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:

• 

  GMC Acadia 2009 - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By taram1 - July 17 - 8:46 pm

  I just posted a review about my first suv now this is after I traded that in for a year older model to see if it was better because I just love it. Sadly I found my self so disappointed. At 55,000 something miles the battery kept going dead. I took it to a mechanic and he performed a full checkup and found the alternator went bad. I couldnt believe it...it was happening again. Inw just so torn because I really love this car. I knew even if I fixed the 800.00 repair on top of my car payment...later it would happen again. Today I left GMC and sold my car to a Volvo dealer and now have an XC90. Ill post on this experience as well in time. Please GMC keep gm here in the USA and not China

• 

  2008 & 2009 GMC ACadia owner - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By taram1 - July 17 - 8:36 pm

  In regards to owning a 2008. The hour I bought it the rear window button was messed up. 2 weeks later the air conditioning went out. 3 months later the power steering gear box shaved part on the actual gears and I lost all power to the steering. At the time I was 6 months pregnant and I was scared to drive it. The owner CEO of GMC should remember my letter unless the staff signed it for him. Then within the next 7 months the power steering was reached a total of 3 times. I traded it in the dealer I bought it from for a 09 model.After owning this for 1 year and a half at about 55,465 miles same for the 08, now battery issues and it needed a new alternator. 800.00. I just bought a VolvoXC90

• 

  Surprised so far - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By 1sttimegmc - July 16 - 10:08 am

  We have driven Japanese vehicles for the last 15 years, we have a 2010 pilot right now as the wifes car, and they have all been stellar. I have been admiring the Acadia for some time. We really like the way that it drives and looks. The build quality seems on pr with the Hondas, the material quality is a step below the pilot. We like the smooth ride and quietness of it. The pilot is louder by far. The space is also very nice. We have had it one month and 1500 miles, so time will tell on the reliability front. The only real gripe I have so far is the transmission behaves oddly in 6th gear at a light cruise. Most other 6 speed AT s I have driven seem to have some quirks as well.

• 

  California to Colorado - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By buyusa2 - July 2 - 5:32 pm

  We purchased an SLT2 FWD in April 2007. We have 47,000 miles on the vehicle. We did experience a water pump issue that was covered under the 100K mileage warranty. Other than that, the Acadia has been trouble free. We just returned from a 2,100 mile trip to Colorado from California and back through the Nevada and Utah deserts where the temperature was 105 degrees. The Acadia was great. I realize some owners have experienced issues that Im sure GM is attempting to address. This vehicle is built by Americans for Americans as well as others. I only wish Id ordered AWD and a tow package (for bikes). Our mileage was 18.52 mpg matching exactly what the DIC indicated. Buy and Acadia

• 

  2007 GMC ACADIA TRAMSMITTION ISSUES - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By silver5555 - June 28 - 2:48 pm

  we bought this SUV in 2007, it now has 108,785 miles, the transmittion is acting up, somehow it remains in 3rd gear. if you have an Acadia be sure to take it to the dealer before 100,000 miles to have it checked out. the repair cost $3,751. I contacted GMC customer service, at first they didnt want to help me with my issue, but I am hoping and praying for them to change their mind. Ive had too many problems with this SUV, stay away from it, it has great looks, but quality is below standard for $35,000 SUV

• 

  I love my Acadia! - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By ashrae9504 - June 14 - 4:59 pm

  I have never had a single problem with my GMC 09 Acadia. I bought my brand new with 9 miles on it in December of 08. Has gotten me everywhere across the midwest with all my trips. Its pretty good on gas mileage for a SUV. The only problem I have had to take it to a GMC dealership to get fixed is the 2 recalls which they fixed and paid me, and leaks in my tires which set off my tire system sensor. But i work in a construction field so therefor the slow leaks were due to a nail in my tires. And oh yeah the other thing was to reset my sensor for Air bags. But I have never had anything fixed and I have had this vehicle for 3-1/2 years brand new. Love this vehicle!!!!!!!!

• 

  BEST CAR. period - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By lovegmc1 - June 12 - 2:30 pm

  For our new car, we were going to test drive an edge at ray seraphin ford, but when they wouldnt let us because there was snow on top of the car (:0), we decided to go right next door to Scranton GMC. I fell in love with it as soon as we drove it off of the lot because of all the features as well as smoothness of the ride! A few months later, after driving every other comparable car, we decided on the acadia! Ever since Hallowee 2011, we have taken the beloved acadia everywhere, and racked up 16,000 miles, all without ONE problem(except for one onstar issue, but that wasnt the cars fault). The GMC acadia fits any family like a new member and is the best crossover/ SUV choice out there!!!!

• 

  In my 5th year - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By hdao - June 12 - 10:24 am

  As I have seen quite many people are disappointed with Acadia. Especially sun roof leak, power steering rubbing noise, water pump leak. I was lucky that I did not buy the one with a sun roof. M Acadia had a water pump leak. It has been replaced at 30k mileage for free under power train warranty. The power steering rubbing noise happened after the bumper-to-bumper warranty. However, after contacting the GMC Social Relation Department, GMC has split the cost. That is a nicest thing of buying this vehicle. It shows GMC committed to customer satisfaction.

• 

  Great Rig - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By mcinpdx - June 12 - 12:20 am

  Bought my 02 Yukon 6 months ago, and love it. Yes, shes a little thirsty (14/18), but its like driving a Cadillac on a 4x4 frame (w/ a tighter turning radius!) Fun to drive, safe in a wreck, and the easiest interior configuration Ive ever used. As a gig musician, Im always loading/unloading varying amounts of gear. This rig is so easy to pull seats out, rearrange space, etc.

• 

  I got suckered into buying this based on Gas Mileage - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By vlazo - June 7 - 10:57 am

  Im very disappointed in my purchase of the 2011 GMC Terrian. When i bought this i was told like most about the amazing gas milegae that ranged from 23-32 mpg so i made the decision that for my first new car i would go with the 2.4L 4 cylinder FWD model to maximaze fuel econonmy. I have never seen more then 23.6 miles per gallon and that was after putting in premium gasoline(which is not called for i was just doing anything i could to get better gas mileage) and highway driving...whats wrong with this picture??? I average 21.9 mgh normally & my car has 21,000 miles so it doesnt need to b broke in like i was told by my dealer.