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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  Love it, but its not perfect - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By D Garza - October 21 - 7:38 pm

  Got my SLT April 2014. In the heat of summer, started having problems with AC. As time went by, the AC was taking longer and longer to cool. Took to dealership and was told there was no known defects and sent on my merry way without any action. Short time later, AC gave out completely. By the time I went the second time they finally did have instructions. Apparently it had too much freon, factory defect. Flushed and refilled freon. AC working fine now, but I still feel theres something wrong with it. When its on full blast the vehicle shakes, almost like it wants to turn off, but RPMS dont change and it stops when AC is off. Have taken it a couple of times and they insist its normal. The platform in rear is a bummer, takes up too much space, very stupid idea. In spite of everything, I still love driving it, enjoy taking road trips.

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  2003 SONOMA - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Justin - October 8 - 8:53 pm

  This is a good truck to start in but it gets about 16.5 mpg to 19.0 mpg rides good, put a lot of repairs in, I think it has too much power for its size and uses

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  33000K miles and happy - 2013 GMC Acadia
  By Chris Macy - October 5 - 11:46 pm

  Consumer Reports noted that this year and model could have climate control problems. In the three summers we have had the car, we did have to have the rear compressor replaced. It was covered undr warranty, so we were happy. Otherwise, we have really enjoyed having such a sturdy and safe car for our family to ride in. It is a blast driving the AWD in the snow!

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  Transmission Jerks when putting it in reverse - 2012 GMC Terrain
  By AF - July 20 - 9:55 am

  I have the 2012 GMC Terrain and for the last few years it sporadically jerks/kicks/slips when I first put it in reverse to drive out of the garage. Its not consistent so the dealer cant diagnose it and it never does it when I try to show it to someone. Ive been told that this isnt a problem, but it still makes me nervous. Other than that, I love the Terrain!

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  JIMMMYY! - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By ahusson - June 8 - 9:44 am

  So I got this 2000 GMC Jimmy at 165,000 miles, now it has 172,000 miles and it a complete money pit, but a life saver. I have spent $3500 in repairs in the last 6 months. Ive taken it to three different mechanics and technicians.Every single part on my brake is brand new, and the ABS light is still on. I cant afford to keep it anymore, so this is a good car if you are a mechanic or have a mechanic who knows who he is doing. BUT this has saved me through the winter. With All-Season tires it plowed through 2 feet of snow and 2 inches of ice. No weather condition stopped me, and I was incredibly thankful. (Maine Winter of 2014-2015)

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  8 Year 170K mile review - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By clearwatereq - May 23 - 5:17 pm

  And I can honestly say Id buy another. My red jewel SLT2 has every option available for 2007. Its been a reliable vehicle overall, not 100% problem free though. I replaced the transmission at 60K, steering rack at 50k, water pump at 67k, struts at 80K, and other regular wear and tear items that are normal (ie-brakes) Its been amazingly trouble free for nearly the last 100K. It still looks and drives much like a new vehicle.

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  Nice if GM would fix the key switch issue 5 years ago - 2013 GMC Terrain
  By Brian Spencer - April 25 - 9:10 pm

  Bought brand new. The key switch has been an issue since the first week we owned it. If the steering wheel isnt perfectly straight when you park it, the key binds until you turn the steering wheel and turn the key at the same time. It randomly has binding issues when you attempt to turn the key off. This issue has been around since launch and it still has not been resolved. If you lean against the door panels, the color wears off. I test drove it and the seat was in the correct position for me. I didnt know until my wife drove it after I got home, that the power seat is only half power! You manually slide it forward and back and tilt is controlled by power. My Rendezvous was full power.

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  2015 Terrain denali AWD it is good for off road too - 2015 GMC Terrain
  By socal60 - April 20 - 2:44 pm

  Great comfort, interior and ride. I had the Denali and wow what a vehicle. It was very comfortable to drive long distances at a time and had great storage and visibility, no blind spots that modern technology did not accommodate . Fantastic safety features, collision avoidance,rear view camera, and parking controls. Take it off road, dirt or mud, even sand , not to mention snow and it handles better off road then my 2015 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4X4

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  Dont believe all the bad reviews - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Nick Schoendorf - March 12 - 8:49 am

  Purchased my wife dream truck finally now that the price has come down a bit. I havent had many issues at all with it and it has 160k miles on it. i replaced a cv axle and the eval solenoid. I do all my own work i never ever let anyone touch my vehicles. the headlights are not that hard to change people whine too much. the truck rides great, drives great and has been very fun to drive.

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  Glove compartment light - 2013 GMC Acadia
  By Gerald Roy Longbottom - March 4 - 8:08 am

  Is it even possible that in 2013 a vehicle can come with no light in the glove compartment. Could this be a factory omission or cost-cutting. I need a flashlight at night or I must to exercise my sense of touch!