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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  Love Our Terrain! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Cindy - June 5 - 7:06 pm

  When I first saw the new Terrains I absolutely hated the design. We looked for three months and since I would be the primary driver, it was my choice. It came down to a Terrain, an Equinox, or a Kia Sorento. I grew to appreciate the design and after driving it for the weekend, bought it on Monday! We have found not one thing to complain about and we both absolutely love it! We bought the AWD since we live in the country. Gas mileage is good and it is loaded with great options! Great job GMC!

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  Great (but not perfect) vehicle - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Scott - June 4 - 3:52 pm

  As another reviewer pointed out, the front seat headrest design isnt great. Fortunately, this is my wifes car. It replaced a Grand Caravan--AWD was a big selling feature, and did not disappoint last winter. Interior noise is surprisingly low. Gas mileage isnt great, but isnt that different from the Grand Caravan. If youre looking for a fuel miser, this definitely isnt the vehicle for you. The only other complaint is that the vehicle is so wide that many parking spaces are tight squeezes. This often leads to door dings.

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  Love it - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By digitalgeek - June 2 - 12:14 pm

  We simple love the car. Its a large SUV, and we just enjoy driving it. Its very comfortable. No problems with it, had the radio upgraded to DVD with Navigation and rear cam installed (after we bought it). You need the rear camera as its impossible to see behind you.

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  So much trouble - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By smgarcia - June 1 - 5:24 pm

  This car looks great. The interior features are wonderful. The gas mileage is even good. I have had 3 air conditioning repairs, transmission trouble, sunroof leaks, an air intake valve broke and required major engine work, multiple overheating issues, a failed water pump, intermittent Stabilitrack error messages for no reason, the navigation DVD wont read more than half the time, drivers seat has developed an annoying squeak, and there is something rolling around under the floor board that shifts from side to side when you turn. I cannot wait to get rid of this car I otherwise love. Im almost crazy enough to say Id get another one. Doesnt qualify for Lemon Law.

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  Great car - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Danny Cal - June 1 - 5:43 am

  Ive had this car for 4 months and 3500 miles. So far everything is just outstanding. The power, the handling,the comfort and -lets not forget- its also a looker on red. I was so ready to buy the new Sienna and then my wife asked me to also test drive the Acadia. We were immediately hooked. Features like the navigation with Onstar, traffic,DVD, heated memory seats, dual moonroof, remote starter, etc. just make me feel like Im on a spaceship. It has completely changed my mind about American cars. Awesome job GM! PD: Why do so many praise minivans and crossovers that have such a low ground clearance that they hit the front bumper on everything? Just check a loaded Odyssey or Flex.

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  Great thus far - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By MnJ - May 30 - 9:18 am

  Husband and I did a ton of research before we purchased our Terrain. We have the SLT-2 FWD 6cy, fully loaded and love it. What a great vehicle by GMC, very surprised and very much in love.

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  Disappointed mpg - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By LARRY - May 28 - 4:40 pm

  Love the vehicle (traded a Yukon xl) not happy with the mileage - averaging 23 mpg - have over 9,000 miles on it. The chrome latch on the dash storage compartment and chrome around console controls is quite blinding when the sun hits it right.

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  Worthy of a place in my garage - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By tireguy - May 26 - 4:16 pm

  Bought a fully loaded RAV4 in 08 to haul my family of 5 around. Seemed ideal on paper in reality it was an absolute bore to drive and own. Wife and I hated it, so we swapped it after a year (even trade) for a pre-owned two-year old Envoy. This is a vehicle you can fall in love with. Its a truck, on a ladder frame. It handles like a truck and I like that. Its got beautiful lines, lots of power, room inside, and a real hi/lo 4 wheel drive. No compromises. Its an all around great vehicle, and fits into my standard 2 car garage next to my Yukon XL perfectly. Its really sad that they discontinued it this year. Who rates a car poorly, based on the Nav system? Dude, get a Garmin

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  Hang On - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Schiebs - May 25 - 11:25 am

  I have read several reviews related to the vehicle rolling while in gear and this seems to be an issue with many reviewers. I grew up driving a stick, so I can deal with it, but it doesnt seem right that an automatic should roll free while in gear, even on a slight incline. The vehicle also rolls forward or backward up to 12 inches when removing your foot from the brake after putting the vehicle in park when on an incline. The driver has to be sure to ease off the brake until the vehicle comes to rest before passengers exit to void being knocked off balance when the vehicle rolls back hard. My dealer has told me "thats normal." Doesnt seem right to me.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By BettyH - May 22 - 9:35 am

  This is a very nice car. It looks way better than any other crossover that I test drove, but thats a different case on the inside, which is dull and ugly. Despite that, it is one of the best vehicles available. Driving American gives me a sense of pride to.