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:

• 

  Reliable but junk! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By gsdhank - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I drive 40,000 miles a year, and I will say that this is a reliable vehicle but the good ends there. when my full size Ford F-150 4x4 gets better mileage there is definitely something wrong here. I averaged slightly under 20 mpg over the coarse of 35,000 miles. driving gravel roads the cab fills with dust and i gave up cleaning the interior. i have the 3.0L v-6 and it is gutless, absolutely no power. also I am 6 1" and head room is non- existent. I have no idea why people like this vehicle for anything besides the looks. the seats are rock hard, cruise control acts goofy, I hate the way the transmission shifts, climate control doesnt work the way it should.

• 

  Knock on wood - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By Dennis - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I have done nothing except for regular maintenance on this vehicle. 1 fuel pump. Two sets of front brakes. 1 water pump. The interstate ride is phenomenal if you can afford the gas. 11 miles to a gallon. 1 tune-up in 10 years. We are overdue. We load it up and go. No thoughts of breakdowns so far. Please Lord, dont let this little bit of bragging jinx me

• 

  Poor Quality compared to other brands - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By ahess77 - November 8 - 2:00 am

  This SUV has had more than its share of problems, dealer has not correctly fixed half of them. 1. driver window extremely slow (dealer said its normal operation) 2. 4WD service light, dealer changed a sensor 3. speaker buzzing, dealer changed rear speaker 4. Stabilitrack service light, dealer changed a sensor 5. occasional loud Bumping/growling noise at RF wheel, dealer said normal operation 5. speaker buzzing (out of warranty), Non-dealer replaced rear HVAC control 6. Check engine light, secondary air injection system, ECM replaced ($700!) 7. Service Stabilitrack, steering wheel sensor ($95!). Its not a Yugo, but what a piece of crap.

• 

  Acadia 2007 / Saudi Arabia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Acadia - November 7 - 1:00 am

  Ive bought this car on 2007. I have to say that it is nice looking and easy to drive, however I have had several problems with it. Four months after I purchased it, GMC recalled all acadias, Transmission software update. 6 months later, auxiliary fuse broken, one year , water pump defect and finally couple of days ago the car almost went to fire due to use of the power outlets. I have to pay around $1000 for the repair. Overall this car is good looking, nice interior and a lot of crap when it comes to durability. DONT BUY IT

• 

  Love my Terrain - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By Dan - November 7 - 1:00 am

  I have had my Terrain for 4 months now, and the more I drive it the more I fall in love with it. Its comfortable, and really makes me feel secure while on the road. The room in the backseat makes hauling passengers a breeze.

• 

  I luv my Jimmy! - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By Trisha - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought used 2006..only major problem was the gas tank back in 2008. This year, 2010, was the axle. Its at 190,000 today and just thought I celebrate this milestone and say maybe GMC didnt make MY Jimmy so bad after all.

• 

  gmc canyon - 2010 GMC Canyon
  By canyon - November 5 - 2:00 am

  i was looking to get back into a truck. my local dealer had one z71 sle ext cab on the lot. test drove it and got it. i was a little concerned with all the negative reviews, but did research with other owners. they told me its a solid truck. so far, i love it! only had one headlamp replaced due to condensation.

• 

  Great Car - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By FirstGMC - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving the fully loaded 6 cyl model for almost 10,000 miles, and my wife and I both love it. Weve gotten a lot of (favorable) comments. The ride is great, the fuel economy has been just as advertised, and the NAV system, Bluetooth, and other features are great. Ive had a couple of minor issues, but the dealer was able to take care of them with no problems. Id recommend this car to anyone looking gfor a small SUV.

• 

  Great ride for a truck - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By rocket3 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I was surprised how this truck handles in corners, I didnt expect that GM has some great things in their products. Well built and very reliable

• 

  I Love This Car - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By Very Satisfied - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I lease new automobiles quite often, and this GMC SLT-2 is the most pleasurable car that I have ever had. Its comfort and elegance are top- notch. Because it is a leased car, it did not cost me much more per month to go for the top of the line, a decision that I do not regret in the least. The extras that come with this style is worth the added cost.