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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  Not worth your time or money - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By batesoh - February 12 - 8:56 am

  Bought the car new. At 20,000 miles engine was removed to repair the timing chain sensor. A/C broke on a trip from Cleveland to Chicago. Recall to delete the heated wiper fluid option (+$100 check). More timing chain issues at 36,000 miles. Rear liftgate malfunctioned: would not close/would not stay closed. A/C broke again on very same trip again. Transmission failure-after a month at the dealer, new transmission was installed. A/c broke for the 3rd time on a short two-hour trip at 58,000. I waved the white flag and bought a 2011 Land Rover LR4. Acadia had lots of neat features far to many issues and an under powered engine.

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  Smart & Sporty Drive - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By dmlarbus - February 5 - 8:52 am

  Love this vehicle. It is quiet, smooth and comfortable for all passengers. You get the perks of a sporty sleek look without the rough truck ride while preserving the practicality of a large SUV or truck space and utility.

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  New engine in just under 3 years - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By rhoda13 - February 4 - 1:56 pm

  Wow, 1 day to the 3 year anniversary and engine light goes on. Code P0172. Fuel pump low pressure, fuel line crack and gas leaking into engine and oil... Oil 3 quarts low... GM warranty is supplying a New Engine! Just wow, I get a new engine, but what other trouble will this cause? Transimission problem? I hope not.. I hope it gets fixed 100%. Wish us luck.

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  2012 Cadillac CTS Coupe, Great except gas mileage. - 2012 GMC Terrain
  By rkaydc - January 27 - 12:01 pm

  When purchasing this car last year the mileage was listed at 18-26 mpg. It barely gets 19 mpg, and so far its never met 20 mpgs. In this day and age its terrible that we cant be getting at least 25 mpgs

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  Not for the snow - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By danbruin - January 27 - 12:41 am

  Bought this SUV as a family hauler. We live in the Pacific Northwest so AWD is great for the rain. Problem is that the Denali mode does not allow for snow chains...ever. This was never told to us at the dealership and now we feel pretty stupid for not asking up front but it did not occur to us. Dont know if models with smaller rims might accommodate chains but dont upgrade to the Denali model is you want to spend any time in the snow.

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  Poor gas mileage / back up camera inside vehicle - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By dusebout1 - January 26 - 6:44 pm

  Gas mileage is not good at all, never had the 32mpg as I was told. Going back and forth to work I average in the summer 29 mpg and in the cold it is even lower, highway driving is even less. Other vehicles I have owned gave me a higher gas mileage than stated on the highway sticker miles going back and forth to work, terribly disappointed with the Terrain. Talked to the dealer and he confirmed there were complaints it wasnt getting the predicted gas mileage. Back up mirror is not reliable, only shows directly behind you without even a little bit of a side view

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  Bad First Car Experience - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By elizabeth87 - January 14 - 12:02 pm

  I bought my Terrain as a brand new model when it first came in at our local dealership in October, 2010. I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. I have had to have my transmission re-calibrated 3 or more times now, I have about 1 to 1-1/2 quarts of oil drain out when an oil change is done every 3,000 miles.. I have had a camshaft actuator replaced, many different solenoids replaced, a cracked timing chain tensioner bracket replaced, my exhaust manifold gasket was leaking, a wheel bearing go out at about 20,000-30,000 miles, & have had a carbon clean out done 3 times in the last 6 months because its causing my car to shut off. I am currently looking to trade this in.

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  Time to Sell...Maybe??? - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By joemerchant47 - January 8 - 9:04 am

  I have an 09 Acadia,well pleased.Had only one problem-rattle in A pillar.Dealer replaced trim-fixed.Headlight recall.No big deal.Bulletin/recall notifying possible stretching of timing chain.Took car in to reset computer for more frequent oil changes.I change more often than recommended anyway.Talked to mechanic,he hadnt gotten one back in yet for repair but said engine had to come out to replace chain.Power train warranty increased by GM to 100K.Heres my problem.We dont travel much.My car is just about to turn 26K miles so by the time any major problem occurs my warranty will have run out.Is it time to sell this car which is now in excellent condition?

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  GMC does not support poor quality - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By mddriver5 - January 4 - 3:24 pm

  Like everybody that owns a 2008 GMC Acadia, I have had the car in the shop numerous times. Broke down with transmission failure, power sterring column went. Just got back after 4th oil leak. I contacted GMC and with our TARP funds, they have a call center overseas to handle customer complaints. Very poor customer service with a car that is built by engineers and yet seems to have lots of common issues. It could be a good car if it did not have so many issues. be careful of 2013 model as it is redesigned and you could be starting over with issues lots of us have.

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  2008 GMC Acadia AWD - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By plugs01 - January 3 - 11:45 am

  We searched reviews before we bought and saw a number of negative reviews. I believe most people are more inspired to write a review if they have a negative experience. Weve owned ours for almost two years. Very pleased. We get about 21 mph when driving combined city/hwy. The manual instructs to use higher octane fuel, but we use 85 regular unlead since we are at high elevations -mechanic recommended. We bought a prebuy inspection by our shop. Only problems we have had: sunroof leaked once after sitting in heavy rain, but never while driving. Hasnt done it since. Also drivers seat fails to move about once every 3 months - we get it to move after playing with it...need to fix though