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:

• 

  Needs more storage space - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By JR - July 1 - 1:28 pm

  Have had the Terrain for only couple days but have noticed already the lack of storage space or bins. The spare tie takes up the rear storage under the flooring, the glove box doesnt have a lock and could use air vents for the rear seat passengers. These are minor details but should be passed on tho others. I traded a Hyundai Santa Fe for this and that vehicle more storage space/bins and lockable glove box.

• 

  Happy with purchase - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Cory H - June 30 - 11:05 pm

  About 3,500 miles in 3 months on my AWD SLT 1 and am thus far quite happy with the purchase. Am getting just over the EPA rated gas mileage (mostly city driving) but mileage goes down quickly if running stop & go errands. Still, this is a large vehicle that gets far better mileage than many Crossovers and SUVs of similar size. Great interior design with exception of the complaint in suggested improvements. Biggest complaint is the shifting. Prior year models had issues, so 2010 was reprogrammed. It still needs improvement as it hunts at slow speeds. Engine braking is very noticeable when downshifting at slow speed. My prior GM vehicle did not have this issue.

• 

  Major AC and sunroof issues - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By 07acadia - June 30 - 10:16 pm

  We bought acadia with low miles still under warranty. We have had nothing but trouble with the ac. Took it to local dealer, not dealer we purchased it from and have gotten nowhere. They say they cant duplicate the problem. Well, warranty has run out and problem is still there with just over 50,000 miles. There is an obvious problem with these vehicles. If you visit the website acadia forum there are many others with the same unresolved problem. We have gotten nowhere with GM customer service either. My spouse has grown to hate this vehicle. Paying every month for an expensive vehicle with ac problems.

• 

  Love my Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By LT3391 - June 28 - 6:12 pm

  I chose the Terrain over the Honda CR- V. I really like the back up camera the spaciousness of the interior. It is hard to get used to the lock/unlock button on the control panel instead of on the door. Very pleased with my purchase.

• 

  Disappointed - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Tonya - June 27 - 10:27 am

  The overall review for this vehicle is Poor and not well thought out!. It is 2010 and why this vehicle do not have dual air control and a rear air vent is very surprising! If the vehicle had an option to change the red dash board lights, I probably could overlook everything else. I do not drive my vehicle at night because of the red lights. Q&A must not have been done on this vehicle during night time.

• 

  It is a great ride - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By chuck - June 27 - 7:59 am

  My wife has a bad back. It is the best car-SUV for her to get in and out of. Great job. Thanks

• 

  GMC Terrain - Buyer Beware! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By dkoontz - June 23 - 1:09 pm

  Why buy a Terrain? For me it was the promise of best in class highway fuel economy, rated at 32 mpg with the 4 cylinder. Took delivery of my SLT Terrain last December and now have around 7200 miles on the vehicle. My average highway mpg: 25.1! Well says GM, your mileage may vary. OK I get that. But in every case Ive driven pure highway (Interstate) miles, Ive used cruise control and driven at or below the posted speed limit (sometimes 60, never more than 70). So GM exactly what am I doing wrong? To put in mildly, Im disgusted with GM and the vehicle after initially loving it. If considering the 4 cyl, do yourself a favor and look at the 6. Or better yet, buy and import!

• 

  Great Car- and Safe - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Terrain lover - June 23 - 8:29 am

  I couldnt wait for this car to be released. It was the first car I had ever brought on my own. I had been reviewing it since August 2009 and when it was finally released I had a hard time finding it because not too many dealers had the fully loaded SLT2. I was a little disappointed that the passenger side didnt have the power seats, the gas mileage, and how the car hesitated when trying to pick up speed but other then that I loved it. My car is totaled due to a hit &run every air bag deployed we were saved! Onstar kicked in pretty quick all the airbags from the front & window passenger side, driver side window & stirring wheel and rear passenger airbags deployed.

• 

  Would Buy Another One - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Naples - June 22 - 7:20 pm

  Could not be happier. Bought 2 years ago and four trips to Florida each year - 4,800 miles a year. Fabulous road car - very comfortable ride, plenty of interior space and feel very safe. Somewhat sluggish when pulling away from dead stop but just give it more gas. Absolutely no mechanical problems in two years - great quality.

• 

  Good vehicle with quirks - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Ernie - June 21 - 8:33 pm

  So far so good very comfortable. Why would they build a car that rolls forward on a hill when car is In reverse? I noticed today vehicle does not roll free it is very noticeable then I read a posted review here that mentions the same observation.