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:

• 

  Great family car - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By sugarpuff - October 11 - 2:00 am

  We bought our 1999 Yukon new off the dealer showroom. It has been an awesome family vehicle. Our kids are grown and now toting around the grandkids. Love this vehicle.

• 

  Love My Terrain! - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By joy - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Traded my beloved 2005 Town & Country for the Terrain--thought I would miss my van--NOT! The only thing I miss is the power hatch--other than that, nothing. The Terrain drives nice, extremely smooth riding(just about as smooth as my van), the design is oh so cool (as my husband says, it looks "tough"). And I love all the little extras that "didnt cost extra"- -backup camera, bluetooth. And all the leg room in the backseat area-- awesome. We havent quite got the gas mileage as stated we should, but then we only have 700 miles on it. And as for my husband--of course, the 8 speaker Pioneer sound system is the best. We love our Terrain and highly recommend it!

• 

  First SUV - 2011 GMC Yukon
  By Chelif Junor - October 5 - 2:00 am

  Not a bad ride for an SUV. Handles like a car with good front end responsiveness. The interior is very well finished. Exterior is a cross between the Tahoe and Escalade which make it just right for some buyers. Fuel economy may not be appealing but most SUVs arent bought for fuel economy. The Hybrid version should would be a good option.

• 

  2003 GMC Yukon SLT 5.3L - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Webhead - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Our Yukon has been one of the best vehicles Ive ever owned. It rides like a dream, looks good, performs well, has tons of space, and can work hard. Its the all-around perfect vehicle in my opinion. Great for trips and I feel like my family is safe. We just replaced the original Michelin tires with the same model. They ride great and last forever. We bought it with 55k miles on it and it now has 108k miles. This year we repaired the A/C for around $250. No other problems at all. As far as Mpg, we get 16-18 which I think is fine for such a large and safe vehicle.

• 

  Very nice - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Al - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Rides and handles well. Comfortable and roomy. Easy to get in and out of. Surprisingly good performance for a small motor. Drove at interstate speeds and through mountains with 24 mpg avg. (using own calculations). Car has good Visibility.Secure feeling with all the safety features.

• 

  I must have gotten lucky! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Chad - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I have just over 41,000 miles and I have only had this is for oil changes and tire rotations and a few recalls. Other than that I have had zero issues with this. I admit the 6 speed transmission is a bit jerky but overall I get 22 MPG on average tank. Kids love it and it fits me well. I keep it like a shiny new dime and maintenance it well. I plan on keeping this until it just quits. I have the SLT version with the 19 inch wheels and its a smooth ride. Little rattles here and there but otherwise a tight ride.

• 

  2011 Acadia - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By Fenderman - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Great car overall. I wasnt planning on getting the Diamond Tri-Coat White, i.e. pearl, color, but glad that is what I wound up with. I have gotten several compliments on the color, it really looks good in the sun. The leather seats are wonderful, but the headrest is driving me crazy. It is tilted forward to help with crash stability, but its hard trying to get comfortable. The sliver around the cup holder can be distracting in the bright sun. Good room for the family, will probably get an after market rear console and maybe running boards for the kids, GM seems pretty proud of those accessories list price.

• 

  So far so good SLT2 with 6 cylinder AWD - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By rc - October 2 - 2:00 am

  While driving computer is reading out about 35 mpg going 75 mph. Traded in 95 4runner. GMC at this point is built just as good or better than Toyota 4-runner with much better mpg and looks stylish. Very roomy inside unlike the 4-runner. Terrain we got has auto transmission 6 gears with 3:53 rear end ratio.

• 

  Absolutely Love It - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Love It - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I traded the GMC Envoy for the Terrain and the difference in the gas mileage is truly welcomed. The performance is fantastic. The Terrain appears to hug the road when going around curves. I also like how the rear seat can be extended to the backs of the front seats for easy access to items stored in the back seat. Personally, I cannot say enough good things about the Terrain.

• 

  It Is Not About The MPG.. - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By shopaholic - September 26 - 2:00 am

  Sorry to hear about all the folks with the MPG issues. I bought the 6 cyl. and I know it will take some fuel to drive this beauty. I have only been on the road with it for 2 weeks and I really like it so far. It is smooth and a real head turner (black with all the chrome). I hope to get the upper end of the MPG stated but that is yet to be determined. I started my research back in Nov. 09 for my Terrain. As we probably all figured out GMC has not been releasing a lot at one time at least where I am at. Maybe that is a good thing and those of us who own one will have good resale later. I do not know how often I will use the remote start. Stay Safe and Happy Driving Everyone