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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  truly the best vehicle we ever had - 2003 GMC Safari
  By mesh7 - April 30 - 12:30 pm

  our 2003 gmc safari is the best vehicle i could ever hope for . weve put over 200.000 miles on it and almost no maintence. it never breaks down and all weve had to replace is fuel pump and alternator. This van is perfect and i ABSOLUTELY recommend it . GMC did a great job with this one . VERY RELIABLE

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  Excellent reliability! Really. - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By ecanadian1 - March 25 - 3:22 am

  Ok, so we bought new in April 2007. After 150,000km our Acadia had pretty much zero problems! We have only been changing different oils/fluids (engine, transmission, power steering) and air filter. Breaks are still original - amazing! Only one problem in year 2 fixed under warranty: dirty sensor (vehicle pretty much shut down on highway). Will be getting 3rd set of tires this summer. So tire wear has been great. My wife mostly drives this vehicle, about 65% highway. Regardless, the reliability so far has been extraordinary! We also own a Toyota Sienna and Mercedes Benz E500 and Acadia has been most trouble free by far. Just thought would share given all negative reviews.

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  Great Little Truck! - 2012 GMC Terrain
  By janebryson - March 24 - 6:16 pm

  Practical, safe, comfortable, and good looking!! My kids and I love this vehicle so far!!

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  High Quality SUV - 2013 GMC Terrain
  By testdrive33 - February 23 - 9:18 pm

  Last week we purchased a 2013 GMC Terrain SLE2 FWD with the 2.4 4cyl engine. It also came with the convenience package adds remote start and heated seats. Our previous car was a 2010 Toyota Prius, the lease was up and we needed something larger. I know the gas mileage will not come close to the Prius but we were looking for something with more space and better ride. Ive been reading review of people complaining about not getting the advertised MPG. Only having a week with the car but I can say the MPG is accurate. On a recent trip we avg 29.6 MPG averaging 70 MPH. If you reduce the speed to 65 you can achieve the 32 MPG on the highway. Note most likely need to dive with ECO mode on

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  Smart & Sporty Drive - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By dmlarbus - February 5 - 8:52 am

  Love this vehicle. It is quiet, smooth and comfortable for all passengers. You get the perks of a sporty sleek look without the rough truck ride while preserving the practicality of a large SUV or truck space and utility.

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  2012 Cadillac CTS Coupe, Great except gas mileage. - 2012 GMC Terrain
  By rkaydc - January 27 - 12:01 pm

  When purchasing this car last year the mileage was listed at 18-26 mpg. It barely gets 19 mpg, and so far its never met 20 mpgs. In this day and age its terrible that we cant be getting at least 25 mpgs

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  Poor gas mileage / back up camera inside vehicle - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By dusebout1 - January 26 - 6:44 pm

  Gas mileage is not good at all, never had the 32mpg as I was told. Going back and forth to work I average in the summer 29 mpg and in the cold it is even lower, highway driving is even less. Other vehicles I have owned gave me a higher gas mileage than stated on the highway sticker miles going back and forth to work, terribly disappointed with the Terrain. Talked to the dealer and he confirmed there were complaints it wasnt getting the predicted gas mileage. Back up mirror is not reliable, only shows directly behind you without even a little bit of a side view

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  Time to Sell...Maybe??? - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By joemerchant47 - January 8 - 9:04 am

  I have an 09 Acadia,well pleased.Had only one problem-rattle in A pillar.Dealer replaced trim-fixed.Headlight recall.No big deal.Bulletin/recall notifying possible stretching of timing chain.Took car in to reset computer for more frequent oil changes.I change more often than recommended anyway.Talked to mechanic,he hadnt gotten one back in yet for repair but said engine had to come out to replace chain.Power train warranty increased by GM to 100K.Heres my problem.We dont travel much.My car is just about to turn 26K miles so by the time any major problem occurs my warranty will have run out.Is it time to sell this car which is now in excellent condition?

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  2008 GMC Acadia AWD - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By plugs01 - January 3 - 11:45 am

  We searched reviews before we bought and saw a number of negative reviews. I believe most people are more inspired to write a review if they have a negative experience. Weve owned ours for almost two years. Very pleased. We get about 21 mph when driving combined city/hwy. The manual instructs to use higher octane fuel, but we use 85 regular unlead since we are at high elevations -mechanic recommended. We bought a prebuy inspection by our shop. Only problems we have had: sunroof leaked once after sitting in heavy rain, but never while driving. Hasnt done it since. Also drivers seat fails to move about once every 3 months - we get it to move after playing with it...need to fix though

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  reliable and quality - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By z_auto - December 31 - 7:17 am

  I have a 2001 GMC Yukon Denali. I am the second owner having bought it at 35k miles. Now at 180k miles, the only items I have replaced are the water pump at 125k, rear evaporator at 170k and fuel pump at 178k & a few interior switches: brakes, tires and shocks as needed. Otherwise, just regular maintenance of all fluids. I use synthetic fluids exclusively oil every 7-8k miles, trans fluid change every 50k, differentials, ps, brake fluid at 100k., brakes, shocks and other wear items. I average 14 MPG city/suburban driving and 16-17 MPG highway. Long term ownership costs even including gas have made this an economical vehicle.