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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  Never 100% satisfied - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Lucille Lank - April 7 - 10:04 am

  The only things that I dont like is whenever I put my back windows down and leave my front ones up, it makes a terrible noise. Like Im in a tunnel. I have to put my front window down a bit so not to hurt my ears. My husband says getting in the vehicle is difficult. He has neck problems and cannot bend it comfortably to get in.

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  Beware-Transmission Problems - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By khubb - April 5 - 9:35 pm

  I loved this vehicle up until recently. I bought this vehicle brand new, now at 53,000 miles, it is currently in the shop because my transmission needs to be rebuilt. I am so disappointed and the warranty will not be extended. This is my first and last GMC vehicle, because I no longer trust the vehicle. I also know someone who has the Outlook and they needed a new engine at 40,000. OMG, when I pay this baby off, I am going back to Honda. Do not walk, but RUN AWAY from this vehicle.

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  Not too shabby - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By sage4711 - April 4 - 11:55 pm

  Just drove five hundred miles after purchase and it was fun. I did have a lead foot and still averaged 22.6 (with almost an eighty mph average). Fit and finish very good. I love the quiet cabin and usb interface. Rain, snow, ice, rain, and snow all handled by awd wonderfully. Son loved to drive and his friends loved the rear seat. Audio was rated 9 by a bunch of sixteen year olds. Smooth ride with a little road vibration at 75 mph. GMC did well with this rig. I hope reliability holds up. Cargo room could be a few cubes more but no worries. I would not hesitate to buy this CUV it is very smooth and nice.

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  Very Happy! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By A.Mayes - April 4 - 10:15 pm

  Me and my wife researched this vehicle and test drove one before we committed to buy one. I am 62" and there is plenty of room for me and my wife, our rear facing car seat fits behind the passenger seat and there is still plenty of room. With our four cylinder we averaged 26 mpg (computer was 1 mpg off), we filled it with premium and got 30 mpg. Very pleased with the mileage and comfort.

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  Envoy is better than benz. - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Terence H. - April 3 - 9:42 pm

  I have owned my Gmc Envoy for about two years now. I bought it used with 33,000 miles on it. This SUV has so much power. I love looking at the cars in my review mirror after I have left them in the dust. My envoy has been very reliable. I hear so much about how mercedes has gone down in quality. Well with the envoy you get the upscale look with great power style and comfort. Buy an envoy you will be happy.

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  Great Everyday SUV - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By Chadthehammer - April 3 - 11:49 am

  Im 20 years old and I Have worked construction throwing a wheel barrel in the back just putting the seats down, storing my fishing poles beside my tools, helped plenty of friends move a few things like small dressers and televisions, Camping is fun especially when dealing with the muddy and dirt roads just putting it in 4WD. and now being a Sales man I use it to transport packages and when Im running a little late I like the option of just driving up onto a sidewalk or off road or squeezing between some small areas to maneuver around heavy congestion and traffic. I love it and the few repairs to the bushings, tires, and some electronics were worth it.

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  Born every minute - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Oh Well - April 3 - 1:37 am

  Window sticker mileage is not factual. It is way too high. Even with cruise I am lucky to get 22 MPG. If there were ADA requirements for cars this one would fail. The traffic reporting is tied into the XM radio at a stiff renewal fee. I will hate to see what the On Star renewal fees are. There are hand held GPS providers that include traffic for free.

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  Uncomfortable at any speed - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By julian lupenski - April 2 - 3:47 pm

  Drivers seat lumbar feels like someone is poking you in the back. Uses a piston instead of bladder so Im told by dealership. Passenger seat has more comfort. Sluggish at takeoff when cold. Muffler and other components are ripe for damage. Placement below frame. Do not recommend anyone to buy.

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  Great first car - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Cory Sykes - April 1 - 2:51 pm

  It is a very good truck. Very dependable and good on gas for a truck. The only complaint is the driver side door speaker has blown out. other than that it is a very enjoyable truck that surprisingly hasnt gotten stuck in any areas.

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  Duped - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By douped - April 1 - 11:17 am

  Very little good to say. Interior needs a handle at the drivers door for those of us that are mobility impaired and way to many little buttons to be pushing while driving. Dash is very distracting and confusing. Interior size is the best feature. I would not buy another one!