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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  Headliner - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By sls12 - May 21 - 8:39 am

  I have had my 2011 Terrain for 8 months, the headliner came down in first 3 months, they tried to fix by placing in new magnets. This did not work, the headliner was down by the time I got home from the dealership. They then ordered a new complete headliner, installed this a month ago, and it is down again. This has taken 4 trips to have this worked on with another trip next week to start again. This is very frustrating and time consumming. Other than this, I do enjoy driving even though it is a little slow. If the headliner is not resolved this time I would never purchase another GMC product. Not worth the aggravation on a new car.

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  Piece of Crap. So MAD - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By cleanair1 - May 16 - 3:38 pm

  Hello. Im from Ottawa, Canada. I have 2008 Acadia SLT loaded. We started to have a problems after 2,5 years owing the car. My boyf and I so freaking mad. Every time its rains car is leaking from the roof. DONT BUY IT. SAFE yourself a trouble

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  Poor Gas Mileage - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By cbasta - May 16 - 11:28 am

  This base Terrain with a 4 cylinder and no options is rated at 32MPG highway but actually gets 25 highway in ECO mode, which inhibts performance. Its worse otherwise. Driven on mostly level roads in Florida, I dont understand. The dealer in Marianna, FL was notified but didnt even bother to schedule a service visit.

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  It is ok. - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By marvindale - May 7 - 7:18 pm

  We have had the V6 for 6 months and it is a good buy. This replaced a 2000 Buick LeSabre and though they are different types of cars I did expect a little better gas mailage. The best on the road so far has been 22 MPG. The old land creuser got that in town. So I dont think a six speed trans and all the new tech stuff has really make such a improvement. But that is the only dissapointment so far.

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  Acadia Denali - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By ltdjr - May 1 - 4:19 pm

  I have 6 weeks experience with the Acadia Denali FWD. Overall the ride is quiet and comfortable. There have been no mechanical issues. The six cylinder engine provides adequate power, but not high perforance by any account. The gas milage is quite disappointing so far. I probably would not have made this purchase if I knew how bad the milage would be. Combined driving is 15-16mpg. Dealer says it will get better after 5,000 mi? I doubt that highly. I have seen 20 mpg only on long highway trips. The Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon gets this kind of milage in a substantial SUV as opposed to this disguised minivan.

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  exterior mirrors - 2011 GMC Savana
  By rickman1 - April 24 - 9:20 am

  After owning 6 gm vans previously I am disappointed in the configuration of the split mirrors. Driving down the highway the upper mirror gives an accurate view although smaller then previous years, however the lower mirror (installed for backup purposes) gives a distorted view that causes vison nausea. This makes for an uncomfortable driving experience

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  99 Sonoma SLS 4.3, v6, 4x4, 3 door - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By herb25 - March 31 - 11:02 pm

  After going through 3 cars that did not last as long as they should have, I got this truck last year. It had 200000kms on it, the motor sounded like new. The previous owner did not replace the faulty gas gauge which meant changing the fuel pump. I ran out of gas twice before I learned and had the fuel pump replaced (the faulty sending unit is part of the pump). Also the passenger seat would not recline, a mistake at the factory so I bought a parts truck ( 2000 Blazer ) and took the seat from it. I got the truck for $6000, safieted and etested, but so far I have had to replace the rear brake lines, and 3 calipers, gas tank, fuel pump, and rad, signal light switch.

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  NOt bad over the years - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By jjb99 - March 23 - 11:37 am

  I wanted to pass along my thoughts on this car. I had bought new and had the following replaced: Ball joints, intake manifold gasket, door hinges. That said, until now I have not had many issues other than fuel economy. The doors have awful hinges that are not adjustable. If they are used a lot, they fail and need to be drilled out and re-bushed. Terrible design. Lastly, I am now in the looking for another SUV because the Jimmy needed a Crankshaft Sensor replaced because of fouling caused by the intake coolant leak. Well it needed a computer "reset" to fix the erratic engine and now I think we killed the motor. Oh well, 160,000 not bad.

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  Love my Acadia!! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By nina3330 - March 16 - 5:44 pm

  I researched the Acadia before purchasing ours in Nov 2010 so I was hesitant from some reviews I had seen. I did find the leak from the sunroof and they fixed it right away. There also is a wheezing sound that comes from the steering, but Im sure if I took it in they would fix it. I am so happy with my purchase!! The kids (we have 3) and I love the car! Its been great on 8 hour trips to visit family and has everything from tons of cup holders to our DVD player! I understand the comments, its annoying that the leak happened but I would buy this car AGAIN and AGAIN! If you are not ready for a minivan but need the functional side, this car is great! I get 17mpg city/ 20mpg freeway...

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  Great Car for the first 3 years - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By envoydenali - March 1 - 5:10 pm

  This was a great car for the first few years. I bought it new a month or two before the 2007s came out and got it for right around invoice price. The interior is nice, performs well, tows well (but Ive never towed anything super heavy). However I started having problems shortly after the warranty ran out. -At 40K the fuel level sensor went out, the dealer wanted $700 to fix. I had it done with a $35 part from ebay and $200 labor. -At 72K the transmission went out, $2300 -At 92K the engine had to be replaced, $6700 -At 93K the throttle sensor had to be replaced Even though it was great at first, the last 1-2 years have made me regret buying this car.