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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  Superbly engineered. - 2014 GMC Terrain
  By lvcas - November 24 - 8:09 pm

  The 2015 Terrain, in my opinion, is in a segment of its own. From its glorious V6 engine to the very useful power liftgate, it is an awesome work of craftsmanship. The engine has plenty of power, more than enough with the V6. The transmission is a tad...strange? Gas mileage could be better, but much better than what I used to drive. It is very safe and a good value for money, too. The interior is very well made and very cool looking at night. The red accent lighting is a very nice touch. The Pioneer radio is also very nice.

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  GMC Acadia unreliable - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By gulfking2 - November 15 - 3:19 pm

  I purchased used 8/2013. 25,000 miles. We have had two recalls and one power steering pump failure notice. My steering felt like manual steering like the gmc letter described. Dealership and gmc agreed that my power steering boot tips broke and all power steering fluid leaked which caused my pump to seized. They didnt pay for my repairs. Lastly my driver side power window doesnt work and dealership technician told us the motor sometimes jams and to slam the door but not to hard to fix the problem and it works to my disbelief. I regret buying this car and hate all the problems and money it has cost during my 14 month of owning. I have 50,000 miles.

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  dont buy - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By 86mr2 - November 14 - 10:19 pm

  One of the wost suvs ever made. Bought it with 93000 miles transmission went out at 103000 ball joints have been replaced 3 times heater core went out 4wd didnt work until recently until it went 4 low by its self and is stuck in 4 low. valve cover gasket blew ac went out twice. the bose system blew. Seats suck back hurts after 30 minutes after driving. the dash is cracked very bad. Door panel rattles and ripped off when i closed the door one time. Dash lights broke twice. pivment arm went out. Fuel pump let go. Radiator blew. One of the worst cars ive ever experienced. Worst 6000 dollars i ever spent. Im tempted to pull it in the back yard and set a lawn chair and watch it rot to the ground.

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  meh - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By ghostface2009 - November 14 - 6:01 pm

  My wifes vehicle, she likes it, its safe and good in snow with AWD, looks nice, lots of interior room, etc. Im a little more picky - gas mileage pretty bad, the head rest leans too far forward, so not comfortable for me in drivers seat, and at 58K we had to get the timing cover resealed because it was leaking oil. Luckily, covered under powertrain warranty so did not cost me a penny. Also, very minor, but the rubber footing on the emergency brake popped off. I popped it back on and its been fine ever since. I have a 2005 Camry with 270K miles and no issues (knock on wood). Starting to worry about this vehicles longevity, dont think it will hold up as well as the Camry.

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  Not worth buying - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By bxgirl - November 6 - 9:03 am

  Purchased my Terrain soon as it hit dealerships during its release. Ive never visited a dealership so many times and have had so many problems with a vehicle. Since having this vehicle Ive had problems with the vehicle shutting off in the middle of intersections due to the senor oxygen (engine control) needing to be replaced to due cold starting the vehicle, the rear control arm bushings, the stabilizer shaft, the exhaust manifold all of which needed to be replaced. Now, GM was trying to hit me over the head and charge me for the timing chain which they try putting on me for not changing the oil. Luckily I saved all my receipts and they had to eat the $847 bill.

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  GMC $129 month! - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By serafino - November 1 - 7:08 am

  $129 a month lease with no money down since I used my GMC points on credit card...bumped up to $3000 plus other incentives such as conquest cash, and change of styling for 2013. So, Ive been driving a the AWD SL model the cheapest model made, but it has the same drivetrain as the Denali $40K+ model. 30 months later not one problem, no squeaks or rattles, great in snow as RWD BMWs couldnt get out of their way. MPG average 17 mix on regular gas. Rides smooth and feels heavy, absorbs potholes. Dislikes: Plastic body works too much. The brakes starting to show wear at 24K feel vibrations. Seats not too comfortable lack support. Steering not precise. $129 cant complain.

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  Four cylinder engine - 2012 GMC Terrain
  By hydiesel - October 6 - 4:09 pm

  I have owned two four cylinders. 2010 30,000 miles engine replaced using excessive oil. 2012 at 32000 miles engine rebuilt (was told they didnt replace them any more ) I dont think GM knows how to build a good four cylinder. I am driving a gas guzzling V6, hope it can go past the dreaded 30,000 mile mark.

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  204k miles & running - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By ztucker - October 4 - 11:08 pm

  I bought my Jimmy 7 years ago with 87k miles on it. Now it has 204k & has lasted pretty well. Id buy another one, but im really curious to how this "fuel efficient" life could be... My mechanic says wow the engine is built so strong. This last year was by far the worst, everything my diagnostic a few years ago told me would go wrong: did. But what do u expect? Main repeat issues: both doors kept breaking hinges. Both seat adjust handles were broken off from the time I bought it & its an impossible to fix, so no reclining my seats for 7 years. Heater stopped working 2 years ago (expensive fix to lift engine & change a $5 part). Engine light always on due to fuel cap being loose.

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  Big lemon - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By somerside - September 10 - 1:10 pm

  I bought this terrain just over a year ago and have had nothing but problems. In its 4 years of being on the road its had the motor rebuild due to oil consumption issue. Its had the timing chain replaced twice. The AWD system has malfunctioned. The sunroof is broken. The navigation unit has been changed twice. Numerous sensors have been replaced. The emissions system has been a nightmare. Ive spent a lot out of pocket cause most of it has not been under warranty. Im very disappointed in the quality that GM has put into the first gen terrain. Overall the vehicle so unreliable that I cant trust it for my wife to drive back and forth to work. I do not recommend this vehicle at all.

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  GM Terrain-worst car in history - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By hategmterrain - September 3 - 10:39 am

  We are desperate not to die...Our 2011 GM Terrain is stalling again. After being stranded in a snow storm last winter when the time belt went on a relatively new car with only 50K miles on it, the car has been stalling and shutting down on us while driving, engine light going on. Its a LIFE RISK and no one is minding the shop. We have taken the car numerous times to Varney GMC in Bangor and there is no real help. We are fully aware of the conspiracy after the collapse and cutting corners but this is outrageous. We are told "nothing is wrong with the car"-REALLY? The engine light is always on, and yet no one takes it seriously!!! Please help us not to die!!! No one there bothered to us about