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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  I love this truck - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By Roxy-Ann - July 15 - 1:32 am

  This truck in my opinion is wonderful, my grandfather taught me to drive stick shift in this truck and havent had to replace the clutch yet then I was driving one day and cleaned out a ditch with it at 80 miles per hour and let me tell you I drove that truck right out of the ditch. Now mind you this truck has not been modified or anything just a regular old work truck but the most reliable vehicle I have ever been lucky enough to drive that truck kept me alive. So if anyone is looking for a good truck for a teenage driver this would be the truck for you.

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  Wheres my old suv? - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By debbie - July 14 - 9:59 pm

  If I had it to do all over again I would never have traded my envoy, the get up an go of the terrain has never got up to my expectations I had a 8 cyl and now have a 6 cyl. No power! And gas is no better than my 8 cyl. Anyone thinking about buying a terrain think twice! Ive never been as unhappy as now, so if you see my 2005 envoy, please tell it to come back home!

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  Great Product - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By CTucker - July 9 - 11:33 am

  This is our 4th GMC and first Acadia. So far I am very impressed with the vehicle. While the mileage is not great, you have to consider what you are getting and giving up in mileage. Performance is good for the v6. Interior space is outstanding compared to competitive models while it doesnt feel like a big ship when driving.

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  Secure, comfortable and reliable - 2010 GMC Yukon
  By truthsayer325 - July 6 - 10:50 pm

  I have had my Yukon for nearly 12 months and it was a bit of an adjustment from my Lexus SUV. Until a few weeks ago I was satisfied with it but now I am enthusiastic. I just got off the road. 10 hours and 650 miles reminded me of why I got it. Its a road warrior. Great value and very comfortable .

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  After the break in period - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By sage4711 - July 6 - 8:27 pm

  I now have 4k and the rig is running well. I am getting 27.4 mpg on the highway (at 74 mph). This includes mountain pass ups and down. City Im averaging 17.5 to 20.1. So far I am happy with the performance of this rig. I have the SLE-1 AWD. Hope this helps those of you that are not experiencing decent mpg yet.

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  6 Month Follow-Up - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Mooseclan - July 6 - 6:06 pm

  Ive now driven my Terrain about 8500 miles, and I have had no problems whatsoever. I can get 32 MPG on highway trips with regular 87 octane gas when I try (real calculated value, not just what the onboard computer states - although it agrees), but I average about 26 MPG on mixed daily commute of about 40 miles. For do-it-yourselfers who change your own oil, be advised you will need a special low-profile socket (about $5.00 online order). The cartridge oil filter is for agile, small hands but manageable. Ride and handling undiminished over the first 6 months. Runs like a top, but its not a muscle car. With four adult passengers, you can notice the change in shifting points.

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  Interior is going wrong! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By GMC OWNER - July 4 - 8:40 pm

  Ive had the acadia over 2 years. I love it! Well recently Ive had some problems with the interior. The hydraulic arms to the back door have also gone bad. The larger seat in the middle passenger row wont move. The seat belts in the back are not comfortable (latches), they dont give at all. Good if you are tiny and can fit between them. Im just disappointed in the problems going wrong right now. Sunglass compartment on dash also sticks. Nothing mechanical (cross your fingers). Wish the tires were a normal size so they didnt cost so much to replace! Love the car though!

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  Beware of brakes - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By cindy - July 3 - 6:53 am

  I bought this SUV and within a month the brakes went out. The vehicle is in the shop with no repair date available, the part to fix the brake problem is on national back order. I have never owned a GMC product. Apparently from what the mechanic @ GMC said this is a problem that GMC is aware of. The dealership is nice to you when they tell you they have no ideal when your SUV will be fixed. I wish they would buy my ACADIA back. I bought this car thinking It would last for years. Very unhappy with this GMC.

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  SLE2 FWD - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By gmcowner - July 2 - 10:37 am

  Extremely smooth and quiet. Previously owned a 2door Honda Civic. I needed an SUV, but wanted the best gas mileage. After 3 months, 6500 miles, mostly city driving, Ive averaged 22 MPG. Ive done some long road trips, which have not averaged above 27 MPG. I dont count on the dashboard fuel economy- I record and do my own calculating. Even though the mileage seems low on the highway, I am extremely satisfied with the city, which is the main driving for the car anyway.

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  Awesome,, but a couple of annoyances - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Azbrent - July 1 - 1:58 pm

  The gas mileage is about 19 mpg, with city and highway driving. The fact that the pax seat is not available in power is annoying. It doesnt bother my wife but when I sit in it , it sits too high. No one touch power windows! Come on this is the top of the line model! The turning is awful. I had a Ford Edge before this and I thought that was bad, I didnt realize how good I had it. The 19 inch chrome wheels are sweet, however I worry about some thug stealing the center cover piece that goes over the lug nuts. It is chrome and has the GMC insignia and just snaps off. I can see it falling off if you bump a curb. The vehicle is very popular, hard to find in stock anywhere. Paid 35k loaded