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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  looks good too - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By mulholly@att.net - November 16 - 9:48 pm

  great s u v

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  SAVE YOUR MONEY & SANITY! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Alyssa - November 16 - 7:52 pm

  I purchased a used 2010 GMC Terrain SLT-2 AWD from Harris Mitsubishi Dealer (Everett, WA) in April 2015 with ~83,000 miles. Everything looked great and the cost was in my price range. When I asked the salesman about the CONSTANT CLICKING NOISE while the engine was running he said "thats normal for a 4 cylinder" Purchased this vehicle with the reassurance that it has been detailed, oil changed and mechanically inspected/ approved. I also purchased their 3rd party warranty (Protective Asset Protection) with hopes to be pro-active and a responsible car owner... - May 2015: Low oil light comes on, I return to Harris Mitsubishi Dealer to be told that they just "forgot to reset the button but my oil is fine". They reset it and told me to come back as directed on the reminder window decal. *NO repairs preformed at this time as directed by Harris Mitsubishi* -June 2015: While driving my Terrain dies multiple times when slowing to a stop. Must rev my engine to keep it on. Took immediately to Seaview GMC Service Department (Lynnwood, WA) Diagnostics come back with a TIMING CHAIN ISSUES and my Terrain had been LEAKING and now RUNNING ON NO OIL. *Preformed ALL recommend repairs by Seaview because this part was cover under factory warranty* - October 2015: Check engine light turns on and clicking noise seems to be more regular. Took immediately to Seaview again and now diagnostics show CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAS FAILED and my AC COMPRESSOR is FAILING. $175.00 for diagnostics alone. Catalytic converter is not covered under my warranty and since the ac compressor has not failed they will not replace this. Seaview recommend not driving until these parts are replaced, quoted me at least $1,200 just for the catalytic converter part alone. -November 2015: Researched online for answers only to find out that all of these issues are consistent with other numerous Terrain owners. When I contacted GMC direct 1-866-996-9463 with my frustrations, facts and safety concerns I was told essentially that its a used car thats out of warranty, but they will look into it.... ****My advise to YOU is invest your good hard money into some other vehicle****

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  Thought I had a good car. - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By Tracy - November 16 - 7:29 am

  Bought this used 3 months ago. Had a problem with a timing belt and something else a month ago and it was repaired under warranty. My warranty went out last week. Yesterday, my check engine light came on so I had Onstar run a diagnostic check and they said it had something to do with the car not starting and I need to get it fixed within 7 days. This morning, I had to turn the heat up to 78 to feel any kind of warm air. Last week 75 was too hot. Also, mpg is not what they claim and that was one of the main reasons I purchased this vehicle. Very disappointed!

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  Great Truck! - 2015 GMC Canyon
  By Jonny See - November 15 - 2:35 am

  Ive owned this truck for 6 months and I am very happy with my purchase. I use it as my daily driver because its comfortable, quiet, has decent gas mileage (21mpg), and also has power when I need it. The exterior looks great and the inside has more than enough room for my wife and 2 kids. Ive had no major issues with the truck. So far SO good!

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  Expensive Peice Of Junk - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Tommy - November 14 - 8:02 am

  I bought this 4 cyl SLE 2 Terrain in 2011 with just 9k on the clock. At first I thought it was a nice car for the money and offered a lot of comforts and conveniences. After 20k miles it needed at timing chain. after 40k miles it needed another timing chain. Shortly after that the ac would cycle on off every 10 seconds. Took it to GMC for ac check and they said was ok. Took it back at least 8 times and they started changing parts and every time they touched it it got worse. Finally they told me it needed a new evaporator because it was leaking. So I took it to another shop for a 2nd opinion and they said they could not see or find any leaks. So back to GMC again and they started messing with the computer. Only to make it worse. Than Yesterday driving home I hear a growling noise coming from the tranny and than my car stoped and I had to get towed to GMC. The next day GMC told me the tranny was toast and it would cost 4400 dollars because I am out of warranty. This car has only 4300 miles on it and has never need driven hard. Dont but a Terrain its bad news

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  Transmission Problems - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By its me - November 13 - 12:23 pm

  My husband brought this 2011 vehicle in March of 2015 and Im now having transmission problems. WHY is it that this 2011 with only 83,867 miles on it having transmission problems????????? I also hate the silver lining around the vents, the sun blinds you from it. The front headrest are not comfortable. The navi is very generic and plain. I cannot Bluetooth my droid which is a BIG problem for me. I was he hadnt purchased this for me. I really HATE it. Now we have to worry about either getting a new trans or trading it in. DO NOT PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE.......

