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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  An SUV thats actually fun to drive! - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By Mike - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Were new to this vehicle but have owned plenty of prior high end SUVs and this Acadia Denali is one incredible vehicle! Our last vehicle was a 2007 Yukon Denali that we also loved but its amazing how far GM has come in just 4 years. All the bells and whistles and this thing drives like a car. Great engine in that V6 too with plenty of power and pulls all the way to our 70 MPH speed limits with ease.

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  Good Vehicle hate to see it go - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By dnt - October 25 - 2:00 am

  The SUV has been great, it has got us through many long road trips. Monthly payment was getting to much so had to downsize to a small car again, but looking forward to being back in a FORD Focus again. Anyone who has mentioned the seats dont fold down flat, WELL THEY DO. We didnt think so at first either until my husband went out one day and figured it out, reading the manual really helped too.

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  Lucky & confused - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By leon g - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Acadia 03/07. Had transmission & sun roof recalls handled. I now have 68000 miles and drive an average of 1100 to 1700 miles per month. Schedule oil changes, tire rotation.replace air filter w/1 tire balance,check fluid levels,1 front end alignment usually around 50% oil life."CONFUSED"? to hear all the minor & major problems so many appear to be having."LUCKY" thus far, no problems, no damage. no parts replacement just day-by-day reliable driving. My concern is just how long do I drive with confidence?

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  Not very impressed - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Acadia - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Purchased b/c this vehicle has more space than most others mileage and price were good. Exterior styling &Interior layout good. Cheap interior plastic & door handles are turn offs.Sad that with only 17k miles we have to replace the entire rack and pinion steering (expensive!)It makes a horrible squeaking and the steering wheel jolts back and forth when driving.Initial start up is horrible,shakes and surges like it is about to stall, after waiting for the chime to stop.Trans. is constantly going in and out of gears like it cant decide which one it should be in.I forgot my mantra to never buy a used American vehicle again. Ride is too rough. Overall, flashy but very cheaply built.

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  Last year of Good Suburbans - 1994 GMC Suburban
  By ProfessorRico - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought my SLE from the son of the original owner, who used all synthetics, and repaired everything on time. It has 155k on the clock and drives like a new one. The brakes and mileage are the only cons to this great truck. This year is the best because the dash is the flat style, no airbags, green coolant, no Bose, and no OnStar or crazy computers. This was the last year for the best dash (IMO), and a general "cheapening" of the interiors that happened post-94. The massive gas tank will get 500+ miles between fillings, the extra money for gas is well worth all of the great things about this truck! Off-road they are nearly unstoppable. Lifting it makes it the King of the 4x4s.

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  1999 GMC JIMMY Owner - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By unhappy owner - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Not very impressed with it the handle to recline the seat on the drivers side is broke off, smells of antifreeze when the heat is on, cant use drivers side door because it wont stay closed, the rear wiper motor doesnt work, makes a crunching noise when turning, buttons for the 4wd broke, leaks on passenger door when it rains. Doesnt start when its real cold out.

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  Love my Acadia - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Christine - October 22 - 2:00 am

  We bought this vehicle in February after my Jeep (which I also loved) finally died. I didnt want another Jeep because they made the cab smaller. I went to look at the Terrain and fell in love with this vehicle. It handles well, looks great and nothing beats it in the snow. We got the AWD. On a day when they should have closed schools due to a storm they didnt. I had to pick up my daughter and was going to have my hubby get her as I really dont like driving in the snow. My Acadia handled beautifully, never went off the road and I felt totally safe. This is the first time I wasnt afraid to drive in the snow and I have owned 6 vehicles. If you have kids and want to be safe,buy one.

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  Great Auto - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By D Evans - October 20 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this Terrain 8000 miles and enjoyed every mile. I have had Park avenues GMC Trucks Olds bravada Roadmasters . This is by far the most enjoyable auto I have ever had. I suspect the folks that are complaining about the mileage have a heavy foot and just want to complain about something so they dont have to take responsibility for the mileage. I have driven through the smokies with this auto and the 4 cylinder has performed well. I have learned how to use the manual shift which helps greatly in mountains and in the city.I always limit the the trans to 5th gear in the city and do the same in the mountains This is a great vehicle and I think Gm is building some great products

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  Back to American - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By Moon - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2011 Terrain after driving Hondas for almost 18 years. Didnt like the style of the CR-V and Pilot was too bulky. Get lots of compliments on the style of the Terrain and interior quality is very good. Picked this over Lexus, Infiniti, and Cadillac. Price was right so time to give American cars another look. So far, so good.

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  Mileage issues - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By eileen - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I really like my four cylinder, 2010 Gmc Terrain, but it is getting nowhere near the listed mileage of 6.1 L per 100 km.