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 vehicle to see and drive - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By pjh/rockland - March 27 - 11:16 pm

  had many gm vehicles over the years. sedans suvs. this machine with everything is unbelievable. you got to drive the 4 cyl and be surprised w its performance. everyone who sees this gmc terrain black ext / black leather ( heated ) interior are shocked w/ price and quality compared w their international products. welcome back.

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  Great SUV - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By rkt - March 27 - 8:33 pm

  I drove my wifes GMC Terrain today for the first time today over a long distance. It drives and handles fantastically. The leather seats are very comfortable, and have good support everywhere. Steering is quick and responsive, the navigation system works wonderfully. It got me everywhere I was wanting to go on 8 occasions, except for one time, when I fed in the wrong info, and naturally it didnt work right. I still dont know how to use all of the navigation features, but I hardly ever see that car. We havent even owned it for two months yet, and it has over 5200 miles on it. Today, in town 35%, and highway 65%, mileage was a very respectable, true, 26.3 mpg. By the way, my wife loves it

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  Love my Acadia - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Nikki Johnson - March 25 - 2:02 pm

  Previously I owned a GMC Envoy & loved it, but the Acadia is Awesome!! I love the power, the look & comfort!! My family is loving this vehicle!! Thanks GM for a great vehicle!

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  Wonderful, Luxurious, Pleasure to drive - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By MZee - March 24 - 12:11 am

  My family love Terrain. We look several others before buy and did quite a bit research but whole family like Terrain. I already drove over 1500 miles in 6 weeks. No issue at all. Getting about 24 MPG in City/Hwy combine. Where ever I go, people give good look to this vehicle and ask about it. Roomy, I am 6’1 and head room is great for me. 2.4 power is ok for me, no issue in merging on Hwy. So quite, comfortable and smooth ride.

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  From Yukon to Acadia - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Mike - March 23 - 5:57 pm

  Just came back from 1500 mile trip everything with this car was great ride comfort plenty of pep, will take some time getting use to 6 speed trans, handled great on highway. Minor changes to int. So far so good hope its as good as 2007 Yukon.

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  Im Impressed - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By brian - March 22 - 11:37 am

  Ive had this vehicle for one week and am so impressed with it that I need to share with everyone. I have always bought Toyota and decided this time would be different, I went American and am getting a sense of pride in driving this perfect vehicle. Im proud to be an American and my car finally expresses it in its quality and performance. I am getting 23.1 miles in the city but have yet to drive on the highway. The looks make people look and the comfort makes me smile. I am finally in a great American car.

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  Best Truck EVER. - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Terence H. - March 20 - 12:28 am

  I Love my GMC ENVOY. This is the best SUV ever. I have owned this SUV for almost three years now I bought it used in 2008 and I have not had any problems. It still drives smoothly and it looks great. I love my envoy so much. I love to let the windows down and turn up my Bose sound system. I guarantee you this SUV will last longer than most new Mercedes. If your looking for a great SUV go with the envoy. The v6 engine is very very powerful. This SUV goes so fast when needed. I am very happy with this SUV. I wish they kept the envoy nameplate the Acadia should be the new envoy.

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  Very Happy w/ Purchase - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By LarissaMJ - March 18 - 12:41 pm

  Bought vehicle almost 5 months ago and am extremely pleased. My husband did a lot of research. Knowing my needs and little quirks, he thought the Terrain would be a good choice. I drive 25 miles each way to work everyday, mostly highway and little traffic. My MPG has averaged 26, and that is mixed with a lot of around town driving. I have a lead foot too. Sound system is great, I use the Ipod dock since XM not available in Hawaii. I like the ability to get extra power by pressing the ECO button off. Can really tell the difference for a 4 banger. I havent had any problems with this vehicle at 5K miles. Got a "this is really a nice car" complement from 14 yr old sons friend. I have to agree

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  5 Month Road Test - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Jim - March 17 - 9:40 pm

  I had this car for close to 5 months. Not a bad thing to say about it. I average 23.1 MPG overall. I drove about 60 miles on a highway, set the cruise control at 60 and got 37.2 MPG according to the vehicle computer, dont know if this is correct but that was what the readout stated. Love the interior and the exterior, I cant believe this is criticized on design. GM has winner if the reliability keeps up. Only time will tell.

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  Hard not to love this car - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Happy GMC Owner - March 17 - 9:13 pm

  This car looks great in black and SLT-2 trim with chrome accents. Two-tone black/titanium interior is striking. I traded in a 2005 Equinox LT/AWD, which was a nice car and had a great V6/5-speed auto drive train. However, the handling, interior, and GAS MILEAGE of the Terrain 4-cylinder are light years ahead of the old Equinox. The navigation system gives you a larger backup camera monitor, but practically requires a training class to understand how to configure to your liking. Still, its worth the $2K+ premium. Best feature of all is the unorthodox styling, which really turns heads.