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  Designed for 62" guys - 2015 GMC Terrain
  By Romualdas Stanenas - November 13 - 10:20 am

  Excellent value for the money.

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  Very good vehicle - most of the time - 2015 GMC Terrain
  By Rick - November 10 - 2:36 pm

  We basically picked this vehicle based on cost after our GMC Envoy XL had major problems, but we very happy with the choice after the fact. We wanted an Acadia, but the $10K+ price difference was too much. The Terrain rides great, its easy to drive, is comfortable and pretty spacious for a "compact" SUV. It has way more room in the back seat than the Envoy did and I know it has better front passenger area than the Envoy. We fit 5 of us (kids 16, 8 & 3) but its a little tight (my 8 yr old cant us his booster seat with 3 in the back seat). Its easy and comfortable to drive (even when loaded down) and its mostly quiet. There is a lot of tire noise (not sure if its the car or the tires though) which can get really loud on the highway. The cargo area is a little small considering this isnt really a small vehicle, but the back seat can be adjusted to make more space (but not by much without sacrificing all the leg room). We recently took a 2500+ mile trip with all of us. Even loaded with all 5 of us and all the luggage (including a roof cargo box) the ride and handling were very good. I was surprised the back end didnt lower much once everything/everyone was loaded up either. You noticed the weight when driving, but it didnt make it much harder to drive and I quickly got used to it. Even after 12+ hours in the car we didnt feel really stiff or sore and we survived with 3 in the back seat. This is where I wished we got the 6 cyl motor though. The 4 cyl is good 90% of the time for us, so it probably is the better overall choice. It really struggled at higher speeds (70 MP+) with all of us and the luggage although understandably so considering it was probably about 1000 lbs of people & gear. We only got about 23 MPG for the trip so I was disappointed in that (I expected about 25 MPG with the cargo box). It downshifts on almost any kind of hill trying to maintain speed. The constant shifting gets annoying especially when it kicks down a couple of gears. Its kind of like 2 different vehicles when it comes to the mileage (even without the cargo box). If you stay between 60 - 65 MPH it easily gets 28 - 30 MPG. Once you start going 70 or more it really drops off to low to mid 20s. I guess because the squared off styling. Overall = Likes: styling, comfort (although the seat material with the holes can be a little itchy & collects crumbs/dirt), ride, stereo is very good, gas mileage (most of the time) and safety ratings. Good amount of storage places, cup holders and charging ports. The center console is quite large which can make it a little hard to find things with too much stuff in it. I think the headlights and fog lights work great good brightness and distance so you dont have to use high beams all the time. Dislikes: 4 cyl when the vehicle is loaded up, no rear A/C vents and the front ones are low (glad we got a light colored one), cargo area is a little small. My 8 yr old says the center seat in the back is too hard. The transmission downshifts a lot because it always tries to get to the highest gear. It can be difficult to try to accelerate a little bit without it downshifting (and sometimes it goes down 2 gears).

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  Thanks GM - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By T.J.L. - November 9 - 6:39 am

