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 bad at all - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By vakmere - August 26 - 12:34 am

  Nice exterior design. Good ride, I like the auto lift gate and great storage in the rear. Hard plastic interior is a little bit of a bummer and scratches easily however the layout of the dash and other accessories are good. Quiet ride on asphalt and road noise on concrete (typical). Absorbs the road imperfections very well. There is a small storage compartment on the dash, I dont get that one. You need an inspection mirror to see down in there to find the USB and I-Pod jack. Kind of useless IMO. Mileage is around 18mpg, typical for 5500 lbs of vehicle. Engine is not too noisy either. Radio in the rear console does get pretty warm, unusual for something solid state.

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  Gas Gauge Issue - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By mdelatorre - August 23 - 12:29 pm

  I have reviews several reviews and know that I am not the only one experiencing this issue. I have a 2007 Envoy and have had issues with the gas gauge for a few months now. The gas meter will indicate that I am empty but I will have gas in the tank. I have determined that once i get about 1/2 a tank it tells me i am empty. Are thier any plans on recalling this problem that several of us are experiencing?

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  Poor fuel economy - 2012 GMC Terrain
  By owner13 - August 20 - 3:07 pm

  Actual mileage much less than advertised. 27-28(on a good day) hghway, 15-16 in town. Poorer than the usual poor visibiity found in SUVs.

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  excellent car - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By ranson2 - August 17 - 8:55 pm

  i used this car for almost one and a half year< awsom car, powerfull and no problems, no leaks, just change oil and go. i advice every one who is entended to get a car to buy SLT acadia AWD.

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  Happy With My Purchase !!! - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By pattisdgal - August 7 - 6:34 pm

  Had a 2001 Dodge Durango which I loved. After 12 years it was time for a new SUV. I test drove the Traverse, VeraCruz, Durango, and the Durango. As soon as I sat in the GMC, I was sold. The ride is comfortable, it handles great and has lots of room.

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  Acadias are the BEST! - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By jholmes46219 - August 4 - 10:01 am

  I recently traded my 2009 Acadia SLT2 with over 120,000 miles for a new 2012 Denali. I only traded the 09 because of the number of miles and the attractive trade deal available. I loved the old one and like the new one even better. The mileage has averaged in the 18-19 mpg range overall. I have hauled as much as 1,000 lbs and only felt a small amount of rear sway. My only real complaint is that front headlights can only be accessec through the front wheel wells. This is the best all around vehicle I have owned!

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  Still going strong - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By sullylang - August 4 - 7:18 am

  Coming up on 8 years owning this truck. It still runs great, drives great, very reliable, and good efficiency (18mpg city / 22 mpg hwy). Gas mileage was better with regular hwy tires. Dick Cepek FC-II tires took about 1 mpg off the fuel economy. Just did 120k service on vehicle. I wrecked my brakes, but they would have needed rotors and drums at 120k either way. Only issue thats odd is the rough, or low idle from a dirty throttle body. Very simple to clean, and now runs perfect again. Very satisfied with this truck. The experts have their blinders on when giving it poor performance ratings. Power is great and it tows very well.

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  four times unlucky - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By joemxz - July 30 - 8:59 pm

  i bought the terrain with awd v6 with plans of towing my rv and it has been good however the last month it was been burning oil? and its been in the shop 3 times to be fixed and each time it is something else fron solenoids to oil seals and now its doing it again with less than 30000 miles on it. each time its been in shop 4 days and now i am taking it back its frustrating to say but warranty is helping but once its up scary hope its four time lucky

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  Time for another Acadia- Maybe - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By lakedean - July 29 - 10:32 am

  I love my Acadia however I must say that this Vehicle has had more problems than any other vehicle I have ever owned. Headlight $500 New Transmission $3,500 New Odometer $500 sqeeking noise in dashboard. We also Own 2 Buick Enclaves. Just bought my wife a 2012 Buick in March. Im waiting for the 2013 GMC Acadias to come out but I worried about any problems with new models and the fact that my current SUV cost soooooo much in repairs. What to do????? I would love to hear back from GMC customer relations.

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  No longer impressed - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By memery0913 - July 28 - 6:45 pm

  Initially issues started out as minimal: back up camera malfunctioned. On day scheduled to be replaced sat in the waiting room for two hours to be told didnt have part paint on hood started bubbling up b/c of rust. Fixed it no problem/complaint Issue with brakes, waited over two hours (with infant) to be told they had to keep it Service airbag light has been on 2x in last month. On 2nd attempt ordered part, but didn’t tell me without being questioned. At 35979 had full service check and told car was in full working order. At 36102 car seems to continue to run after key is out of ignition.