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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  Reliable vehicle - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Reliable and Love it - August 2 - 9:28 am

  I really love this SUV. It has been very reliable so far and have not had any problems. Of course, it is the DENALI, everything is top of the line. The leather seats are comfortable, the vehicle rides smoothly and havent had any problems these four years. I would also like to point out that the regular mpg in the city is 16.5 / 17 but on the highway I noticed that on our last trip it did 22 mpg, which I think that for the size and weight of this vehicle was pretty good. I definitely would recommended.

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  Love The BEAST - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Big Easy - July 30 - 5:02 am

  My heart absolutely goes pitter patter every time I get behind the steering wheel! I love the smooth ride, the interior, the exterior, the towing capacity and the little gadgets that make me smile! It is the best ride I ever owned!

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  Traditional SUV - 2010 GMC Yukon
  By James82 - July 26 - 12:37 am

  After owning a 2000 Dodge Durango for 10 years it was time to replace it. I like the space and comfort that a traditional truck based SUV provides and the GMC Yukon did not disappoint. Even though the price tag was pushing close to a base Escalade, a fully loaded Denali seemed like a better choice. This car has an impressive tow rating which helps me for work, the fuel economy is as expected from a large SUV and an average of 14 mpg city and 22 mpg highway is okay coming from a previous guzzler so Im used to it. This car is the ultimate road trip car with lots of space and comfortable seats. A good family car that can also hold its own during offroading and one of the best SUVs you can buy.

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  Great for trailering - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Rob S - July 25 - 9:47 pm

  Weve only had the vehicle for a few weeks now but were loving it. We checked out the Pilot, Pathfinder and Edge. The pilot had the 2nd row leg room but few options at our price. The other 2 didnt have the 2nd row leg room. We need something that tows a 3500 lb pop up trailer and this does that without a problem. I can even see over trailer with rear view mirror. Took some time to get the hang of moving the 2nd row seat to get into the 3rd row. Once you get it its easy.

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  I love this vehicle - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By ski mom - July 24 - 8:05 pm

  I love the looks inside and out/classy. I love the comfort and the ride. I love the color. I was driving a jacked up Jeep Wrangler (which I also loved in a different way) and prior to that I had four Outbacks (which I also loved). This is my favorite. We traded a Lexus IS which is a classy smooth ride and this car is as classy inside. I am pleasantly surprised - wanted another Outback to haul my son to ski practice and races in, and my husband suggested this or the Buick Enclave. I was cynical until I looked at it and drove it. Now I cant stay out of the garage and my husband and son keep finding me hanging out inside. It is just beautiful. Just simply classy. Love it.

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  Third times a charm - 1998 GMC Suburban
  By Bunnys454 - July 24 - 11:08 am

  This is my third suburban Ive owned, and i have to say that the third is definitely a charm. I love hauling my kids, their friends, my friends and all the extra crap in the back of my truck. It pulls anything i ask it to and the 454 isnt that bad with mileage. Mine has been slightly neglected over the last year, but my baby always starts and runs for me! Im proud to be seen in it and know that its a tank but who cares? Im in Minnesota and Im telling you, burbs are tanks! Two feet of snow, two wheel drive, and you still can fly past people. Ive been offered on it, but wont sell this one. Hes a keeper for sure!

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  V6 SLT-1 AWD - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Zanes Review - July 22 - 11:19 pm

  This car is by far the best vehicle i have driven. I am 19 years old and was lucky enough to drive my parents h3. It was very nice, but the interior and engine power was really lacking in quality. The interior was alright, but compared to this beautiful brownstone leather with the red trim, it doesnt compare. The V6 is slow in first, but really speeds up in the other gears. (Most likely for fuel efficiency.) Love this car. As for either the ecotech or v6, i had to get the v6 with the hills, I really enjoy the ride. If you dont have hills, you can get away with the ecotech. I am definitely a lead foot driver (college student) and get 17 city and somehow 26 on the highway! Camera is great

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  Love my Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By HappyOwner - July 18 - 9:48 pm

  My Terrain has worked great for me. I have about 2500 miles driven. I am a 62", 375 pound guy who has an artificial leg on one side & a big brace on the other leg. So I needed a car that had great leg room, head room, and belly room. Also needed to set high off ground so getting in & out was easy. The Terrain was my best choice after looking at about 30 different SUVs. It is working great. It has good second row room,& plenty of space in back for big load of groceries or luggage. I also like the smaller size. I have a lift on the back hauling a scooter. I can still fit in parking spaces. I highly recommend it for people needing lots of room up front - it had more than even the biggest SUVs

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  Gms finest! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By michelle - July 15 - 6:54 pm

  I love this vehicle, better than any other car that i have ever owned!

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  Great Product - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By CTucker - July 9 - 11:33 am

  This is our 4th GMC and first Acadia. So far I am very impressed with the vehicle. While the mileage is not great, you have to consider what you are getting and giving up in mileage. Performance is good for the v6. Interior space is outstanding compared to competitive models while it doesnt feel like a big ship when driving.