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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  Beware of brakes - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By cindy - July 3 - 6:53 am

  I bought this SUV and within a month the brakes went out. The vehicle is in the shop with no repair date available, the part to fix the brake problem is on national back order. I have never owned a GMC product. Apparently from what the mechanic @ GMC said this is a problem that GMC is aware of. The dealership is nice to you when they tell you they have no ideal when your SUV will be fixed. I wish they would buy my ACADIA back. I bought this car thinking It would last for years. Very unhappy with this GMC.

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  Awesome,, but a couple of annoyances - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Azbrent - July 1 - 1:58 pm

  The gas mileage is about 19 mpg, with city and highway driving. The fact that the pax seat is not available in power is annoying. It doesnt bother my wife but when I sit in it , it sits too high. No one touch power windows! Come on this is the top of the line model! The turning is awful. I had a Ford Edge before this and I thought that was bad, I didnt realize how good I had it. The 19 inch chrome wheels are sweet, however I worry about some thug stealing the center cover piece that goes over the lug nuts. It is chrome and has the GMC insignia and just snaps off. I can see it falling off if you bump a curb. The vehicle is very popular, hard to find in stock anywhere. Paid 35k loaded

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  Needs more storage space - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By JR - July 1 - 1:28 pm

  Have had the Terrain for only couple days but have noticed already the lack of storage space or bins. The spare tie takes up the rear storage under the flooring, the glove box doesnt have a lock and could use air vents for the rear seat passengers. These are minor details but should be passed on tho others. I traded a Hyundai Santa Fe for this and that vehicle more storage space/bins and lockable glove box.

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  Happy with purchase - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Cory H - June 30 - 11:05 pm

  About 3,500 miles in 3 months on my AWD SLT 1 and am thus far quite happy with the purchase. Am getting just over the EPA rated gas mileage (mostly city driving) but mileage goes down quickly if running stop & go errands. Still, this is a large vehicle that gets far better mileage than many Crossovers and SUVs of similar size. Great interior design with exception of the complaint in suggested improvements. Biggest complaint is the shifting. Prior year models had issues, so 2010 was reprogrammed. It still needs improvement as it hunts at slow speeds. Engine braking is very noticeable when downshifting at slow speed. My prior GM vehicle did not have this issue.

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  Major AC and sunroof issues - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By 07acadia - June 30 - 10:16 pm

  We bought acadia with low miles still under warranty. We have had nothing but trouble with the ac. Took it to local dealer, not dealer we purchased it from and have gotten nowhere. They say they cant duplicate the problem. Well, warranty has run out and problem is still there with just over 50,000 miles. There is an obvious problem with these vehicles. If you visit the website acadia forum there are many others with the same unresolved problem. We have gotten nowhere with GM customer service either. My spouse has grown to hate this vehicle. Paying every month for an expensive vehicle with ac problems.

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  Good vehicle with quirks - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Ernie - June 21 - 8:33 pm

  So far so good very comfortable. Why would they build a car that rolls forward on a hill when car is In reverse? I noticed today vehicle does not roll free it is very noticeable then I read a posted review here that mentions the same observation.

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  If it can go wrong, it will with this car! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By hk - June 9 - 12:18 pm

  Have had the car 3 years. Done every scheduled maintenance & recall notices. Was ok for 2 yrs. 3/09 started shaking on acceleration, check engine light on, traction turning off warning bell. Dealership advised needed 3 fuel injectors replaced. Didnt fix problem. Different dealership sd needed 3 more fuel injectors replaced. On 4/6/10 towed b/c over heating,oil leaks, coolant leak and water pump was broken.4/12/10 A/C went out, lines replaced for $960. On 5/20/10 transmission failed,towed again. Still at dealership now, 3 weeks later.With min rental insurance + towing costs + flushes needed due to leaks, this car has cost me $774 + the monthly car payment for a car I cant even drive. Dont buy!

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  ZR2 Rocks - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By Tim - June 8 - 10:28 pm

  Got this truck with 90,000 miles on it. I have the 4.3 Vortec V6. Has 165,xxx now and still running great. Only replaced fuel pump and idler arms. I love the ZR2 (high rider) off road package and 4x4--never get stuck. It handles great and looks sharp. Great for outdoor activities (hunting, camping, fishing) and general all-around use. Love this truck. Reliable. Solidly built. Decent gas mileage. Fun to drive.

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  Saved our lives - 1994 GMC Suburban
  By cheygirl - June 7 - 6:37 am

  I have owned two 1994 suburbans. The first one I loved! It was solid and quiet and dependable. We had 300,000 miles on the engine and it still ran great. The transmission went out at 150,000. I drove it all the time everywhere. We camped in it traveled in it put lots of stuff in it. Very roomy fit four kids with no problem. Pulled horses in it. One day another SUV ran a stop sign and I hit it. The other SUV was pushed and went flying. My suburban engine and front was destroyed but nobody was even the least bit hurt. All eight of us were fine including my baby. As hard as I hit them around 60 mph I didnt even feel the crash that badly. The other vehicle didnt fare so well.

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  Great (but not perfect) vehicle - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Scott - June 4 - 3:52 pm

  As another reviewer pointed out, the front seat headrest design isnt great. Fortunately, this is my wifes car. It replaced a Grand Caravan--AWD was a big selling feature, and did not disappoint last winter. Interior noise is surprisingly low. Gas mileage isnt great, but isnt that different from the Grand Caravan. If youre looking for a fuel miser, this definitely isnt the vehicle for you. The only other complaint is that the vehicle is so wide that many parking spaces are tight squeezes. This often leads to door dings.