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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  After the break in period - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By sage4711 - July 6 - 8:27 pm

  I now have 4k and the rig is running well. I am getting 27.4 mpg on the highway (at 74 mph). This includes mountain pass ups and down. City Im averaging 17.5 to 20.1. So far I am happy with the performance of this rig. I have the SLE-1 AWD. Hope this helps those of you that are not experiencing decent mpg yet.

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  6 Month Follow-Up - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Mooseclan - July 6 - 6:06 pm

  Ive now driven my Terrain about 8500 miles, and I have had no problems whatsoever. I can get 32 MPG on highway trips with regular 87 octane gas when I try (real calculated value, not just what the onboard computer states - although it agrees), but I average about 26 MPG on mixed daily commute of about 40 miles. For do-it-yourselfers who change your own oil, be advised you will need a special low-profile socket (about $5.00 online order). The cartridge oil filter is for agile, small hands but manageable. Ride and handling undiminished over the first 6 months. Runs like a top, but its not a muscle car. With four adult passengers, you can notice the change in shifting points.

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  SLE2 FWD - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By gmcowner - July 2 - 10:37 am

  Extremely smooth and quiet. Previously owned a 2door Honda Civic. I needed an SUV, but wanted the best gas mileage. After 3 months, 6500 miles, mostly city driving, Ive averaged 22 MPG. Ive done some long road trips, which have not averaged above 27 MPG. I dont count on the dashboard fuel economy- I record and do my own calculating. Even though the mileage seems low on the highway, I am extremely satisfied with the city, which is the main driving for the car anyway.

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  Love my Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By LT3391 - June 28 - 6:12 pm

  I chose the Terrain over the Honda CR- V. I really like the back up camera the spaciousness of the interior. It is hard to get used to the lock/unlock button on the control panel instead of on the door. Very pleased with my purchase.

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  It is a great ride - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By chuck - June 27 - 7:59 am

  My wife has a bad back. It is the best car-SUV for her to get in and out of. Great job. Thanks

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  Great Car- and Safe - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Terrain lover - June 23 - 8:29 am

  I couldnt wait for this car to be released. It was the first car I had ever brought on my own. I had been reviewing it since August 2009 and when it was finally released I had a hard time finding it because not too many dealers had the fully loaded SLT2. I was a little disappointed that the passenger side didnt have the power seats, the gas mileage, and how the car hesitated when trying to pick up speed but other then that I loved it. My car is totaled due to a hit &run every air bag deployed we were saved! Onstar kicked in pretty quick all the airbags from the front & window passenger side, driver side window & stirring wheel and rear passenger airbags deployed.

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  Would Buy Another One - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Naples - June 22 - 7:20 pm

  Could not be happier. Bought 2 years ago and four trips to Florida each year - 4,800 miles a year. Fabulous road car - very comfortable ride, plenty of interior space and feel very safe. Somewhat sluggish when pulling away from dead stop but just give it more gas. Absolutely no mechanical problems in two years - great quality.

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  Glad I bought this truck - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Kevin - June 21 - 12:02 pm

  I bought the fully loaded (except for going with the 18 inch wheels) SLT2 with V6, entertainment system, etc. Ive only had it for 2 weeks now, but I am extremely happy I bought this vehicle. The exterior in carbon black metallic is great - much better than in pictures. And the interior fit and finish is excellent too.

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  Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Dennis - June 17 - 2:50 pm

  I like everything about it but the Gas Mileage. Need to achieve 25 before the 32 MPG which is advertised.

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  Nicest vehicle I ever bought! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Lisa Faulx - June 16 - 8:30 pm

  I bought my Onyx Black 2010 GMC Terrain on New Years Eve 2009. I wanted a small SUV with lots of room. I have a champagne taste with a beer pocket book! I researched vehicles for 3 months. I saw this SUV on the Ellen Degeneres Show and fell in love! I had to go to a dealer 100 miles away to find one because no local dealers had any. I have the basic model, as I only drive 2 miles to work and dont need a 4 wheel drive. The standard features alone are incredible, more than any other SUV I looked at! The interior and exterior are beautiful, the ride is fabulous. A tank of gas lasts me two weeks! Never thought I would use the back up camera, but cant live without it! I could go on and on!