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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  reliable and quality - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By z_auto - December 31 - 7:17 am

  I have a 2001 GMC Yukon Denali. I am the second owner having bought it at 35k miles. Now at 180k miles, the only items I have replaced are the water pump at 125k, rear evaporator at 170k and fuel pump at 178k & a few interior switches: brakes, tires and shocks as needed. Otherwise, just regular maintenance of all fluids. I use synthetic fluids exclusively oil every 7-8k miles, trans fluid change every 50k, differentials, ps, brake fluid at 100k., brakes, shocks and other wear items. I average 14 MPG city/suburban driving and 16-17 MPG highway. Long term ownership costs even including gas have made this an economical vehicle.

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  Pleased that GM Has Come Back Strong... - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By riogp - December 30 - 11:18 pm

  When I was a kid we had Packards ( Ask the man who owns one ) ...after that we drove Chevys & Cadillacs. In the 80s we switched to German iron since all the US auto makers fell flat on quality. My 2012 Acadia has revised my opinion of American quality. A very sophisticated work of engineering...very much on a par with the German product, as well as the Japanese...and at a more realistic purchase price ...and very much more reasonable service charges. The Acadia handles very precisely for such a large outfit. Mixed driving 20. 8 mpg. on the AWD version. I am very impressed.

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  TERRAIN again! 2010 and 2013... - 2013 GMC Terrain
  By 2pixel - December 30 - 10:23 pm

  I had a 2010 Terrain which I loved, and since it was a leased car, I had to turn it in this year. After several test drives of other cars, I decided to lease a new 2013 Terrain. I love the exterior styling!

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  Great beginners car - 1995 GMC Jimmy
  By wspringer - December 30 - 1:42 pm

  I love this vehicle. Got it a few months ago as my 1st car (Im 17). Very comfortable and nice looking. Easy to drive. Has a lot of modern amenities in it that my moms 2010 Malibu doesnt even have. 4 wheel drive goes great in tough situations. Gonna keep this until it falls apart. It has no rust and under 130,000 miles on it now so Im hoping it lasts a long time.

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  DO NOT BUY FOR FUEL ECONOMY - 2012 GMC Terrain
  By lakegirl2003 - December 29 - 8:04 pm

  I originally bought a V6 Terrain which got around 25mpg. It was totaled so then I bought a V4 thinking I would get at least 27mpg which I would be satisfied with since it is a SUV. I get between 22-24mpg with the V4. I take 70miles of interstate and drive 75mph to work. Extremely disappointed the first day of work with my new Terrain then I thought well maybe it needs broken in. It also is a loud idle engine like a almost ticking sound. The dealership checked it out and said it sounds like a V4. I have problems with the transmission sticking at 3rpms for a long time then it decides to shift up. My back up camera has blanked out about 4 times. Besides that it is very nice vehicle.

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  A Dream Car to Nightmare - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By lina816 - December 27 - 6:23 pm

  We bought his car in 3/2008. I would like to declare lemon on this Acadia. Here are the lists of things that occurred to my Acadia: 3/09 Power Control Module, this one lock my steering wheel while I was on drive in the middle of the road all of the sudden without warning, this could have killed my family 5/09 - air bag wiring repair 2/23/10 - air bag repair again 7/10 head lights blown with recall 9/10 power steering remote replace 11/10 (on our Thanksgiving trip) Water pump and engine run hot 6/11 stability trac warning w/ master cylinder leaking break fluid 9/11 air bag connector replaced 4/12 power window issue 12/12 lost its smooth ride - stabilizer link and struts replace.

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  TLC goes a long way. - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By jimbo4x4 - December 24 - 5:44 pm

  Ive had my GMC Jimmy for about 6 months. When I bought it the trans was rebuilt the oil cooler lines and the coolant was just flushed. Me and my Jimmy had a rocky relationship at first, I had to replace intake gasket, fuel pump, front hubs, and some other more minor things. But now that I gave my Jimmy some TLC it is a great workhorse. It has a strong engine, it can tow a trailer sufficient for my needs, and I can fit all my tools in the back. The four wheel drive is excellent. Im 6"3 and can sit comfortably in the drivers seat. . I change my oil regularly and take care of any maintenance right away. Its a great SUV. Take care of your car and it will take care of you!

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  2012 Acadia SLT 1, AWD - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By lltautomobile - December 20 - 1:14 pm

  Ive now put 9,000 miles on the car after driving it for 9 months. Its performance is adequate, but can seem sluggish if you really need to accelerate quickly. MPG is below advertised at 19 highway and 15-17 in town. I do have the AWD so perhaps this is why. However my parents have the FWD version and they get 17-18/20-21 mpg which is also below advertised. My SLT 1 has heated front seats, but the passenger seat can only move front and back with manual lumbar support- it is obviously inferior to the driver seat, so if you plan on spending any time in the passenger seat, look to upgrade it.

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  Dont waste your time or money - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By motherof3nj - December 16 - 4:21 pm

  We are a family of 5 and my husband I wanted to purchase a vehicle that was not a minivan. With this in mind we looked for vehicles that had the 2nd row captain chairs and were in our price range. After searching we set our hearts on the Acadia. Sadly two days after purchasing the low tire pressure signal kept coming on. We had to return to the dealer for a spark plug to be replaced. However, when my husband picked up the car the next day all things went down hill. He left the dealership and the the car stalled. We were told that there was a problem with the transmission. Four weeks later and they were still repairing the transmission. Thats when we returned the car. So disappointed!!

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  Great car - 2013 GMC Acadia
  By jeroldh - December 15 - 3:04 pm

  Ive had my 2013 Acadia for about 4 weeks. Great car. Very comfortable and easy to drive. Intell-link easy to use with very short learning curve. Gas milage is slightly better than advertised. Much better looking than the previous Acadia. I would recommend this car to anyone!