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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  Disappointing - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Disappointing - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I loved this vehicle on sight. It drives like a dream and is very comfortable on long trips. Fuel economy is quite adequate for its size. However, in the 3 1/2 years I have owned this vehicle, it has been in the shop 14 times! Problems have been mostly electrical,(running lights simply quit working, car wouldnt start, computer chip issues) but the sunroof also leaked due to a poor factory-designed drainage system. I would not in good conscience recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Terrainiffic! - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By GMC Lover - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Looked at all the Smaller SUVs on the market and the Terrain offered by far the most bang for my bucks! The front design is beautiful, rear is a bit dull but good looking. Comfort surprised me, lots of leg room and the kids love the rear reclining seats. My opinion, its Terrainiffic!

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  Good pick - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By Glenview - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought the SLT-2 4 banger AWD with all the options except NAV (why pay for NAV with the On-Star turn-by-turn feature). Traded a Honda Element AWD which we LOVED but needed a full 4- door CUV. The CR-V, Pilot etc. didnt fit the need nor the comfort of the GMC. Looked at all CUVs and SUVs including Hondas, Kias, Hyundias, Chevy, Ford, Toyota, Subaru etc. All others either looked cheap (plastic) on the interior, had rough ride or was just too big (Flex, Traverse, Acadia etc). GM has a winner on their hands in the Equinox/Terrain brothers! Hope time will tell that its as reliable as the Honda was!

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  Would not buy again. - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Ron - November 19 - 2:00 am

  We liked the idea of 32 MPG highway but it has fallen far short of that. We are only getting about 25-26 MPG on the highway. We mostly drive about 68 mph with cruise control. GMC should be charged with false advertising. We took it into the dealer, Dick Norris of Clearwater, Florida and they supposedly checked it out on the "Computer" and found nothing wrong. We have already told everybody that asks about the Terrain and we mentioned the gas mileage problem to all of them. We are now stuck with this "Lemon" for three years and will never buy another GMC product. Sorry, but just telling the truth.

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  Enjoyable ride - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By Pete - November 18 - 2:00 am

  Owned this vehicle for 2 months and I am very happy with it. I get 25 mpg on the highway, I wish it were closer to the EPA estimate of 29. I like the ride and handling, it drives more car like and doesnt lean on curves like my Envoy. I do a lot of driving between VT and LI,NY and wanted better gas mileage. I got the 4 cyl SLT-1 AWD version in Merlot Jewel, a great color.

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  Great starter vehicle - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Avery - November 15 - 2:00 am

  My dad gave me this truck as my first vehicle, and so far it has suited my needs well. I dont drive it much at all, just to school or town or what ever so theres only 40,000 miles on it. Its the funnest vehicle to drive off roads and on jeeping trails, the 4wd is great for winter too. my only regrets are that i have had to put in a good deal of money to keep it running up to par. it seems as though every year i have to change wheel bearings and the cab door has been giving me problems for the last few years. Its a tough little truck and i would recommend it to anyone looking for a great looking fun truck to drive.

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  Surprised - 2010 GMC Yukon
  By taillight - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought a used base Yukon (35,000 km on it) to replace my 05 pathfinder. Good gas mileage, better than the pathfinder v6. The ride is really smooth on stock 17". I bought aftermarket 20s for next summer. The rear seats should fold into the floor! But they are not that heavy. I have towed the jetski, and the snowmobile with ease. The turning radius is tight, brakes seem good. Fairly quiet ride. Comfy seats. The steering is overboosted. The paint job is poor. The clearcoat must be thin, anything touches the paint and it will scratch it. The car is big, much bigger than the pathfinder, it takes a little getting use to and you have to pay attention parking it. Im waiting for the reliability to drop

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  V6 with AWD - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By JR - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought this vehicle with 4800 miles on it, now has 10500 and have loved it. Get 17-19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The transmission does have a "different" shifting to it but not a big deal.Have gotten several compliments about the styling and such. GMC could do some improvements to it but that would be nit-picking on my part. Had a 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe (for 8 years) and love the Terrain much more.

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  2011 GMC Terrain - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By wayne macewich - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Purchased 2011 Terrain SLT 2 FWD 4cyl about three weeks ago. Traded in a Ford Explorer V8 AWD that got 16-17 MPG & Im now getting 22 plus MPG for my daily driving. Never used the AWD & the V8 to its fullest potential, so it wont be missed. The Terrain is very quiet and the Pioneer sound system is one of the best Ive ever heard. Cant say anything negative about the Terrain so far.

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  Good Vehicle - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By Pat S. - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2001 GMC Jimmy SLS used in 2004. It was a dealer buy-back because of electrical problems. I have 118,000 miles on it with no serious mechanical repairs. Yes, it has needed brakes, but thats normal. Had a serious vibration problem which was found to be missing washers in the hood hinges. A cheap repair and its quiet. I like this vehicle a lot. My only regret is that it isnt 4 wheel drive.