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 Car Love my Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Brett - April 26 - 11:27 am

  Just Traded in my 2001 Jeep Cheeroke with 92000 Miles Hated to see it go but Wow this car is simply Amazing. I love everytime I get in the car and do not want to leave. IT drives very smoothly and I feel I am in a Escalade but for half the price. GMC built a great car inside and out. I have had this car for only about 3 days and people still ask me wow whats that. Just wish more were around.

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Robert Lamb - April 25 - 3:48 pm

  I am 81 years old and super fussy about my vehicles,I purchased my Terrain 2 months ago, took an 800 mile trip and averaged 25.6 mpg. Not too bad, but after reading many reviews, I see that this seems to be the norm. Drove Hondas the past 8 years, although I thought they were very good cars I am glad to get back to American made, it gives me a sense of pride again.

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  2010 Acadia SLT - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By smith2409 - April 25 - 2:03 pm

  I have only had my Acadia for a short time. I really like everything about the Acadia. The ride is great and the gas mileage is better (about 20 in mixed driving) than expected. The Acadia is very confortable with loads of space inside. Handles great and does about everything short of driving itself and almost does that. At this point I would recomend the Acadia to anyone.

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  Excellent car! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By commonsense.... - April 22 - 5:53 pm

  This car handles very nicely, gives a comfortable and quiet ride, and, so far at least, mileage is better than advertised (33.5 mpg in mixed driving during rush hour, but I am a careful driver). Utilitarian, yet stylish and fun to drive! Lots of room in the back seat.

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  Enjoying my new Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Ed - April 22 - 8:34 am

  Overall very pleased with my new vehicle. Traded in Acadia for better milage and newer vehicle with great offer. Very pleased with few exceptions including rear is smaller than I thought (across). Seems they could have done more to make it wider for golf clubs to fit and I miss storage under rear compartment where spare is located. I miss my univerasl remote (foolish not to include this small add on). Four cylinder has enough power for me but wish milage was better on trips even in eco mode. Also why only one month of free onstar. Paid as much for my new LaCrosse and got a year! Still enjoying new Terrain with all its features

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  Never left me stranded - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By LOVE MY JIMMY - April 22 - 1:04 am

  I bought my Jimmy in 01. now has 200,000 miles. so far i have replaced the alternator the starter the fuel pump the cooling system with the heater core because of the GM dex cool anti freeze it came with it turns out it actually doesnt last 5 years or 150,000 miles. oh and CV joints all of this in the last few years of ownership and it all didnt happen back to back. It runs like a champ to this day and I get the best gas mileage any SUV has ever seen. all the repairs I made are just what happens with a vehicle that gets driven daily come on people its not a honda take care of your truck do all the upkeep on time. Its easier to fix a used car than pay a new car payment every month.

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  So Far, So Good - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Fidalgo73 - April 18 - 8:19 pm

  Great ride - smooth and quiet. Seats, Bose stereo, access to controls, all the bells bells and whistles on our SLE are great. Lots of room. Great safety features! Got 19 mpg on the first tank. Feels solid. Transmission shifts smoothly. Limited view out the back windows may be a challenge for towing our boat and backing it up. Maybe GM has finally turned the corner on quality cars and trucks? Overall, we are very happy!

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  Capable SUV - 2010 GMC Yukon
  By Mark Hanlon - April 18 - 3:43 pm

  I love this machine. It tackles mountain roads with ease and can tow like a semi. Its missing some features though.

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  Been good with some problems - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Safety - April 15 - 12:36 am

  I have had this envoy since April 4, 2004 it has 172,000 miles on it, been across the states east to west and north to South. Had an emission sensor problem when it was new, a computer problem about 3 years cost approx $2400.00, just tried to have it smogged in Calif and it has a bad valve in the 3 hole and a bad left front bearing. All in all it has been a good vehicle and I believe we have gotten our moneys worth would buy another if I ever get rid of this one.

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  great car, need more options - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By tommyguy1 - April 14 - 8:08 am

  Like others, no where near the 32 MPG advertised. Still a great car. Wife loves it. MUCH quiter than my 2008 Lexus LS. Would trade the Lexus and get a Terrain for myself if there were options available. GMC missing the boat in not marketing this to empty nester retirees, too! We dont need back seat video, but sure would like power passenger seat, rain sensing wipers, push button keyless start and entry, and that sliding back seat needs to be powered! Its a great idea, but its a bear to move manually. Since auto makers have screwed up the traditional big boat sedans with impossible to load trunks with skinny openings, a vehicle like the Terrain is essential for travel these days.