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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  piece o poo - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By nomoGMs! - August 31 - 1:05 pm

  We bought this vehicle brand new, 2 yrs ago w/15 miles on it! Have been diligent w/maintanence. All I can say is thank God for the warranty right now. We have had to have the rack and pinion replaced, transmission gasket replaced, strut bars replaced. also, found out to replace a head lamp bulb will cost $300! They need to remove the entire front end to get to the lamps! the car is beautiful, drives wonderfully (when not in shop), but the very second I can sell it and not lose our butts, I am doing so. I only have 30,000 miles on it now. What a piece of you know what. NEVER will buy ANYTHING from GM, Dodge or Chrysler again. NEVER! Run away from it, fast!

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  2011 Not entirely a miss or a hit - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By nmydst - August 31 - 9:45 am

  Over all my experience has been fine. I have only owned my car for 3 weeks, however I did previously own a 2009 so I do have prior Acadia experience. The car seems to idle rough and doesnt switch smoothly into gears, as my 2009 did. I have many blind spots such as the second row headrests. You cannot see over them if you turn to look over your shoulder to check for cars. Your two back side windows are of no use to you with those headrests in the way. The seats themselves dont seem as comfortable as before and the car just seems to be bulkier and louder. I used to drive the 2009 like it was a car. This one I feel nervous, worrying that Im going to hit someone because of the blindspots.

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  Only a few gripes - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Laura - August 30 - 5:06 pm

  I love my terrain! I shopped this category for months and landed on this vehicle and bought it the day I finally test drove it. I am pleased over all with my purchase. Sticker MPG is pretty accurate while others seem to disagree.

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  Happy Acadia Owner - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Orlando Resident - August 29 - 10:25 am

  Im surprised at the problems others have experienced. We have had our Acadia for 2 years and 36,000 miles with no problems (fingers crossed). I love everything about the vehicle to include the look, feel, handling, interior room and features. We have taken 3 trips to the midwest and will soon take our 4th trip. The ride is comfortable and the kids love it! We have a 2 and 4 year old so we bought the model with captain chairs so that we can access the back seat easily. On occasion we have 6 passengers in the car, 4 adults/2 children, and have no complaints. We bought the vehcile for these reasons and because of its safety rating. If reliability isnt a future issue we will buy another.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2009 GMC Yukon
  By Eddies Denali - August 29 - 4:13 am

  I just bought our 2009 Denali and so far its been a great experience. The power behind the wheel and the towing abilities are going to benefit us, my family and friends, as we like to be out doors and enjoy hauling my camping trailer every where we go. GREAT vehicle.

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  So Many Problems - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By so_many_problems - August 27 - 12:48 pm

  I have the same problems as Hate_GMC. The transmission of my brand new Terrain was leaking right when it was driven home. The antenna is too long and the car wont fit in my garage. Weve contacted GM and have gotten undesirable results. The receptionist was very rude to me and only after did we file complaints did they pay us any attention. Weve requested that we get a new car or that they would extend our warranty but we didnt receive either. With every year of warranty extended, wed have to pay a fee.

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  I LOVE my Safari! - 2001 GMC Safari
  By Happy Safari Owner - August 26 - 9:06 pm

  I have nothing but good things to say about this van. Maybe I just got lucky with my particular vehicle, but I have had to put nothing but tires on this thing! I bought this 2001 SLE in April of 2009 and it had 120K miles already, so I brought it by my mechanics shop and it passed with flying colors. Its now over a year and 25K miles later, and I had to put tires on it. Runs strong with 145K miles, no smoke, plenty of power, handles wonderfully, very comfortable for my bad back with 4 herniated discs, and I use it almost every weekend to haul a large amount of musical gear to the stage. I really dont understand why they are discd, but a 2011 or 2012 return would be VERY SMART!

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  Engine Problems - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By CMAC - August 26 - 3:29 pm

  One of the other reviews says that there is a misfire in the 5th cylinder. Mine misfires from the 6th cylinder and shakes like crazy when put under a load. There is a TSB from GM about the problem. It is a defect from the factory. What happens is the sleeve on the valve stems deforms from the heat and begins to bind. Instead of a recall, GM chooses to ignore the fact that these engines are defective. I called GM to see if they would repair the defect and they declined. Last one I will buy. Had to replace the transmission, fuel pump, radiator and the engine is screwed up. Plus the door handles are falling apart and most of the power door locks stopped working. Lemon

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  Acadia vs Yukon - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By bill - August 23 - 10:24 am

  I traded my 06 Yukon for a 09 Acadia. At the time gas was $$ and I felt compelled to get a better mileage vehicle. Oops! I paid more for the Acadia than I would have for another Yukon (with the factory and dealer spiffs they were giving back then). Turns out my Yukon got BETTER mileage! The Acadia is O.K., looks good, reliable, etc, but it is more like driving a van than an SUV. My only complaint is the acceleration hesitation in wet and cold weather, which nobody can seem to fix. Other than that, no problems at all in the first 20k miles. But, next time around, Im back to a Yukon.

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  2010 Torrent (GMC) Review - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Jack Fish - August 22 - 11:30 pm

  One of the best cars we have bought in many years. Love GM products.