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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  gutless wonder - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By gutless wonder - September 10 - 2:00 am

  this is my third sonoma/s-10/s-15. i dont need a full size truck and i always buy used. 217k miles on original engine(2.2) transmission and clutch. i dont baby my trucks at all, they are used for their intended purpose and this one fits the bill. is it a coincidence that they all rust out in the same places, no matter what year they are?

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  Very new but GREAT so far - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By chazzfrommo - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Picked up a 2011 5 days ago and have enjoyed it so far. Fit and finish are very nice. Havent had a gmc since mid-90s but this is a real eye- catcher. Comfortable and yet easy to drive/park. Mine is carbon black with gray interior. Really strong look. I traded a GL 320 MB which was 2 years old and had 9 repair trips so I am hopeful that my luck on this will change. So far so good and I would gladly recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Worst Vehicle Ever! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Jeff Wilhelm - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Purchased to replace a mini van. Huge mistake, has been in the shop several times, about once every 6 weeks for repairs. Biggest issue is with the AirBags, have had to have it in to service these 7, yes 7 times. GM says that they cannot and will not give a guarantee that the airbags work, if the lights not on assume that it works. Apparently safety not an issue with GM. We have had leaking windows, pw motor replaced, steering column squeaks, wipers dont work, fuel economy is terrible, brake line clips that have come off, lunges when you accelerate up a hill, the list goes on and on. Worst vehicle we have ever had. Should have let GM go under!

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  Not worth the money $$$ - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By HSEFPSO - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Acadia for 2 years and had more trouble for what its worth. I have had it in the shop for too many non-routine repairs then desired. Big thing is that they are leaky which can cause lots of problems with the electronic systems. It is too bad because the $$ you pay for these SUVs should represent a quality product. After my lease is done so am I with the Acadia.

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  Love this car!!! - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By dave583 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I felt the need to report since I read these when deciding what to buy. This thing is awesome! really. took our first good trip this weekend and this car handles and drives incredibly. 80,90, 100mph no problem. It floats at all speeds. 100 mph was deceiving because it handled so smooth. twisty roads were also gobbled up with ease. plenty of room for the kids and our stuff. Love it! Well be keeping this for a long while

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  Great Vehicle!!!!! - 1991 GMC Jimmy
  By JT2109 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Never failed me. of course with it being an old car, the little things died out but since its American they were cheap to replace. Engine and Tranny will just last forever.

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  Tough Truck - 2007 GMC Canyon
  By Jeff Goods - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I have used this basically for business use the past 2 years. Towing a trailer and snowplowing with a BOSS plow. 4 wheeling is great because of the locking rear dif. It is quiet on the highway. I upgraded the wheels to 18" purchased from GM Parts.

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  Better then I excepted - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Steve Johnson - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought a used 2008 SLT 2 AWD with every option on it for 29 K the vehicle had 37000 miles on it. Ater reading the reviews I was worried about the automatic transmission and water leakage so I had the dealer pull up a car fax and all the GMC service records, all recalls were taken care and only oil change and tire rotation in the service records. The vehicle runs great, good ride and the styling is awesome, I got a 5 year 100,000 bumper to bumper on it because of all the bells and whistles. After a month no complaints, a great GMC product.

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  No Problems with my 2007 Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By outlaw - September 1 - 1:39 pm

  I have noticed quite a few write ups about issues with the 07 Acadia. I bought mine new and now have 65000 miles on it and the only two issues I have had is changing one burned out headlamp and the other was replacing the belt. Other than that the vehicle has performed above my expectations. Keep in mind I did not purchase a vehicle with sunroof. The only engineering changes I would like to see is having a larger rear window so as to be able to see better backing up and a rear window which pops open instead of having to always open the tailgate style rear. Overall I am pleased with my 2007 Acadia. I am happy with mine.

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  Fun - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By Bryan - August 31 - 5:20 pm

  Love it. The only drawback is Im trying to upgrade the speaker system and there is not a lot of info out there. Sometimes when driving the sun reflects off of the interior chrome which is annoying. Handling is great and the 7 passenger capacity is very comfortable. The visibility is compromised but nothing to be alarmed with.