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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  Great truck! - 1997 GMC Yukon
  By JustinS - May 2 - 4:00 pm

  The truck has plenty of room for my wife and 3 kids and all our luggage or groceries. Only complaint is the brakes seem to go quickly.

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  Plain Fun - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Annie - May 2 - 9:10 am

  I love my new Terrain. I bought the SLE-1, due to my budget. I test drove other cross overs and this SUV gave me the most for my money! Ford Edge at this level does not give you fog lamps and only plastic black doors handles. I love the look the most and safety features. I like having OnStar. I get lots of head turns while driving. My 15 year old son thinks it,s cool. MPG on hwy/city 25.9

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  New family ride - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By shawn - May 2 - 6:10 am

  After looking and driving many cars I saw this vehicle on the gmc lot after fist test drive I was very impressed. Went out a talked to some honest mechanics I know they told me that gm basically makes the best vehicles on the road today and they really have out done them selves on this chassis design so without hesitation I bought this car

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  Better Value Than Escalade - 2010 GMC Yukon
  By PILOTVIC - May 1 - 11:25 pm

  I just purchased a Yukon Denali AWD yesterday. I had three Escalades prior to this car. The Denali has the same engine, transmission, creature features, etc. as the Escalade minus the Cadillac badging and a few other non consequential items. The Denali has a better value per dollar than the Escalade. The Denali should get better mileage after it is broken in than my 2007 Escalade because of the active fuel management. Mileage of Escalade at 68-70 mph with a K&N air filter was over 21 mpg at times. In town average was 16.9 over three years. Denali should be better. Performance in deep snow should be excellent. Most driving will be long cross country. Will give updates after break in.

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  Love My Acadia! - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Kat - April 30 - 6:28 pm

  I traded in a 2004 Saturn Vue AWD V6 for the 2009 Acadia SLT 2. I love driving it (and I do it a lot!) and my friends are very comfortable on trips we take to go to conferences. Ive gotten better than advertised MPG (22/26) with mixed driving. The Bluetooth is great and the sound system is better than any other car Ive ever had. I have XM Radio and I love listening to great music when Im on the road. I use the On-Star turn by turn navigation and that has been exceptionally useful. The seats front and back are very comfortable and access is easy. I have had NO problems with the vehicle.

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  The great suv - 2010 GMC Yukon
  By AJ - April 30 - 9:15 am

  Great SUV-- big nimble and fast-- not too thirsty on gas if you drive smart and coast a lot and think ahead- I get about 16 city and 21 highway going under 70 mph-- just did a 400 miles road trip and it performs flawlessly the interior door plastics and dashboards appear cheap with the faux wood grain applique but still looks good but scratches easily

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  Awesome - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Richard A. Rohrer - April 30 - 12:13 am

  We now have about 750 miles on the vehicle and it is everything we expected. Great sound system, quiet, fun to drive, and comfortable as well as stylish interior. We did a lot of research on the vehicle before we purchased it and it has met our expectations.

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  Its OK - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Babs - April 29 - 8:30 pm

  Was afraid that this was too big by the looks but when you drive it, its not. It needs a little getting use to but is fun.

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  New King of the Open Road - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By anthony - April 27 - 3:02 pm

  We just bought our Terrain last week and we are loving every minute of it!!! It is already averaging 26 mpg. That will only get better as it gets broke in a little bit. We have 2 small kids and there is plenty of room for the entire family. The low noise is excellent. Handles better than any SUV Ive seen on the highway. Exterior design is great.Dont be scared away by the 4 cylinder, it more than holds its own. All this and you get Onstar and XM radio as a standard feature!!! Whats left to think about? The Terrain is head and shoulders above the rest. GMC is back on top where it belongs!!!!!!

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  Good Vehicle - 2010 GMC Yukon
  By Hofgee Rofe - April 27 - 11:22 am

  This car is amazing. It out performs my wifes 3 series. It tows my horse trailer like nothing while going up steep hills. A definite Buy