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 SUV, Poor fuel economy - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By qantor - March 30 - 9:46 pm

  Its kind of a mix feeling. Really like this SUV, but when I see the not so good 19 mpg (city) Im getting then Im less happy with my purchase. And I must say that this “mpg” Im getting is by applying an Ultra-low pressure on the gas pedal...so low that my feet is nearly shaking, imagine the mpg I would get with normal pressure on the gas pedal. I’m really afraid this summer when I’ll have to push the A/C button... My wife Jeep Compass has way better fuel economy with her "aggressive" driving style.

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  Load er up! - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By TrackMan - March 28 - 10:51 pm

  I bought my 2004 Yukon 4x4 new, and I am content on keeping it. It delivers lots of power and is a very safe SUV to drive in all kinds of conditions. It will pull about anything you can hook up to it, yet will result in good fuel economy for something this big. In the past when I had to get a group of kids somewhere not far away, I had sometimes 18-20 kids in it (took to the side roads of course). Besides having a couple of small items go wrong, it has been pretty much a perfect vehicle. If you are looking for a load er up and go set of wheels, you wont go wrong with a Yukon!

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  THIS IS THE BEST! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By rOBIN - March 28 - 5:33 am

  I am absolutely beside myself with this SUV. Gmc, way to go. I have pride again in the American made vehicle. I have owned GMC/Chevys on and off through out the years, my husband & I bought a Honda a few years back. While that is a nice ride it just is not like riding in an American made /designed vehicle this Terrain will put GMC back on top. I just hope it last as long as my Chevy cavalier (132,000) miles I put on that little car. American made and I am in love once again!!! The pick up on the 4 cyl is unbelievable, the peace and quiet once in the veh is wonderful. WAY TO GO GMC! xxo

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  great vehicle to see and drive - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By pjh/rockland - March 27 - 11:16 pm

  had many gm vehicles over the years. sedans suvs. this machine with everything is unbelievable. you got to drive the 4 cyl and be surprised w its performance. everyone who sees this gmc terrain black ext / black leather ( heated ) interior are shocked w/ price and quality compared w their international products. welcome back.

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  Great SUV - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By rkt - March 27 - 8:33 pm

  I drove my wifes GMC Terrain today for the first time today over a long distance. It drives and handles fantastically. The leather seats are very comfortable, and have good support everywhere. Steering is quick and responsive, the navigation system works wonderfully. It got me everywhere I was wanting to go on 8 occasions, except for one time, when I fed in the wrong info, and naturally it didnt work right. I still dont know how to use all of the navigation features, but I hardly ever see that car. We havent even owned it for two months yet, and it has over 5200 miles on it. Today, in town 35%, and highway 65%, mileage was a very respectable, true, 26.3 mpg. By the way, my wife loves it

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  Love my Acadia - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Nikki Johnson - March 25 - 2:02 pm

  Previously I owned a GMC Envoy & loved it, but the Acadia is Awesome!! I love the power, the look & comfort!! My family is loving this vehicle!! Thanks GM for a great vehicle!

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  A Solid All Around Vehicle - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Teach2010 - March 24 - 6:52 pm

  It doesnt have the greatest style, highway wind noise is way too loud, the plastic interior feels very cheap and the exterior design is very basic. Those are the cons. The pros are that it is a very reliable car. I have not had one problem with it. Its driving comfort is quite good and it is good for hauling. If what you want is a solid vehicle that is reliable and piratical for yourself or a teenagers first car. You would do well with this one.

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  Looks nice but many issues - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By bwhite - March 24 - 4:45 pm

  When I first saw and drove the Acadia, all seemed great. The first year was great, but soon after nagging issues started to appear. The most serious being the transmission. I seems sluggish with no power when trying to accelerate. I has been to the dealer several times, with them always saying that they could find nothing wrong. In fact its in the shop right now with "NOTHING FOUND". We also had a mysterious oil leak that took 4 trips to solve. They are usually nice at the dealer but I still drive away with a unreliable car.

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  Wonderful, Luxurious, Pleasure to drive - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By MZee - March 24 - 12:11 am

  My family love Terrain. We look several others before buy and did quite a bit research but whole family like Terrain. I already drove over 1500 miles in 6 weeks. No issue at all. Getting about 24 MPG in City/Hwy combine. Where ever I go, people give good look to this vehicle and ask about it. Roomy, I am 6’1 and head room is great for me. 2.4 power is ok for me, no issue in merging on Hwy. So quite, comfortable and smooth ride.

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  From Yukon to Acadia - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Mike - March 23 - 5:57 pm

  Just came back from 1500 mile trip everything with this car was great ride comfort plenty of pep, will take some time getting use to 6 speed trans, handled great on highway. Minor changes to int. So far so good hope its as good as 2007 Yukon.