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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  Excellent all around SUV - 2013 GMC Acadia
  By Roland - November 4 - 6:00 am

  Surprisingly good gas mileage for an awd vehicle this size. Tons of cargo space. Tows well. Very nice ride.

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  Leaks! - 2015 GMC Acadia
  By Laura Fairchild - November 3 - 12:06 pm

  We recently purchased a 2015 GMC Acadia, my second GMC Acadia. Previously we owned a 2008 GMC Acadia that had a sun roof. With my old car we had an instance where the car had issues with electrical panel shorting out. We were told the drains on the sun roof caused the problem. Filed an insurance claim and that was that. With my 2015 GMC Acadia which we purchased in May 2015, I specifically said my only problem with my other car was leak from "blocked sun roof drain". Imagine my distress when last Monday my car was soaked again. There is no sun roof to leak. The service department said because there was leaves and acorns under the hood....????? What the heck does that mean? To me it means a serious design flaw. The service rep asked if I parked under a tree...no I do not. Do they have trees in my neighborhood yes.

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  Last GM product I will ever own. - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Jesse Daniels - November 2 - 8:52 pm

  GM discovered that many Acadias recieved a defective wave plate during assembly. The wave plate is a component in the transmission. Instead of recalling the Acadia and having the part replaced, GMC offered a special warranty up to 120,000 miles to reimburse the cost of transmission repairs. Of course, since I actually take care of my car and drive it gently, my wave plate lasted until 121,500 miles. The transmission repair cost $2700. The problem was a defective waveplate. GMC did not provide any assistance with the repair costs despite the fact it was barely beyond the warranty. Im actually somewhat thankful though. Now I have a good excuse to buy a foreign car. For the past 20 years, I have always owned domestic vehicles...mostly GM vehicles because I have felt proud of supporting the domestic auto makers. But, with this latest issue, it is apparent that GM has no interest in supporting their customers. Now, if people give me a hard time about buying foreign, I can refer to this experience and people will understand. This will be the last GM product I own. I was going to buy a new Yukon in the Spring. That wont be happening now.

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  GMC broke my heart and my bank - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By ana mata - November 2 - 7:25 pm

  Worst vehicle I have ever own and I have had different types from a chevy to a ford to a BMW. Never had the problems or recalls, I have with gmc. I bought it because I always heard how good GMC is, very disappointed. My ford KA(found on road dead) probe had better maintenance expenses and has been more reliable than GMC. Not planning on getting anymore GMCs in my life time even if they are gifts.

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  Poor performance and value - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By Diane S - November 2 - 2:19 pm

  In 2 years of ownership, I had a total of 7 major warrantied parts replaced. This included emissions, both catalytic converters and timing belt before the truck even had 50K miles on it. Service at Winegardener GMC of Brandywine was horrible. Truck was held for a week at a time, with no loaner or rental offered. Truck eventually became too costly to own as I lost many hours off work waiting for repairs and finding rental vehicles while waiting for truck to be fixed. Gas mileage was not the 32 MPG promised, even at 55 MPH I still only got about 23 MPG HWY.

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  Good little truck. - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By Matt - October 28 - 10:24 pm

  Bought the truck used with 120k miles for a steal, its pushing 180k now and Ive done nothing to this truck other than basic maintenance. The only issues Ive had with it are a crap radio (which is a common GM problem) and the typical rust on these little trucks. As far as the rust goes, the fender wells on the bed are for the most part completely gone, but the stepside trucks seem to be plagued with this issue. Slight rust on the cab corners and rockers, and the spare tire cable rusted and the tire fell off. As far as reliability, its been among the best Ive owned. Its not a powerhouse, but the little 2.2 does well when mated to the 5 speed. It doesnt seem to like interstate travel, as its runs about 3k rpms at 75 mph, but it cruises right along. The engine is noisy, it has that trademark 2.2 timing chain noise, but it has no effect on performance. Replacing with oem parts will cure it, but I just havent gotten around to it yet. Overall I love my little truck, and wouldnt hesitate to buy another. May go for a 4.3 next time for more power.

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  Love it, but its not perfect - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By D Garza - October 21 - 7:38 pm

  Got my SLT April 2014. In the heat of summer, started having problems with AC. As time went by, the AC was taking longer and longer to cool. Took to dealership and was told there was no known defects and sent on my merry way without any action. Short time later, AC gave out completely. By the time I went the second time they finally did have instructions. Apparently it had too much freon, factory defect. Flushed and refilled freon. AC working fine now, but I still feel theres something wrong with it. When its on full blast the vehicle shakes, almost like it wants to turn off, but RPMS dont change and it stops when AC is off. Have taken it a couple of times and they insist its normal. The platform in rear is a bummer, takes up too much space, very stupid idea. In spite of everything, I still love driving it, enjoy taking road trips.

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  "Mid-size truck" with big power - 2015 GMC Canyon
  By Philip Poemoceah - October 19 - 4:58 pm

  Lots to like about this truck. Comfortable and quiet overall. It has got a lot of towing power and payload capacity with great gas mileage. More city driving than highway but overall 20.7 mpg on regular gas. Good acceleration. Really like the backup camera. The interior does have a lot of hard plastic so change tends to rattle. The seats feel good and firm on long trips and the road and wind noise level is very good (quiet). The problem is that the steering wheel rattles and the dealer has been instructed not to fix it. This is a problem with both the Canyon and Colorado models and is noted in the GMC technical Document ID: 4089969 dated in February 2015 . Very annoying with the quiet interior. Other small interior problems were fixed by the dealer but this one instructs them to wait until GMC defines a fix. A bad mark on an otherwise nice truck.

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  Use oil and fuel, over and over and over and over - 2012 GMC Terrain
  By Anthony LaGrasta - October 16 - 4:52 pm

  We bought this car for MPG, only to find out it doest get anywhere near the rating, 30% less than rated. Whats more it also uses oil at an insane rate 1 quart per 1,000 miles, no exaggeration. If that wasnt enough, complaints to GM went unanswered. How could they ignore such claims? Come to find out, they knew of this problem, but never mentioned or acknowledged it, so disappointed. Wish we could just get out from under this, get our money back, start fresh. $30,000 down the drain.

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  Love it - 2015 GMC Canyon
  By Tony - October 16 - 1:47 pm

  I had been waiting for 6 months to see this truck. I had a 2007 Chevy Colorado and I hated it. But with all the hype I needed to see the new Canyon before I committed to any other truck and I am so glad I did. It is the most comfortable truck that I have ever driven. It is easy to maneuver and it does everything that I would expect out of a luxury truck ( and I do not even have all the bells and whistles. ) I took it on a long trip and there was never a time that I was uncomfortable. I love this truck and hope they only get better although I do not how it could.