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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  Great car, would like more options - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By tommyycar - February 14 - 10:18 am

  We have had this car for a year and we like it very much. We bought this for my wife to drive, but I also use it a lot. As a matter of fact, when it is time for me to trade my Lexus this summer, I would buy a Terrain for myself in a heartbeat if it just had some more goodies. I know that GM markets this as a family car, but it is also the perfect car for traveling empty nesters who need some cargo capacity but also want good fuel mileage. In my opinion, GM is missing the boat by not adding an empty nester package to include things like power passenger seat, power sliding back seat, power adjusting steering wheel, rain sensing wipers. Maybe a Cadillac version!?

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  Not bad, but some major mechanical issues..... - 1997 GMC Yukon
  By tubby423 - February 13 - 10:54 am

  We have done a LOT of driving in this vehicle. We purchased it about 3 years ago at 107000 miles. I knew that this model was prone to transmission and fuel pump issues when I bought it so that was no surprise when it happened. True to form we did both at about 120000 miles. We did the fuel pump AGAIN at about 160000 miles. We did a radiator & steering box shortly after purchase as well. The interior is ok. The seats arent nearly as comfortable as the Expedition we own. It has a lot of room and can carry a lot gear. All in all its not a BAD vehicle, but I didnt buy another one if that tells you anything...

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  425,000 miles and still going - 1994 GMC Yukon
  By merlindriver - February 10 - 12:35 am

  Bought it used 14 years ago with 38k miles on it. It now has 425,000 and is still going strong. The 6.5 Turbo Diesel is original and has never been opened, the transmission was rebuilt at 265k miles. Other than that it has just needed the normal wear out items replaced (brakes, shocks, batteries, etc.). I have driven this truck all over the US and Mexico, in all forms of weather, and it has never left me stranded. Its also pretty good on gas (er..diesel), i usually get 20-22 on the highway at 75, which I think is great considering its size and it being 4wd. Why doesnt GM make these anymore?

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  Pure Luxury - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By john178 - February 5 - 9:42 pm

  We purchased the Acadia Denali on 01/27/11, with AWD. We traded in a 2008 Buick Enclave for this crossover. We had our minds set on another Enclave since we liked this car so much, but when my wife drove the red Denali, the deal was sealed. The Denali takes this car to another level. The attention to detail inside the car, along with the looks are superb. We needed something large to transport our kids and grandkids on vacations, visits etc. Small subtle differences we liked included the top crossbars that can be used to tie down Christmas trees, beach chairs, luggage- you name it. The Buick Enclave has these crossbars for looks only- they are not functional.

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  This truck saved my life - 2009 GMC Canyon
  By jequines - February 4 - 1:19 pm

  Stabilitrac on this truck is the best thing I have ever had in a vehicle, driving through a blizzard in the mountains for 7hrs with 1/2 a foot of snow on the highway and this truck(2wd) with firestone winterforce tires handled it like a champ, no slipping no sliding it drove perfectly. gets great mileage 20city 28 hwy. By far the most powerful 4cyl pickup I test drove. Looks great and now have 40,000kms on it with no problems. Interior front seats are comfortable rear seat in ext cab are a joke, for children only. Truck tows my 3000 boat no problems and this little 2wd can get through suprisingly deep snow confidently. Would defn buy another.

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  Finally a vehicle tall people can enjoy :) - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By theburr4 - January 23 - 4:36 am

  Our gas mileage is 18.9 MPG. Many people dont like the red lighting but my family & I think its pretty cool. The fabric seats arent that attractive but they are comfortable & they seat my tall family very nicely with room to spare. This really is a beautiful, nice, and safe feeling SUV. It feels solid and drives well up mountain roads. The onstar is awesome along with the XM Radio and Ipod USB Port. Ive only driven in the snow once with my AWD Terrain. It was brand new and I was nervous. I thought I was stuck and my Dad said "Come on and give it some gas!" No problem I got through their non-maintained road. The engine idle sound is horrible & embarrassing but we still love the car.

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  Beauty and the Beast - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By duckie44 - January 22 - 7:28 pm

  When we first purchased the car about 3 years ago, it kept breaking down, we had to put a whole new engine in it, new fuel pump, new tires, and a few other things needed to be fixed. The AC does not work, it sucks with the leather seats during summer. BUT!! This car is awesome, once everything was fixed up, all was well. Its been running great! Sounds like a beast. I am a girl so were Beauty and the Beast together!! Even with all of these problems its very convienent. With the horrible gas mileage I just ask the other 8 passengers to pitch in for gas. Its a great road trip car! I love it.

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  Beats a Cadalliac SRX Hands Down - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By drjoseph - January 22 - 9:57 am

  Ive owned two Acadias now. A 2008 and a 2010. The 2008 was nice but I did not like the drive train. The 2010 is flat out amazing in terms of being in the right gear under stressful conditions. In a word, the vehicle is snappy. My wife and I absolutely love it. I recently drove an AWD Cadalliac SRX for a week in Michigan and while it was nice, the drive train was like my 2008 Acadia... slow to respond to throttle inputs. Really frustrating when you are in a SITUATION that requires immediate attention. Our 2010 Acadia would smoke the 2010 SRX in drivability tests. Our MPG is 18-20 depending on our driving mix. Weve had it for 6 months.

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  Nice crossover that smokes on cold starts - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By skpa - January 20 - 9:35 pm

  Purchased 2011 in 11/10 Acadia after much research of crossovers. Were leaning to the Pilot, but the ride and styling of the Acadia are a step above. After purchase, noticed blue and black smoke emission on cold starts for 30-45seconds. First thought was car was passing oil. Brought car to dealer. Dealer did not see any abnormal emissions. Met with GM DSM to review smoke issue. He observed cold start smoke on my Acadia. Started three new Acadias, all emitted blue and black smoke. DSM was puzzled. GM quality manager in Detroit explained fuel is pulsed to cat convrtr to accelerate heat up to prevent emissions. Condition on 10 and 11s. GM needs to eliminate smoke on cold start.

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  700 miles ... Love it so far! - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By svrobs - January 18 - 2:06 am

  After 8 years in a minivan, needed to move on. Compared all available crossovers in the <$30,000 range, w/ focus on MPG. Averaging 22 MPG, mostly city. Looking forward to a road trip to test highway MPG. The cloth seats are very comfortable. Love the backup camera in the rear view mirror. Might have bought up a trim level if wed had more information. Both 54" and 61" find driving, passenger and rear seats comfortable. Overall quite happy with our purchase ...