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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  VERY VERY Disappointed - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Never-again GMC - July 13 - 3:00 am

  Where do I begin with this nightmare. I purchased a Terrain on 26 Feb 2010, and not even 200 miles later (153 to be exact), I was driving home from work and the Terrain started to slow down. The gears seemed "stuck" or having problems changing. I pulled over on the interstate because I was slowing down and UNABLE to accelerate. I drove into a shopping center and tried to reverse into a parking stall, and low and behold the damn thing would NOT REVERSE. It was stuck, only neutral would make it go forward. WOW. I had to tow my 6 day old "brand new" 2010 Terrain back to the dealership. Just my advice, WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR OR AFTER TO BUY A TERRAIN. There are "kinks" that they need to fix first.

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  2007s are using oil! Dont buy one! - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By 2007GMCYukon - July 11 - 4:53 am

  I love my Yukon before 40,000 miles. Since then it has been nothing but trouble. It began using oil and has only gotten worse. I have taken it to our Local GMC/Chevy Dealer every 3000 miles since for oil consumption tests, replacing heads, lifters, engine cleaning, to only prolong the problem but definitely not repair it. I have found at least 3-4 other people in my small town who are having the exact same issue. When I go to the dealer now they ask "Now which was is this, what all have we tried on it?" Why doesnt GMC just bite the bullet and replace the motor? I am now at 70,000miles! I guess they are trying to wait until the 100,000 mile warranty expires! Dont but one!

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  Love the KON - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Howie - July 10 - 1:09 pm

  Bought in 02 with 28K miles - currently have 93k miles. This Yukon has been a great truck. Tow 5K lb trailer to beach and to mountains with no problems. I did however put a 10K lb tranny cooler on myself, well worth the effort for the peace of mind when towing. 2 boys (getting ready to be 3) love it as well. Put up a pet gate for the dogs when we head to the hills. It has truly been a utility vehicle. Have had to replace battery once, carmax had a battery in it that was >100 crank amps too small. Brake pads, water pump gasket at 70K and drive belt at 80K. Threw on a RAVIN perf exhaust and pipes, 2 sons love the sound of the 5.7L when we get rolling. In short love it - great utility.

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  Headlamps - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By dub47 - July 10 - 4:18 am

  The engineer who designed the headlamps on the GMC Sierra 2009 should be fired yesterday! You pretty much have to disassemble the front end to replace a freakin headlamp! If you dont have time to mess with it and take it to the dealer, theyll only charge you $174.86 dam dollars to put in a new head lamp which you can purchase at the auto parts store for $13. Ridiculous design!

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  Our Acadia Views - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Anne P McLaughlin - July 10 - 1:53 am

  Traded off Honda Odyssey which did not add up to expectations. Started off with Yukon and decided on Acadia after test drives of both vehicles. In my openion this is a wonderful handeling auto with plenty of room and a very comfortable ride. Mileage is not the best in the world however if driven with "respect" one can live with it. Keep up the good work on the US made vehicles.

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  Old and still running well. - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By R W - July 9 - 12:49 pm

  125,000 miles and still running like a champ. Hauls our 3000 lb travel trailer well, but uses a lot of gas when towing (9 mpg). When not towing I get 18 mpg on the highway. Replaced fuel pump two times in two month (also replaced steering gearbox and alternator, but after 113,000 miles, I suppose thats OK). The engine itself is solid as a rock. 125,000 miles and no leaks. It runs very smooth even on heavy acceleration. Ive heard from a lot of people, including mechanics, to watch the tranny. Had a spring break in the tranny, but was inexpensive to repair.

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  Cant beat it! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Debbie - July 8 - 3:48 pm

  Going from a Acura sports car, to a GMC Envoy, I was impressed. Both had the power and comfort I needed and enjoy. The kids like that they can listen to their own music from the back, when they forget to bring something along for the journey. Its very open and roomy I dont feel closed in like some SUVs. I dont have a blind spots, and the sunroof is perfect for more openness. Testing other mid size SUVs, Im happy to say.... this was a perfect choice.

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  Awesome!!!!! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Matthew - July 8 - 8:16 am

  We just got our Terrain last saturday. We LOVE this truck. YOu dont feel like your in a huge suv but it has plenty of room. We love the electronics on it. LOVE onstar. The backup camera is very nice. I got into it the other day and a message came up on the nav screen with weather information in the city we are in. It told me about tornado severe thunderstorms and flooding. Where it was and when the storms would pass. As usual Gm did another fantastic job with this truck. You would NOT be disappointed! It beats the competition by miles!

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  Has been good to us - 2001 GMC Safari
  By Finzphan - July 7 - 4:15 pm

  This van is set up to haul the family and its cargo. Has been good both in town and on the highway. Not the best looking vehicle on the road, but it does what is asked of it. Regular maintenance keeps it in shape.

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  Drives like a Dream - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Joe - July 7 - 2:10 pm

  I am very happy with this Arcadia. It has a great ride, nice looks and is fun to drive. It gets decent gas mileage for its size. The interior seem to be of high quality. I have had it for two weeks and every day I like it more and more .