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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  Excellent Car...but, tranny problems - 2012 GMC Terrain
  By desertguyphx - January 15 - 8:26 pm

  I like everything about this car. Great design, interior and exterior, comfortable and great handling.

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  Milky white fluid 1st. Rusty brown 2nd. - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By gunkedmotors - January 12 - 10:42 pm

  We have a 2011 GMC Terrain SLT, and this is the second time it has been in the shop. Milky white fluid boiled out of the water reservoir the first time. The dealer said the tubes that ran inside the radiator busted causing the white milky substance. The radiator was replaced and did numerous wash cycles for 3 weeks. We got the car back and 2 days later the radiator busted in my driveway and rusty brown fluid spewed out of the radiator. The check engine light has yet to come on. The dealer said it was the same problem. I asked if they did compression check for blown head gasket, and never got an answer. Is it a bad radiator or to much compression in the radiator. January 22, 2012 is year.

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  False MPG: Just lost fifteen hundred bucks! - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By retiredpilot1 - January 9 - 11:16 pm

  I have had my 2011 Terrain for 15 months, 23,000 miles. This car cost me an extra $1500 last year in gas because the actual mileage (17/22) is NOT EVEN CLOSE to claimed. I am a retired airline pilot and mechanical engineer, I know how to glide thru air. It really peeves me that we allow such false and misleading advertising, whatever happened to good old honesty? See you at the class action claim hearing!

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  I Love It!!! - 2012 GMC Terrain
  By ewag41 - December 30 - 2:30 pm

  Have always liked the Terrain look, ordered 2012 New in 2011, received on time, dealership very honest on pricing and reviewing options on vehicle before delivering. Courtesy Chevrolet -Kingsport, TN. AWD- 4 cyl. Like sound of engine and the shifting. Years ago you got this effect with a pure STICK. Has a manual option, comes in handy on downgrades and when coming to a stop. AWD handles good on curvy roads. On trip to N.Y. got 26.8, which is good. Used ECO all the time. Steering is very good once you adapt to the electric format. Very steady on highway, does not wander. Room:Well I am able to haul the same stuff I use to haul with my Trail Blazer, but with better MPG- way better::

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  What can I do about gas mileage? - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By mab13 - December 30 - 11:09 am

  I will start by saying I am very careful when driving my vehicles to make sure I am getting the best gas mileage. I drive very appropriately. My gas mileage sucks. I traded in a Torrent for this and my Torrent got just about the same mileage, yet I paid a lot more for my Terrain! Now, I am stuck with a long commute to work and horribly gas mileage. They claim 32 hwy, I never expected 32, but Im lucky to get 24-25, and again, I DO drive properly. Do I have any recourse for this? Im pissing away money driving 2 hours per day thinking this care would save me money!

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  very disapointed - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By lapitino - December 21 - 6:06 pm

  I am very unhappy with my 2011 model. It is less than one year old and only has 15,000 miles on it. In the last two weeks it has been in for repair 3 different times. It has gone in for multiple issues, 2 out of 3 are yet to be fixed. I have been in a rental car for a total of 12 days now. My fear is that this is a sign of things to come. I plan to ask for a replacement vehicle or I will absolutely be contacting the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. Did I mention the gas mileage it NOT what was advertised??

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  Great Truck !!!! - 2010 GMC Yukon
  By gmlover777 - December 20 - 8:10 am

  What a wonderful truck. I love everything about this truck. Its beautiful looking and is very reliable! I got the SLT model and we are quiet lucky because it has all the features like the Denali. The only downside to this truck is the 3rd row seating. Its very uncomfortable although we never use it. Im a big guy im 5 foot 10 and I had to lie down on the bench because there was no room to place my feet. But what I do like is you can take the seats off and it will give you a hell of a lot more space. Great truck!! Always loved these trucks, expect the Chevrolet Tahoe!! Never buy that model too many problems with my experience.

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  2011 GMC 3.0L V-6 DIR, GREAT SO FAR! - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By luke22zm - December 9 - 4:17 pm

  Me and my wife just bought this car used with 31,000 miles on it. Got a great price on it and so far, its ran great. I was told by one person to stay away from the 3.0L V-6 and go 4-Cyl, but others told me it would be just fine. There is a knocking noise when it runs, 3 different certified GM dealers told me its normal with the car and the direct injection in it, it runs great and has no issues so I am going to take there word for it. Still have the powertrain warranty if something goes wrong anyway. Overall nice features, fun to drive, and sporty, rides smooth and is fun to drive! I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a SUV! Ours is FWD and we live in MN, drives great still!

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  Interesting SUV - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By mitchiev22 - December 1 - 11:14 am

  The car has a nice comfortable feature to it, the seats are great and the mirrors are just right.

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  Constant Problems - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By ineedaricci - November 30 - 7:47 am

  Our 2007 GMC Acadia has given us constant problems. We fell for the sleek design and interior comfort. At 6 months the transmission quit reversing in our driveway, It was replaced. Soon after we had constant electrical problems. The radio shorted out. The turn signals stopped. The headlamps shorted. Three of my four windows do not work (to expensive to fix). The airbags are deactivated. The stabilitrak has been a constant and ongoing issue with sensor issues. To date the engine has been dropped out of my car for repair 3 times. Today I am calling again today for a stabilitrak/check engine/ low engine performace signal, and it will probably be dropped another fourth and very costly time.