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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  Great Looks!! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By rose24 - May 19 - 9:02 pm

  I searched so many SUVS to replace my current Infinity EX which had an expiring lease and was surprised by this vheicle. it just stood out among the many I tested. Never thought I would buy American but was shocked at the value, construction and beauty of this truck. You get a lot for your money and not cheap parts. People look when you drive this SUV. Very happy!!!!

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  Great Truck - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By Shortyross4 - May 19 - 12:15 am

  My truck is a great one i bought it from my step dad and that was the smartest thing i have done in a while, its been all over the states and i bet it could do it again there hasent been any problems out of it, the only thing i dont like is the fuel mileage i fill it up the first half lasts for a good while but the other half doesnt last but for a couple hundred miles, but i still love her ive raced many vehicles and beat them mine is the v6 vortec it has the power to beat ANY FORD willing to try

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  Good, but thirsty - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By wnydad - May 17 - 9:17 pm

  07 Acadia has been a solid perfomer for three years. Awful, awful gas mileage, but all else pretty good. Can be a bit truckish slightly smaller wheels might make it more refined, but probably not GMCs plan. Planning to trade down to a smaller size vehicle - the cost premium is just too much for the third row compared to the outstanding smaller vehicles available.

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  Exelent Vehicle - 2010 GMC Yukon
  By Bob Whalen - May 17 - 8:08 pm

  The car is amongst the best I have owned. The handling is simply amazing for such a large car, yet its ride is very smooth. Miles on the highway go by like nothing, the seats are so comfortable. The Quality is a little cheap for a 60k car.

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  I love the Envoy so much I bought anothe - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Cynthia Lampkin - May 17 - 3:50 pm

  I owned a white 2003 GMC Envoy and that vehicle was the best suv around. Not only was my vehicle stylish it was very safe. I totaled my 2003Envoy and even thou I hit a concret wall that ruck was so safe that I walked away with jhust bruises. The a-frame was bent but the glass didnt break and because that Truck was so well made it held me in my seat and I didnt get tossed around nor did my truch flip over. I really loved those contour seats and the size, performance made me go out and buy a 2004 GMC Envoy same color. I shopped around for other SUVs but nothing compared to my Envoy. I really enjoy this truck and will purchase another GMC vehicle. I can not say enough about my Envoys

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  Matters Get Worse - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Bad Luck - May 17 - 12:09 pm

  I came on this site to see the reviews from other Acadia owners. Weve owned our Acadia for a little over two years and I estimate that the local Dealer has had our vehicle for about 10% of that time. We have had both front struts replaced, power steering unit repaired, master brake cylinder replaced, computer work done, water pump problem, and now we are waiting to have our transmision replaced. The dealer ship has been very good about repairs, but they didnt build the vehicle. If you are considering the purchase of an GMC Acadia I suggest you walk away. General Motors should have recalled these vehicles due to all of the power train problems.

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  So many Problems - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By wits end in NC - May 16 - 12:12 pm

  After 9 mths from purchase head gaskets replaced.Still making noise,they claimed one of the gaskets was bad and had to be replaced again.Now making a different noise. Steering struts, mounts,upper bearings/mount,all damaged and replaced.In Nov08 the drivers side wiper blew off.We moved to OBX aug 09, so using dif service dept. Wiper replaced due to being wrong size, head light blew. A/C stopped working.Discovered line had been cut when engine work was done,had radiator clamp holding it together. Part is on back order. They have no idea when it will be in. They claim they cant make just 1.GM cust service is involved but doing nothing.Dont know what to do from here.

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  LUV IT - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By vonn - May 15 - 12:35 am

  I absolutely love my Terrain. It has all the options of a luxury vehicle, but I got the 4 cyl and was able to afford all the plush options. It is beautiful....the 4 cyl is great for my driving around town 5000 miles per yr. I LOVE IT! It is beautiful!

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  Broke right from the start - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By akwalt - May 14 - 11:22 pm

  We orderd the car so it would be to our specs. When it arrived after a wait of 90 days it was what we expected On the way home we recognized a loud wind noise from the sunroof. After getting home and inspecting the sunroofwe see it was not fit right. In fact if we would left it that way water would be entering the car on a rainy day. Next day we went to the dealer and he tried to fix the problem. That did not work and he immideatly ordered the parts to fix it.That was on April 15th on to this day ( May 14th) the parts are not available to the dealer. He would like to fix my problem but GMC rather sells cars than fixing their mistakes.Really? Might be the last GM product i buy.

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  GM beat me down with this truck - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By PJ - May 14 - 7:49 pm

  We have just over 60,000 miles this is by far the worst 9 new and roughly 7 used GM vehicles I have owned. For the most part we love the ride and performance of the truck but the fit and finish/everything else is the problem. To date we have had the following issues: -Power Steering pump (three times) -Rack and Pinion -Driver side seat track loose (took 5 trips to get it fixed) -When they fixed the "problem" with the sunroof then it started leaking inside -Center arm rest handle broke -Timing chain stretched(need to pull engine to fix) -Seat belt adjuster broke -Leaking steering fluid (replaced cooler) -Headlights at 20k (need to pull tires to change) -Center Console on dash broke