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 family car - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By sugarpuff - October 11 - 2:00 am

  We bought our 1999 Yukon new off the dealer showroom. It has been an awesome family vehicle. Our kids are grown and now toting around the grandkids. Love this vehicle.

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  Good Vehicle but - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By zumahl - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought this vehicle specifically for its third row seat and seating flexibility. Traded in a Montana mini- van. We (parents & kids) all like the styling and the comfort of the interior. In general the vehicle has performed well for us, but had some initial quality issues and now at 50,000 miles is showing signs of deterioration. Wife hates the glare of all the chrome on the dash, and the dash/console plastic is very cheap for this level of car. Was loose metal in lift gate from factory. Engine is underpowered and gas mileage is barely 20 mpg on level interstate. Now the transmission cant hold high gear and shifts are getting rougher.

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  Timing chain/headlamps/airbag - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By blox - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Acadia used with low miles on it. Our first major problem was both headlamps burnt out on the acadia. So we replaced both of them had to take both tires and black fender wall off to replace bulbs and wires. The wires for the headlamps caught on fire. Went in for a oil change for them to tell me I have a oil leak. So now the timing chain is being replaced and in the shop for a week maybe longer. And the service airbag light comes on all the time. Just wish GM would at least acknowledge that there is a lot of ppl having problems with the acadia and do some recalls. Not at all happy with GM at this point.

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  Love My Terrain! - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By joy - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Traded my beloved 2005 Town & Country for the Terrain--thought I would miss my van--NOT! The only thing I miss is the power hatch--other than that, nothing. The Terrain drives nice, extremely smooth riding(just about as smooth as my van), the design is oh so cool (as my husband says, it looks "tough"). And I love all the little extras that "didnt cost extra"- -backup camera, bluetooth. And all the leg room in the backseat area-- awesome. We havent quite got the gas mileage as stated we should, but then we only have 700 miles on it. And as for my husband--of course, the 8 speaker Pioneer sound system is the best. We love our Terrain and highly recommend it!

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  First SUV - 2011 GMC Yukon
  By Chelif Junor - October 5 - 2:00 am

  Not a bad ride for an SUV. Handles like a car with good front end responsiveness. The interior is very well finished. Exterior is a cross between the Tahoe and Escalade which make it just right for some buyers. Fuel economy may not be appealing but most SUVs arent bought for fuel economy. The Hybrid version should would be a good option.

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  Good Experience - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By joe - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I liked driving my Jimmy. Great for a low cost SUV. Fuel pump quit reporting fuel levels around 90k miles, and had to replace CV joint around 95k. Unfortunately, to replace the fuel pump, you have to replace the gas tank. Stupid. So I just kept track of mileage between fill-ups. Exterior plastic parts faded. Otherwise, no problems.

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  2003 GMC Yukon SLT 5.3L - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Webhead - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Our Yukon has been one of the best vehicles Ive ever owned. It rides like a dream, looks good, performs well, has tons of space, and can work hard. Its the all-around perfect vehicle in my opinion. Great for trips and I feel like my family is safe. We just replaced the original Michelin tires with the same model. They ride great and last forever. We bought it with 55k miles on it and it now has 108k miles. This year we repaired the A/C for around $250. No other problems at all. As far as Mpg, we get 16-18 which I think is fine for such a large and safe vehicle.

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  Very nice - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Al - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Rides and handles well. Comfortable and roomy. Easy to get in and out of. Surprisingly good performance for a small motor. Drove at interstate speeds and through mountains with 24 mpg avg. (using own calculations). Car has good Visibility.Secure feeling with all the safety features.

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  Keeping track of fuel mileage - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By maddog2010 - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I have kept track since day one. 15 km to present 8046 km. Driving has been mixed 70/30 city driving. I am averaging 9.474 - 15.67 Ltrs/100 km or 21.89 to 31.98 miles per gallon. My Terrain is a SLE2 AWD 6 cylinder.

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  I must have gotten lucky! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Chad - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I have just over 41,000 miles and I have only had this is for oil changes and tire rotations and a few recalls. Other than that I have had zero issues with this. I admit the 6 speed transmission is a bit jerky but overall I get 22 MPG on average tank. Kids love it and it fits me well. I keep it like a shiny new dime and maintenance it well. I plan on keeping this until it just quits. I have the SLT version with the 19 inch wheels and its a smooth ride. Little rattles here and there but otherwise a tight ride.