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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  My Jimmy - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By SN09 - April 14 - 11:15 am

  When I first bought it off the dealership I had to have them replace the thermostat, radiator. I havent had any big problems since then, but it does seem like its slowly slipping. They charged way to much money for this SUV and its a gas hog!

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  great car, need more options - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By tommyguy1 - April 14 - 8:08 am

  Like others, no where near the 32 MPG advertised. Still a great car. Wife loves it. MUCH quiter than my 2008 Lexus LS. Would trade the Lexus and get a Terrain for myself if there were options available. GMC missing the boat in not marketing this to empty nester retirees, too! We dont need back seat video, but sure would like power passenger seat, rain sensing wipers, push button keyless start and entry, and that sliding back seat needs to be powered! Its a great idea, but its a bear to move manually. Since auto makers have screwed up the traditional big boat sedans with impossible to load trunks with skinny openings, a vehicle like the Terrain is essential for travel these days.

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  Great! - 2006 GMC Yukon
  By Jerry - April 14 - 5:51 am

  This vehicle has been unbelievable! Ive already put 216,000 miles on it and the only thing replaced were the rear shocks and load leveling pump. I tow a boat 26 boat with incredible ease. Great power and handling. I owned two Ford Expeditions before and they cant hold a candle to the Yukon Denali. Great comfort (I drive over 200 miles/day). If the car went down tomorrow I would still feel I got my moneys worth. Cant wait for the next one.

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  Hunk of Junk - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By lemonowner08 - April 13 - 1:43 pm

  This vehicle has leaking issues if you have the sunroof option. It has engine, air conditioning, heater, and electronic problems. The lumber and seat belt height adjusters are either broke from factory or break soon after. This is not a safe vehicle. GM will do very little to help and our local dealership couldnt and wouldnt do anything. We had to take it to another dealership in another city to get the problems and recalls fixed. We are still having problems and residuals of past problems like the headliner full of water rings from past leaks. Now we have a wheel bearing going out. 21,000 miles and a lot of problems. Just avoid this vehicle.

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  Love all but seats/headrests - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Jeff - April 12 - 4:26 pm

  My wife and I traded our 2000 4Runner for the 2010 Acadia. 2nd row captains chairs for our kids as well as easy access to the 3rd row were two of the main selling points. We like everything about the vehicle other than the gas mileage (16.5 MPG overall with much highway driving) and the front seats. The curve of the seat along with the forward angle of the headrest make it impossible to sit comfortably. Ive tried every adjustment possible and cant get my upper back and neck to stop hurting. Kids love it. Friends love the look. The seats are the only problem.

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  Mines also a lemon! - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By ihatemytruck - April 11 - 4:57 pm

  Have had it for 3 months, bought it with 38,000 miles. Has already been to the shop twice for things that arent covered by the extended warranty. Has a big powerful 4 cyl however my 350,000 mile 92 Toyota PU with half the power can out tow it, WAY OUT ACCELERATE IT, and is much more comfortable, better quality and gets 10 mpg more hwy. Did I mention the Toyota was totaled twice and hit twice before i bought it and then i was hit in it? Still on the road to.

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  New owner. - 2007 GMC Canyon
  By Slide81 - April 11 - 3:24 pm

  So far this has been a wonderful truck. The ride is smooth, acceleration is smooth, shifts are firm, lights at night on the outside are excellent. Gas mileage isnt horrible either, first tank, I averaged 20.13 mpg with rural/city driving [45 mph-55 mph] and the occasional passing gear stomp.

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  The Perfect Van - 1990 GMC Vandura
  By I love my "baby" - April 11 - 10:26 am

  I actually own a 1982 Vandura. Ive had her since the late 80s. Her name is "Baby" she was the love of my heart back then and is very loved to this day. She has an inline 6, three on the tree. I use to love to drive her to Las Vegas or Los Angeles and sleep in her comfortable cargo area. Pee in a bucket in the morning and move on or as they use to say "keep on truckn. Shes getting old now but still runs. GMC made a very reliable van. She has never broken down on me, in fact one time the reverse quit working and a few months later fixed itself! True story. I dont drive her anymore because I cant (long story). But anyways I recomend GMC trucks. They make the best! Sincerly, JMCota

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  A GMC Home Run - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Scott McDermott - April 10 - 12:04 pm

  I have been absolutely thrilled will this vehicle. GMC really paid attention to style, feature, function and all around usability. The engine is nothing short of awesome. The power and pickup would lead you to believe you were driving a bigger V8, but without the sluggishness and bulky feel. The vehicle is very responsive, nicely and thoughtfully featured without being overstated. I buy new cars every 2-3 years and as my first GMC all I can say is that Im very pleased and impressed. Good job GMC!

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  Towable 4WD/Automatic - 2007 GMC Canyon
  By garebear - April 8 - 1:33 am

  Edmunds and several other experts rate the GMC Canyon lower than its competitors. They overlook one important aspect. It is towable flat. You cannot tow a Toyota, Honda, Dodge or Mazda automatic flat. This is important when you want to tow a 4wd/auto truck behind a motor home. Only the GMC or its companion, the Chevy Colorado in a midsized pickup has the advantage of a neutral switch. Drop the tranny into neutral and away you go.