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:

• 

  Headliner - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By sls12 - May 21 - 8:39 am

  I have had my 2011 Terrain for 8 months, the headliner came down in first 3 months, they tried to fix by placing in new magnets. This did not work, the headliner was down by the time I got home from the dealership. They then ordered a new complete headliner, installed this a month ago, and it is down again. This has taken 4 trips to have this worked on with another trip next week to start again. This is very frustrating and time consumming. Other than this, I do enjoy driving even though it is a little slow. If the headliner is not resolved this time I would never purchase another GMC product. Not worth the aggravation on a new car.

• 

  Piece of Crap. So MAD - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By cleanair1 - May 16 - 3:38 pm

  Hello. Im from Ottawa, Canada. I have 2008 Acadia SLT loaded. We started to have a problems after 2,5 years owing the car. My boyf and I so freaking mad. Every time its rains car is leaking from the roof. DONT BUY IT. SAFE yourself a trouble

• 

  Poor Gas Mileage - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By cbasta - May 16 - 11:28 am

  This base Terrain with a 4 cylinder and no options is rated at 32MPG highway but actually gets 25 highway in ECO mode, which inhibts performance. Its worse otherwise. Driven on mostly level roads in Florida, I dont understand. The dealer in Marianna, FL was notified but didnt even bother to schedule a service visit.

• 

  It is ok. - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By marvindale - May 7 - 7:18 pm

  We have had the V6 for 6 months and it is a good buy. This replaced a 2000 Buick LeSabre and though they are different types of cars I did expect a little better gas mailage. The best on the road so far has been 22 MPG. The old land creuser got that in town. So I dont think a six speed trans and all the new tech stuff has really make such a improvement. But that is the only dissapointment so far.

• 

  Acadia Denali - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By ltdjr - May 1 - 4:19 pm

  I have 6 weeks experience with the Acadia Denali FWD. Overall the ride is quiet and comfortable. There have been no mechanical issues. The six cylinder engine provides adequate power, but not high perforance by any account. The gas milage is quite disappointing so far. I probably would not have made this purchase if I knew how bad the milage would be. Combined driving is 15-16mpg. Dealer says it will get better after 5,000 mi? I doubt that highly. I have seen 20 mpg only on long highway trips. The Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon gets this kind of milage in a substantial SUV as opposed to this disguised minivan.

• 

  Horrible Electrical Problems - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By ldonivan - April 24 - 5:31 pm

  We bought this vehicle less than one year old- within 2 wks the CD player went. Within six months we lost the tach & the speedometer. Next to go were oil pressure and temp gauges. Then gas gauge. Entire instrument cluster replaced- very expensive dealership repair. Within 18 months the heat & AC only funcntioned on drivers side, and the radio worked only intermittently. Have had to replace fuses and relays repeatedly- relays are @ $40 a piece. Now you cant run the fan at all or it dies & I dont even want to know what that will cost to fix. Would not recommend anyone to buy this year of Envoy- unless of course someone would take mine off my hands. Please!

• 

  exterior mirrors - 2011 GMC Savana
  By rickman1 - April 24 - 9:20 am

  After owning 6 gm vans previously I am disappointed in the configuration of the split mirrors. Driving down the highway the upper mirror gives an accurate view although smaller then previous years, however the lower mirror (installed for backup purposes) gives a distorted view that causes vison nausea. This makes for an uncomfortable driving experience

• 

  Cant wait to pick up my new car! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By lmbt969 - April 17 - 12:41 pm

  My family is picking up our 2010 GMC Terrain on Monday (tomorrow) and we are SO excited! It is actually used with 30,000 miles but its new to us! We took the car for almost an entire day last week (my very close friend is the manager of the dealership) and absolutely loved it. I drive a 2008 Tahoe for work and just cant imagine spending that kind of money on gas considering how much city driving I do. I love love love the interior and exterior styling of the Terrain. I agree with the "numb steering" feel, but Im used to it from the Tahoe. We were impressed with the gas mileage, but long term remains to be seen. We were in the market for a 4cyl SUV and this one fit the bill!

• 

  Our third Yukon still love em - 2011 GMC Yukon
  By drat19 - April 13 - 10:36 pm

  The 11 Yuke does just about everything better than our 06 did. The ride is smoother, the seats more comfortable, and GM has finally caught up to the competition in terms of refinement and the usefulness of the electronic gadgetry. The stereo and nav system are very solid, and the iPod integration via the USB port is killer. It also looks gorgeous (esp. in the RJT color)...we began receiving parking lot compliments the first place we parked it, and that continues. You dont buy this vehicle for the gas mileage you buy it because you want it for what it is...the most capable true full-size SUV on the road. Towing, cargo, passenger comfort - the Yukon has it all.

• 

  Right choice - 2011 GMC Yukon
  By hjt777 - April 13 - 2:40 pm

  I traded in my 8 year old Trailblazer on a 2011 Yukon Denali. Im hoping to get the same result with the Denali as having 0 problems in the future. Good to hope anyway. The Suv drives real smooth on the road and is fun to drive. Size works fine in the garage and the wife has no problems driving. Rear view camera and nav are a welcome addition. no real negative comments as after 500 miles I have zero buyers remorse.