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 for trailering - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Rob S - July 25 - 9:47 pm

  Weve only had the vehicle for a few weeks now but were loving it. We checked out the Pilot, Pathfinder and Edge. The pilot had the 2nd row leg room but few options at our price. The other 2 didnt have the 2nd row leg room. We need something that tows a 3500 lb pop up trailer and this does that without a problem. I can even see over trailer with rear view mirror. Took some time to get the hang of moving the 2nd row seat to get into the 3rd row. Once you get it its easy.

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  80,000 miles guaranteed tranny swap - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By dizzle - July 25 - 11:48 am

  My 2001 GMC Jimmy SLE is for the most part a reliable vehicle. Definitely fun in the snow! Heavy 4wd vehicles are though right. Im loyal to this SUV though the worries tell me never to buy another and possibly never another GMC. From a rebuilt transmission, gasket replacement, bearings, and water leaks plus alignments? How should i feel?

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  I love this vehicle - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By ski mom - July 24 - 8:05 pm

  I love the looks inside and out/classy. I love the comfort and the ride. I love the color. I was driving a jacked up Jeep Wrangler (which I also loved in a different way) and prior to that I had four Outbacks (which I also loved). This is my favorite. We traded a Lexus IS which is a classy smooth ride and this car is as classy inside. I am pleasantly surprised - wanted another Outback to haul my son to ski practice and races in, and my husband suggested this or the Buick Enclave. I was cynical until I looked at it and drove it. Now I cant stay out of the garage and my husband and son keep finding me hanging out inside. It is just beautiful. Just simply classy. Love it.

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  Highway MPG rating "FALSE" - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By M.A.Berry - July 24 - 5:32 pm

  The highway MPG is very much overstated. Im getting maybe 24-26 mpg driving the posted speed limits on the highways. In town 21-22. Driving the 4 cyl, automatic trans. So far, no mechanical problems.

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  Third times a charm - 1998 GMC Suburban
  By Bunnys454 - July 24 - 11:08 am

  This is my third suburban Ive owned, and i have to say that the third is definitely a charm. I love hauling my kids, their friends, my friends and all the extra crap in the back of my truck. It pulls anything i ask it to and the 454 isnt that bad with mileage. Mine has been slightly neglected over the last year, but my baby always starts and runs for me! Im proud to be seen in it and know that its a tank but who cares? Im in Minnesota and Im telling you, burbs are tanks! Two feet of snow, two wheel drive, and you still can fly past people. Ive been offered on it, but wont sell this one. Hes a keeper for sure!

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  Crap 2009 Acadia - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By fastestnascar - July 23 - 11:29 pm

  Crap Acadia Says: 2009 Acadia purchased from Andy Mohr Pontiac in Noblesville 4-22-09. Great ride and power for an SUV, however, very strange odor when first turning on blower motor, it simply stinks! Power door locks will not operate when shifting into park intermittently, has happened at least a dozen or more times when putting in park , dealer states it is a “loose relay” after visiting them twice now, and they state it is good to go now. Not a good feeling being trapped! I state it is good to go get my lawyer a call due to GM cannot fix this $41,000 piece of crap! Your Acadia power door lock system will also fail, just a matter of time!

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  V6 SLT-1 AWD - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Zanes Review - July 22 - 11:19 pm

  This car is by far the best vehicle i have driven. I am 19 years old and was lucky enough to drive my parents h3. It was very nice, but the interior and engine power was really lacking in quality. The interior was alright, but compared to this beautiful brownstone leather with the red trim, it doesnt compare. The V6 is slow in first, but really speeds up in the other gears. (Most likely for fuel efficiency.) Love this car. As for either the ecotech or v6, i had to get the v6 with the hills, I really enjoy the ride. If you dont have hills, you can get away with the ecotech. I am definitely a lead foot driver (college student) and get 17 city and somehow 26 on the highway! Camera is great

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  Been a good vehicle - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By Mitch - July 22 - 4:04 pm

  We traded a big Ford van for our Jimmy and it took us a while to be satisfied, but finally decided we had done a good thing. This Jimmy has given us good service with probably just a little over average repairs. We have put probably 60,000 miles on our Jimmy and am now considering getting another vehicle. Since we can no longer buy a Studebaker, I dont really know what we may get. Everything is so expensive today especially for old folks who are on a broken income.

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  Love my Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By HappyOwner - July 18 - 9:48 pm

  My Terrain has worked great for me. I have about 2500 miles driven. I am a 62", 375 pound guy who has an artificial leg on one side & a big brace on the other leg. So I needed a car that had great leg room, head room, and belly room. Also needed to set high off ground so getting in & out was easy. The Terrain was my best choice after looking at about 30 different SUVs. It is working great. It has good second row room,& plenty of space in back for big load of groceries or luggage. I also like the smaller size. I have a lift on the back hauling a scooter. I can still fit in parking spaces. I highly recommend it for people needing lots of room up front - it had more than even the biggest SUVs

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  Gms finest! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By michelle - July 15 - 6:54 pm

  I love this vehicle, better than any other car that i have ever owned!