  Thank You GM, I just wanted to take the time to express my thanks to you for making my selection to purchase another vehicle so simple. Being a loyal GM customer starting with a purchase of a new 1963 Chevrolet Impala from "Z-Frank Chevrolet" (Petersen Ave Chicago, Illinois) and continuing to buy G.M. vehicles throughout the years (3 in this household-1996 Jimmy 4x4, 1999 S10, 2001 GMC Sierra) and working in the automotive field over 30years. As an "engine-power train" mechanic in the Military (1968-70) inc. Viet Nam working on tanks & APCs w/GMC 6v & 8v diesels, and continuing in the civilian world as a auto mechanic for 20 years, it has given me the knowledge and understanding to evaluate and surmise a variety of automotive problems. Moving into the automotive insurance industry as a field appraiser/adjustor I frequently have to determine the causes of auto-accidents, be it a result of a drivers judgment or in some cases mechanical failures. My experience in the past with GM has been satisfactory in the majority of instances which required intervention with local dealerships and representatives of whatever division represented, however, you have now enlightened me to refocus my outlook and to "LOOK AGAIN" (Im sure you heard that phrase?). In Re: your case # 1-138599825 I was one of the lucky people to purchase a 1996 Jimmy 4x4 "SLT" for my wife. It came complete with all options including all the wonderful "shared" mechanical failures of the many other 1996 Jimmy & Blazer owners. One of the best unadvertised features incorporated is the "Russian Roulette Brake System" (more fun than a tornado) It will sure make your adrenalin glands work to their maximum capabilities, although our laundry bill has risen! Wooo!..,what a rush! I just love to play the included free game "Will it or Wont it Stop in Time-ver 2.0". At 59 yrs. old Ive had a full life anyway. As of today with 39,430 actual miles I have been blessed with the privilege of requiring my 3rd brake power booster. I sure like that, it makes it easy to remember the number 3, like also the 3rd alternator. Shucks, if Im lucky, they will both catch up to the 4 batteries! To bad, the driver power window regulator motor is only the 2nd , oh well "Sh~~ Happens ! ". We where extremely privileged to repair the front brake failure @17,000 miles or so (wow, we were lucky. We usually have to wait for at least 30,000 miles or so.) and I only had to pay a percentage (hmm..,?`~@##*-) Hats off to that "great engineering design" in the elite manufacturing process. I am excited and really looking forward to the seeing the transmission dissected which will be in the future for sure, I can hardly wait. Little did I know after I tried to pull out the trans dipstick @13,000 miles, lo and behold you cute little devils included a hidden bonus of a sexy shade of brown stuff embedded in the tube. I just love all those little extra things you include @ no-charge. Geeze, I didnt hear from you guys about that service bulletin,(one of over 250) that led to fun and games $@ the tranny shop with a old version of "Flush & Fill". I felt a little sad I didnt get to play your new improved game. Living in the desert with the constant temperature over 100 degrees I can hardly wait for the ac compressor to die again. It seems to be lagging, only had to replace it once so far but Im sure it will see what the other components are doing and will join the game. I know by the oil spots on the driveway we do have some unknown players trying out for a place in my wallet. Wondering if maybe they made the hoses with "natural-breathing" rubber? Its a shame we have never driven it off road or we could have really enjoyed ourselves, with some of the other neat mechanical failures I read about in the hundreds of pages posted on the internet by other "Happy Owners" of the same year and type vehicles. I guess I can be thankful that you have sparked my curiosity to determine the trick you use to make a "power brake booster" FAIL twice in less than 40,000 miles... not really sure if I will keep the "Jimmy" long enough to figure that one out! Seems I found some replacement vehicles but Im not sure my wife is ready to give someone else the chance to have all the fun playing the newest modestly priced "$590.00" OEM Full featured GMC game "Kill-her now? Will it or Wont it Stop in Time.., ver 3.0" or also available @ a local repair facility the Lite version "Maybe it Will, Maybe it Wont" after-market @ a slightly lower cost. Again, I want to personally THANK YOU and congratulate your company for not standing up to your product. Most of all, thanks for providing me with a whole new outlook to "LOOK AGAIN" P.S. please let me know if you decide to make the "Corvair" again. I sure would like one. T.J.L. aka "jimmy-deep-pockets"

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  Did not realize what i was getting into - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Chris Little - November 6 - 2:47 pm

  i bought the SLE 2.4l AWD in 2014, the vehicle was already 4 years old with 80k miles on it. before i drove it off the lot, noticed the utility charging plug in the front storage compartment did not work, and the USB port in the center console did not work. told the dealer and they said they would handle it, no one ever called me. as the year progresses that i have the vehicle, i start smelling small amounts of exhaust in the cab and think nothing of it. this week, 11/2/15 - 11/6/15 the check engine light came on and gave a P0011 code, took it to the dealer and found it was crank shaft alignment sensor, the dealer recommended replacing the actuator for it and also doing the exhaust sensor and actuator. $900 later, because the extended warranty that i purchased would not cover the work performed, the exhaust i smelled in the cab became 10 times worse. took it back to the dealer and had them look at it free of charge. i now have a cracked exhaust manifold. this crack does not show up over night, which means when i bought it, the manifold probably had a small fracture in it. and yet again, my extended warranty will not cover this repair either. dealer wants over $500 to fix this, sorry.. i got my complementary inspection, im going somewhere else for the repair. dont get me wrong, the fuel economy on this vehicle is great and it is a good looking car. i, however, do not like having to fork out this much money on a vehicle when i have only owned it for a year now and still making payments on it. my 2002 GMC Sierra has given me less trouble, and its 13 years old now.