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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  GMC Terrain SLE2 - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Elaine - March 16 - 10:31 am

  I purchased my Terrain on Jan 30th 2010. I love the design and style. This is my first 2.4 vehicle in a long time. The ride is smooth and quite. A lot more room than the RAV4 or Chevy equinox. The doors open wide for easy access for people who have back problems and the seats are very comfortable with the heated seats. We love the color mocha steel and it is classy. The package is great with all the options. We have a sunroof and upgrade package on the seats. We first saw this car on a TV show called "Medium" where it was introduced. The style of the grill in front was eye catching. Have not checked the mileage yet. Very happy customer.

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  Great for snow and ice AWD Stabilitrak - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Ken2010 - March 14 - 4:22 pm

  The 2010 GMC Terrain SLE 2- 6cyl I have has all wheel drive with Stabilitrak. Electronic Stability Control system Driving back on the interstate from Aberdeen, SD on Mar 11th run into 200 miles of 40 MPH cross winds - ice sheet on the road with blowing and drifting snow. Semi’s in the ditch along with an estimate of 30 – 50 cars including SUVs and 4 wheel drives. I watched them flying into the ditch spinning around with loss of rear end traction. Once they lost traction with the rear end the wind would send them flying. 4 wheel drives without rear end posi track would loose rear end traction and wind up sideways and then in the ditch. I sailed right along and passed everything in sight

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  great crossover - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By scott leisz - March 11 - 12:11 pm

  I bought a FWD 4cyl slt1 a month ago. I have put 1500 miles on it. I havent had one problem with it. Getting 26 combined mpg (60% city 40% highway). It gets the advertised 32 at about 65 mph. I get about 28-29 mpg at 72 mph. As it breaks in should do even better. I looked at all the other crossovers before I bought this one--Infinitis (ex and fx), Acuras (rdx and mdx), Fords (Edge), Mazda(cx7 and cx9),etc, and the GMC fit my needs perfectly. Right combination of mpg, options, space, etc, at a very good price. Absolutely no regrets. Great car.

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  Worth the Wait - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Doug T. - March 10 - 4:09 pm

  Replaced our Ford Explorer and am very glad we did. We could not find one on a lot in this part of the state so we ordered one just like we wanted. For a smaller vehicle the space and comfort is nothing short of outstanding. We opted for the AWD and are still very happy with the break-in mileage with 28 on the highway thus far. Blue Tooth is perfect and the Pioneer sound system is all we expected it to be. iPod port is a great touch and the information system is user friendly enough that the wife loves it. Seat comfort rivals that of many of the "upscale" sedans I have owned in the past. Time will tell but it looks like GMC has hit a home run with the Terrain.

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  Girls Best Friend - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Chastity Broderick - March 10 - 9:00 am

  I traded in my 2009 Toyota Corolla because I had many problems with it and it was too small. The gas mileage and roomy interior attracted me to this vehicle. The cargo space in the back isnt too big, but suitable for my needs. The back seat lays down (not flush) to make more room if I need to haul things. I love the OnStar and Satellite radio. It also has heated cloth seats, which is amazing in the winter. If I were to buy one again, Id want a sun roof and built in DVD players, but otherwise this is the perfect smaller SUV. Good job GMC!

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  3500 mile check in - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By jj - March 8 - 6:42 pm

  After 3500 miles averaging 24 mpg in city. about 29 on the hwy. Still loving it more and more each day. Towed my enclosed trailer with 3 full size motocross bikes, and gear it towed excellent. The 4 cyl has plenty of power even when towing.

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  Used Yukon SLT, No Regrets! - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By clm - March 5 - 11:07 am

  What can I say? This is probably one of the best vehicles we have ever owned. We replaced a 2002 Altima, due to needing a new family "truckster". This SUV has it all (every option except DVD and Nav). This vehicle only had 66K miles and is just breaking in. Quality and comfort are second to none. We especially like the fact that GMCs in general are a happy medium between luxury and work horses. We test drove a comparable Escalade and honestly passed it up because this SUV just "felt" better. No need to worry about cheap chrome accents, skinned bumpers, etc. Plenty of space, power, features, and drives like new. Cant say enough good things.

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  I couldnt be happier - 2010 GMC Yukon
  By cdmgolfcarts - March 1 - 10:49 am

  I live in Southern California and demand a lot out of my vehicles. I spend time in the mountains, off- road, towing a boat and a trailer as well as hauling people around. This past weekend I was able to take my new Denali up to the local mountains and as lucky enough to be there for a decent sized storm. The truck hard no problem at all driving through the rough conditions. It gave me and my 5 passengers a good sense of security as we tooled around town without any heart stopping moments. I have a 23 Centurion Enzo wake-boarding boat that weighs roughly 6,000 lbs. and is a piece of cake to tow with the powerful 6.2 L engine. Gas mileage isnt good but its what you can only expect.

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  Almost bought an Audi Q5 - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By LLA - February 27 - 12:51 pm

  We stumbled across the Acadia on a whim after an Audi salesman was not forth right about the models on his car lot. The Acadia is a great choice for a family SUV. My daughter loves the second row captains seats because they are cozy and they even recline, I love the comfort and my husband loves the style. The ride is comfortable. We recently took it on a road trip that included going on some uneven dirt roads. It did an awesome job. When driving it feels bigger than it is. The safety ratings are also great. We traded our 10 year old Suburban for this car so I feel good about the longevity of a GMC product and I feel alot better about buying an American Car.

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  a good suv - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By chicago - February 22 - 11:10 pm

  I purchased this vehicle in 2008 with only 66000 miles. A year later and 85000, i still love it. I did run into a repairs like an alternator, water pump, fuel pump and rear brakes that needed to be replaced. I did most of the work myself. The ride quality is great i feel like im riding on air. The room is awesome, i love the fact that its sort off like a truck but with the SUV look. I love my truck even though i needed to replace parts on it, but it is 10 years old.