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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  Good pick - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By Glenview - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought the SLT-2 4 banger AWD with all the options except NAV (why pay for NAV with the On-Star turn-by-turn feature). Traded a Honda Element AWD which we LOVED but needed a full 4- door CUV. The CR-V, Pilot etc. didnt fit the need nor the comfort of the GMC. Looked at all CUVs and SUVs including Hondas, Kias, Hyundias, Chevy, Ford, Toyota, Subaru etc. All others either looked cheap (plastic) on the interior, had rough ride or was just too big (Flex, Traverse, Acadia etc). GM has a winner on their hands in the Equinox/Terrain brothers! Hope time will tell that its as reliable as the Honda was!

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  Enjoyable ride - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By Pete - November 18 - 2:00 am

  Owned this vehicle for 2 months and I am very happy with it. I get 25 mpg on the highway, I wish it were closer to the EPA estimate of 29. I like the ride and handling, it drives more car like and doesnt lean on curves like my Envoy. I do a lot of driving between VT and LI,NY and wanted better gas mileage. I got the 4 cyl SLT-1 AWD version in Merlot Jewel, a great color.

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  Great starter vehicle - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Avery - November 15 - 2:00 am

  My dad gave me this truck as my first vehicle, and so far it has suited my needs well. I dont drive it much at all, just to school or town or what ever so theres only 40,000 miles on it. Its the funnest vehicle to drive off roads and on jeeping trails, the 4wd is great for winter too. my only regrets are that i have had to put in a good deal of money to keep it running up to par. it seems as though every year i have to change wheel bearings and the cab door has been giving me problems for the last few years. Its a tough little truck and i would recommend it to anyone looking for a great looking fun truck to drive.

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  Surprised - 2010 GMC Yukon
  By taillight - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought a used base Yukon (35,000 km on it) to replace my 05 pathfinder. Good gas mileage, better than the pathfinder v6. The ride is really smooth on stock 17". I bought aftermarket 20s for next summer. The rear seats should fold into the floor! But they are not that heavy. I have towed the jetski, and the snowmobile with ease. The turning radius is tight, brakes seem good. Fairly quiet ride. Comfy seats. The steering is overboosted. The paint job is poor. The clearcoat must be thin, anything touches the paint and it will scratch it. The car is big, much bigger than the pathfinder, it takes a little getting use to and you have to pay attention parking it. Im waiting for the reliability to drop

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  V6 with AWD - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By JR - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought this vehicle with 4800 miles on it, now has 10500 and have loved it. Get 17-19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The transmission does have a "different" shifting to it but not a big deal.Have gotten several compliments about the styling and such. GMC could do some improvements to it but that would be nit-picking on my part. Had a 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe (for 8 years) and love the Terrain much more.

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  Acadia 2007 / Saudi Arabia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Acadia - November 7 - 1:00 am

  Ive bought this car on 2007. I have to say that it is nice looking and easy to drive, however I have had several problems with it. Four months after I purchased it, GMC recalled all acadias, Transmission software update. 6 months later, auxiliary fuse broken, one year , water pump defect and finally couple of days ago the car almost went to fire due to use of the power outlets. I have to pay around $1000 for the repair. Overall this car is good looking, nice interior and a lot of crap when it comes to durability. DONT BUY IT

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  I luv my Jimmy! - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By Trisha - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought used 2006..only major problem was the gas tank back in 2008. This year, 2010, was the axle. Its at 190,000 today and just thought I celebrate this milestone and say maybe GMC didnt make MY Jimmy so bad after all.

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  Great ride for a truck - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By rocket3 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I was surprised how this truck handles in corners, I didnt expect that GM has some great things in their products. Well built and very reliable

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  Lucky & confused - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By leon g - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Acadia 03/07. Had transmission & sun roof recalls handled. I now have 68000 miles and drive an average of 1100 to 1700 miles per month. Schedule oil changes, tire rotation.replace air filter w/1 tire balance,check fluid levels,1 front end alignment usually around 50% oil life."CONFUSED"? to hear all the minor & major problems so many appear to be having."LUCKY" thus far, no problems, no damage. no parts replacement just day-by-day reliable driving. My concern is just how long do I drive with confidence?

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  Mileage issues - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By eileen - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I really like my four cylinder, 2010 Gmc Terrain, but it is getting nowhere near the listed mileage of 6.1 L per 100 km.