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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  Glad I bought this truck - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Kevin - June 21 - 12:02 pm

  I bought the fully loaded (except for going with the 18 inch wheels) SLT2 with V6, entertainment system, etc. Ive only had it for 2 weeks now, but I am extremely happy I bought this vehicle. The exterior in carbon black metallic is great - much better than in pictures. And the interior fit and finish is excellent too.

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  Must Get Rid Of - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By KeithGP - June 17 - 4:21 pm

  I hate to do bad reviews about this GMC vehicle that I own since I have had 2 GMC vehicles before this that were absolutely wonderful, but I must finally give it what GM deserves. My experience with my Acadia has been horrible. There is always something wrong with it and now everything that seems to be wrong with it is NOT covered by the powertrain warranty. I would like a powertrain warranty that kept the vehicle running at least and GMs does not. I have had my vehicle in the shop at least 8-9 times since buying it brand new. It has soured my taste for GM so much that I do not know if I will buy another. I am going to research the newer models to see if there are the same complaints!

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  Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Dennis - June 17 - 2:50 pm

  I like everything about it but the Gas Mileage. Need to achieve 25 before the 32 MPG which is advertised.

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  Nicest vehicle I ever bought! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Lisa Faulx - June 16 - 8:30 pm

  I bought my Onyx Black 2010 GMC Terrain on New Years Eve 2009. I wanted a small SUV with lots of room. I have a champagne taste with a beer pocket book! I researched vehicles for 3 months. I saw this SUV on the Ellen Degeneres Show and fell in love! I had to go to a dealer 100 miles away to find one because no local dealers had any. I have the basic model, as I only drive 2 miles to work and dont need a 4 wheel drive. The standard features alone are incredible, more than any other SUV I looked at! The interior and exterior are beautiful, the ride is fabulous. A tank of gas lasts me two weeks! Never thought I would use the back up camera, but cant live without it! I could go on and on!

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  150k - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By Kyle - June 11 - 3:58 pm

  i have inherited my fathers 1998 GMC Sonoma extended cab and its excellent! We recently recharged the air system and it feels like factory new. Weve only had the brakes blow out twice and the front tie rods break but thats really it. i love this truck because its very fun to drive but i wish the 4 cylinder had more power. it has the 5 speed manual so it makes driving interesting. all i have to say is that this is the best truck our family has ever owned and i hope to keep it running for years to come.

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  If it can go wrong, it will with this car! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By hk - June 9 - 12:18 pm

  Have had the car 3 years. Done every scheduled maintenance & recall notices. Was ok for 2 yrs. 3/09 started shaking on acceleration, check engine light on, traction turning off warning bell. Dealership advised needed 3 fuel injectors replaced. Didnt fix problem. Different dealership sd needed 3 more fuel injectors replaced. On 4/6/10 towed b/c over heating,oil leaks, coolant leak and water pump was broken.4/12/10 A/C went out, lines replaced for $960. On 5/20/10 transmission failed,towed again. Still at dealership now, 3 weeks later.With min rental insurance + towing costs + flushes needed due to leaks, this car has cost me $774 + the monthly car payment for a car I cant even drive. Dont buy!

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  ZR2 Rocks - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By Tim - June 8 - 10:28 pm

  Got this truck with 90,000 miles on it. I have the 4.3 Vortec V6. Has 165,xxx now and still running great. Only replaced fuel pump and idler arms. I love the ZR2 (high rider) off road package and 4x4--never get stuck. It handles great and looks sharp. Great for outdoor activities (hunting, camping, fishing) and general all-around use. Love this truck. Reliable. Solidly built. Decent gas mileage. Fun to drive.

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  Pure Awesomeness - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By DannyCal - June 8 - 1:52 am

  I got the top of the line SLT2 and Im very satisfied with it. I got 3500 miles on it.

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  Saved our lives - 1994 GMC Suburban
  By cheygirl - June 7 - 6:37 am

  I have owned two 1994 suburbans. The first one I loved! It was solid and quiet and dependable. We had 300,000 miles on the engine and it still ran great. The transmission went out at 150,000. I drove it all the time everywhere. We camped in it traveled in it put lots of stuff in it. Very roomy fit four kids with no problem. Pulled horses in it. One day another SUV ran a stop sign and I hit it. The other SUV was pushed and went flying. My suburban engine and front was destroyed but nobody was even the least bit hurt. All eight of us were fine including my baby. As hard as I hit them around 60 mph I didnt even feel the crash that badly. The other vehicle didnt fare so well.

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  GMC Savana Explorer Conversion - 2003 GMC Savana
  By Alexstaar - June 5 - 7:25 pm

  We purchased our van at the beginning of 2004. Our van has pretty much seen it all. The first trip we took it on it was hit by Hurricane Charley. It now gets 14 mpg city and 16 mpg hwy. The 5.3 liter engine 0-60 is about 8 sec. though its only RWD, it does excellent in rain, snow, and ice. It is very fun to drive. I will definitely consider buying another one of these vans!