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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  2011 Acadia - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By Fenderman - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Great car overall. I wasnt planning on getting the Diamond Tri-Coat White, i.e. pearl, color, but glad that is what I wound up with. I have gotten several compliments on the color, it really looks good in the sun. The leather seats are wonderful, but the headrest is driving me crazy. It is tilted forward to help with crash stability, but its hard trying to get comfortable. The sliver around the cup holder can be distracting in the bright sun. Good room for the family, will probably get an after market rear console and maybe running boards for the kids, GM seems pretty proud of those accessories list price.

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  So far so good SLT2 with 6 cylinder AWD - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By rc - October 2 - 2:00 am

  While driving computer is reading out about 35 mpg going 75 mph. Traded in 95 4runner. GMC at this point is built just as good or better than Toyota 4-runner with much better mpg and looks stylish. Very roomy inside unlike the 4-runner. Terrain we got has auto transmission 6 gears with 3:53 rear end ratio.

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  Beware - Transmission/Throttle - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By SLC David - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Good feature set. Zippy engine. But throttle lag and inability of the transmission/engine to hold on even the slightest slope make the car dangerous. If stopped on a slight slope the car will drift back - while in D - unless you are on the gas or brake. Its like driving a manual transmission. And throttle lags on takeoff. So if youre not very diligent you may find yourself drifting backward into whatever is behind. Never had an SUV (of many over the years) with this problem. Took it to dealer and they said this was not a defect - all Acadias are this way. Tranny is also easy to "panic" if you floor it, the thing panics to a low gear often beyond the power curve so you end up going nowhere.

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  CD Player Awful - 2006 GMC Yukon
  By The Martins - September 29 - 2:00 am

  After only 5 years and little use of the 6-CD player it failed to release out 6 CDs and wont perform any function. Looks like a replacement is in order.

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  Absolutely Love It - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Love It - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I traded the GMC Envoy for the Terrain and the difference in the gas mileage is truly welcomed. The performance is fantastic. The Terrain appears to hug the road when going around curves. I also like how the rear seat can be extended to the backs of the front seats for easy access to items stored in the back seat. Personally, I cannot say enough good things about the Terrain.

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  Disappointment - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By acadia4me - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Very disappointed in my 2011 Acadia in the month that I have owned it. Gas mileage: Far from the 16/23 state MPG I have averaged 9-11 MPG, and had a whopping record high of 14 MPG with 200+ highway miles (on cruise control!). When I contacted the dealer for service they told me it just needed to be broken in for another 1000 miles. AC: Initially the AC cooled well. After a few weeks however it just isnt getting very cold. Contacted the dealer and they said the temp is within spec. Everyone who sits in the car in our 90+ degree weather asks if I can turn the ac down to make it cooler or stop it from blowing lukewarm air. Alarming "clunk" after reversing about 10 feet.

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  It Is Not About The MPG.. - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By shopaholic - September 26 - 2:00 am

  Sorry to hear about all the folks with the MPG issues. I bought the 6 cyl. and I know it will take some fuel to drive this beauty. I have only been on the road with it for 2 weeks and I really like it so far. It is smooth and a real head turner (black with all the chrome). I hope to get the upper end of the MPG stated but that is yet to be determined. I started my research back in Nov. 09 for my Terrain. As we probably all figured out GMC has not been releasing a lot at one time at least where I am at. Maybe that is a good thing and those of us who own one will have good resale later. I do not know how often I will use the remote start. Stay Safe and Happy Driving Everyone

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  6-cylindernder - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By 6-CYLINDER VERSION - September 23 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I love this truck! 6- cylinder is the way to go, has plenty of power with no hiccups. Have the slt- 2 with black/black combo. Everyone always commits on how good it looks, also have the chrome package with the 19" wheels.

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  14,000 Miles in 6 Months - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Terrain Driver - September 22 - 2:00 am

  In comparing most of the reviews over the past few months, my only common negative experiences are: with only rear windows down, noise cancellation system goes berserk augmenting normal "helicopter" reverberation and hammers your ears unmercifully radio volume stuck a couple of times in hot weather, but returned to normal after restarting car several interior chrome appointments reflect sunlight painfully front headrests insufficiently adjustable (Im 6 6"). On the plus side, avg. overall mileage is 26, but I can get 32 as claimed in ECO on highway without cruise control very roomy interior with comfortable, quiet ride - even for 4 adult passengers good fit & finish.

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  Love it - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By dave583 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Loving this car. Very impressed with the ride, the power, the options. This vehicle handles amazing for what it is. We are very satisfied so far. Love the Bose too