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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  surprized - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By tmon4te - November 29 - 11:26 am

  Bought the vehicle with 19k miles on. It immediately needed a air intake sensor and valve. I travel about 350miles weekly and took a 1000 mile round trip with it. It is a smooth ride, not bad pick up even at higher speeds for a 4 cylinder. All the controls are readily accessible, not having to search them. With owning about a dozen cars in the past, I usually buy non-american, but liked the features and style on it so i gave it a shot and so far enjoying it. The biggest downfall Ive seen was the suggested gas mileage. Im getting about 18-24mpg, thats city and hwy at different speeds, but to counteract that you can get around 400 miles on a tank- I have bad driving habits though!

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  One year review... - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By terndude - November 7 - 11:18 pm

  First, this is a V-6 Terrain AWD SLT-2, no V6 option in the list still... So, after one year of ownership, I can attest to the performance, comfort, and build quality of our 2011 Terrain. On freeway drives we get 23-26 MPG and towing a 1,400lb camper across the Cascades we still get around 21. Not sure what people are doing to those 4-bangers, but the 6 performs well under all scenarios weve been in. Hauled a new dishwasher in it last week with room to spare. Leather is a bit stiff but comfy and the sliding / reclining rear seat makes ample room for car seats and passengers over 6ft with ease. No problems whatsoever. AWD great in ice and snow, quiet, comfy, hugs the road.

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  NEVER buy another car that was made in America - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By cleanair1 - November 6 - 8:07 pm

  I will NEVER buy another car that was made in America. My husband and I gave a change to 2007 GMC Acadia. Wow....repair, repair, repair. This car has only 4 years old and already so many problems. Roof leaking, seat is not working, tail gate broke, windshield stoped.....

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  Stay away from the I-4 2.4L engine!!! - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By wrusprod - November 5 - 4:21 pm

  There is a major issue with the 2011 I-4 engine.. with a rattling startup noise. Any GM vehicle with this engine has the problem, Chevy Equinox, Buick Regal..etc... intermittant Rattling noise on startup, stalling, engine codes, poor MPG, bucking transmission.. and GM has been playing guinea pigs with all the owners who keep taking back to the dealer for repair of the rattling noise..almost a year with this issue and still no solution...STAY AWAY FROM THE I-4!

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  GMC Acadia Junkmobile - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By bubb007 - October 31 - 2:36 pm

  Struts replaced X2 , tranny X2, brakes and rotors replaced X2, rear seat adjustment is horrible, original tires garbage. GMC engineers trying to figure out why airbag/seatbelt lights stay on all the time...cant assure me that the airbags will work correctly. Worst vehicle ever owned...in fact, Ive had $100 cars when I was a kid that were better quality and more dependable that this pile of scrap metal. Have 5 months left on my "Stupid Buy" and am certainly returning this vehicle (since GMC wont do anything to buy me out. They spent more money on transmission and struts that they would have to buy me out! Wouldnt buy another even if offered for the $100...like my cars of 30 years ago!

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  2002 Envoy SLT 4x4 - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By jens923 - October 30 - 5:43 pm

  I purchased my 2002 Envoy SLT new in Sept 2001. After a little over 10 years on the road, I am still driving it and am still pleased with the truck. I currently have 89,000 miles on mine. I replaced the original brakes earlier this year after the truck had over 80,000 miles. The engine still runs like new and the auto transmission shifts very smoothly. The truck rides well and is comfortable. I plan on keeping my Envoy and have no desire to trade it in on anything new.

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  Love My Terrain - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By pandoras - October 21 - 2:37 pm

  I had driven a 1996 Ford Explorer Sport until December 2010 when I bought the 2011 Terrain. I thought I would never find an auto that I loved as much as the Explorer Sport, but I was wrong. I love my Terrain!!! No, the gas mileage is not as advertisied, but that is the only issue I have seen, found or had.

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  My 99 Jimmy SLE is GREAT - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By brothermike777 - October 19 - 6:34 pm

  I bought a 99 Jimmy with only 76k on it from Enterprise Leasing company. It had some small issues that were an easy fix. I cant say its good on fuel but I can tell you it has always ran awesome,is so comfortable with many toys and most of all it feels sturdy and safe to drive. I had a Toyota pickup I loved but when I got hit it crumbled like an aluminum can. I know this truck would stand up in any accident situation due to its sturdy construction and placement of its 2nd generation airbags. Im extremely happy with it with no issues. I wish the rest of you the best with your issues. I know one thing I have always maintained it with proper dealer advised fluid changes and lubrication.GoodLuck

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  orginal owner/wish they still offered 2dr Z71 model! - 1996 GMC Yukon
  By jrr11 - October 15 - 12:44 pm

  I have 165,000 miles on my 96 4x4 2dr Yukon I bought new in late 1996. Ive never had any major problems with this truck and it just keeps on going. I did buy a replacement"life time waranty" GM starter and alt early on...that was a good move as i have gone through 3 alternators over the 15 yr span. Only minor repairs to what has been the most reliable vehicle ive ever owned. I get offers all the time to sell it as the 2 door models are becoming rare. I love this short wheel base 4x4, as it goes through about anything. I cant believe GM does not offer a short wheel base 2 dr 4x4 SUV with honest off road capability anymore. There are a lot of us that still covet them!

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  Well Satisfied - 2012 GMC Terrain
  By oldterrainguy - October 10 - 6:58 am

  Couldnt be happier with my 2012 Terrain. Style, inside and exterior, tech galore which will take me time to learn including bluetooth and onstar dirctions. Very good solid and quiet ride. Took the Terrain for a drive specifically to test mileage since I had read bad reports for the 2011 Terrain and Equinox. If the onboard computer is reasonably accurate, 31.5 to 33.8 average over a 100 mile test with cruise set at 61 MPH. I believe the EPA test standard is still 60 MPH. Great value for those that keep a car for a long time.