped too.