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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  Last year of Good Suburbans - 1994 GMC Suburban
  By ProfessorRico - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought my SLE from the son of the original owner, who used all synthetics, and repaired everything on time. It has 155k on the clock and drives like a new one. The brakes and mileage are the only cons to this great truck. This year is the best because the dash is the flat style, no airbags, green coolant, no Bose, and no OnStar or crazy computers. This was the last year for the best dash (IMO), and a general "cheapening" of the interiors that happened post-94. The massive gas tank will get 500+ miles between fillings, the extra money for gas is well worth all of the great things about this truck! Off-road they are nearly unstoppable. Lifting it makes it the King of the 4x4s.

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  Love my Acadia - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Christine - October 22 - 2:00 am

  We bought this vehicle in February after my Jeep (which I also loved) finally died. I didnt want another Jeep because they made the cab smaller. I went to look at the Terrain and fell in love with this vehicle. It handles well, looks great and nothing beats it in the snow. We got the AWD. On a day when they should have closed schools due to a storm they didnt. I had to pick up my daughter and was going to have my hubby get her as I really dont like driving in the snow. My Acadia handled beautifully, never went off the road and I felt totally safe. This is the first time I wasnt afraid to drive in the snow and I have owned 6 vehicles. If you have kids and want to be safe,buy one.

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  Great Auto - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By D Evans - October 20 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this Terrain 8000 miles and enjoyed every mile. I have had Park avenues GMC Trucks Olds bravada Roadmasters . This is by far the most enjoyable auto I have ever had. I suspect the folks that are complaining about the mileage have a heavy foot and just want to complain about something so they dont have to take responsibility for the mileage. I have driven through the smokies with this auto and the 4 cylinder has performed well. I have learned how to use the manual shift which helps greatly in mountains and in the city.I always limit the the trans to 5th gear in the city and do the same in the mountains This is a great vehicle and I think Gm is building some great products

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  Back to American - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By Moon - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2011 Terrain after driving Hondas for almost 18 years. Didnt like the style of the CR-V and Pilot was too bulky. Get lots of compliments on the style of the Terrain and interior quality is very good. Picked this over Lexus, Infiniti, and Cadillac. Price was right so time to give American cars another look. So far, so good.

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  Pleasant Surprise - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By John Montefusco - October 17 - 2:00 am

  The quiet ride comfort and body fits were a surprise. I expected quiet and comfort but it was better than expected. This vehicle compares favorably with past new car purchases which include, Cadillac and Jaguar.

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  A Great Buy - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By John up North - October 16 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Terrain 4Cyl now for two months. I am very happy with it. Fun to drive, feels rock solid on the road and delivers good gas mileage. I keep track of every tankful and so far my best mileage is 37 mpg on a highway run and the worst is exactly 30mpg which was a combination of city and highway. However, the engine sounds like a can of marbles when accelerating gently. Sounds like pre-ignition. Dealer says "they all do it." Well, no, they dont. GM is aware of the problem with some of the 4 cyl engines in the Terrain and the Equinox and is planning an ECM upgrade. I have to run the car on Super gas to alleviate the darn noise when accelerating. Other than that, no complaints.

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  2011 gmc terrain sle-1 AWD - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By alaska - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Love my new car! rides great very fun to drive! would recommend this car to everyone!

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  Loving it so far! - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Nick - October 14 - 2:00 am

  When looking for a new vehicle for my new wife, we had a few requirements. 3 rows, towing capacity around 5000 lbs, and just good overall design and style. We looked at many different vehicles from all manufacturers, including 2 row suvs early in our search, and decided on the Acadia, and we are glad we did. The ride is incredible, it is very quiet. The fuel economy is good for a vehicle of this size powered by a small V6. When driving easy, mileage is very good. When driving aggressively, the mileage can drop quickly, and thats where a lot of people have problems. Visibility is good, unless the rear entertainment screen is down. Sunroofs are awesome. Bose sound could be better.

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  Still running strong - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By Still running strong - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I got my yukon In 2007 and it is still running great with 149000 mile. The Cd player skips intermittently but the radio still works. Nice body style Very comfortable love the lumbar support and heated seats. sounds like a big truck but drives smooth. tows well and turns tight.takes a few to pick up speed but once it gets going is got power. hate the bad gas millage 12-16 mpg but fits a lot of stuff seats 7 plus driver 3rd row is better for kids. with the third row seats out was able to fit a table chair 2dressers a lamp 2 guitars and 2 suit cases with room to spare. If you take care of it it should last. getting tune up hope that helps a little with gas mileage

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  The best - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Jonesy - October 12 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is the best in its class. The power, handling, and comfort are top notch for such a large vehicle. I always get 20 mpg for mixed driving, and as high as 22+ for highway. Has anyone owned a vehicle that gets its rated MPG or better? Dont bother with the stupid reviews that people dont like it for access didnt they try it at the dealer? If it hasnt been reliable, take it out on the dealer thats supposed to be fixing it. GM has the best buy back program around. Some people just like to complain. This is one of the most solid, best performing vehicles on the road, and it deserves a good long look.