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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  Love it! - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By Misty S - March 23 - 3:03 pm

  Best vehicle I have owned. Used to love to trade quite frequently, but not anymore. I love my Denali. Gas mileage isnt the greatest but its a big SUV. What can you expect?

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  Nothing but problems - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By emelton - March 23 - 2:50 pm

  I have a 2002 Envoy SLT beautiful with all the bells and whistles. I have had nothing but problems since I purchased the truck in 2004 with 30k miles. It has been at the dealership 18 times in the last 3 years. I am finally getting it fixed for the last time to trade it off. So many problems too many to mention. It has been a money pit for me.

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  Good vehicle so far - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By greenfis - March 23 - 1:27 pm

  Traded in an 07 CTS and have been very happy so far. Gas mileage has been 26 mixed with 2+ tanks of gas. Only got 28 on all highway driving on recent trip, was hoping for a few more mpg but still OK. Nice interior with lots more space for my 62" son in the back than the CTS. Cloth seats with the seat heater is very nice. Looked at several small SUVs and this one was the best of the lot comfort-wise with mpg more than 17/22. 4cyl engine is fine and you will get the gas mileage if you are not a lead-foot driver. Mine runs smooth and quiet.

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  Im Impressed - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By brian - March 22 - 11:37 am

  Ive had this vehicle for one week and am so impressed with it that I need to share with everyone. I have always bought Toyota and decided this time would be different, I went American and am getting a sense of pride in driving this perfect vehicle. Im proud to be an American and my car finally expresses it in its quality and performance. I am getting 23.1 miles in the city but have yet to drive on the highway. The looks make people look and the comfort makes me smile. I am finally in a great American car.

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  Never Again - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Never Again - March 21 - 12:45 pm

  I purchased this car about two years ago and purchased an extended warranty. The first year I had this car the interior started falling apart. The panels around the passenger seat broke, the lights on the stereo are out and the carpet has a rusts stains alone the back doors(not sure where this is coming from). Ive recently started having mechanical problems. I had to replace two coils and the electrical line to the front light has burned. The worst part of all of this is nothing is under warranty. I paid 300 for a 60k maintenance that did not include a tune up. This is my first American made car in a long time and I must say I will never buy another GMC!

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  I wish I bought a Pilot - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By John - March 21 - 12:14 am

  I had a Honda Pilot for the last 7 years. I loved that car. We bought the Acadia because we really liked the look of the outside. Now that we have owned it a few months the feel of the car has taken a toll. The interior plastic features are really cheap and the doors are not solid like they were in our Honda when you close them. I dont know why they used chrome trim in the interior it is a constant distraction when driving. The back seat floor area is a great crumb catcher for my two girls. I think the passenger seats gave up comfort when they made them slide and such as they do, nice that they slide but comfort was given up in our opinion when GMC did this.

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  Best Truck EVER. - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Terence H. - March 20 - 12:28 am

  I Love my GMC ENVOY. This is the best SUV ever. I have owned this SUV for almost three years now I bought it used in 2008 and I have not had any problems. It still drives smoothly and it looks great. I love my envoy so much. I love to let the windows down and turn up my Bose sound system. I guarantee you this SUV will last longer than most new Mercedes. If your looking for a great SUV go with the envoy. The v6 engine is very very powerful. This SUV goes so fast when needed. I am very happy with this SUV. I wish they kept the envoy nameplate the Acadia should be the new envoy.

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  Worst new vehicle I have driven - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By sky1701 - March 19 - 8:48 am

  As I read through the other reviews, my issues are about the same, water, electrical, engine, trans, steering, computer, etc. The worst for me is the random not starting (because of the water in the fuse box, replaced 3x already). Anyway, extremely poor mileage and quality issues all over th place. NOT reliable, OVERPRICED and frankly, a dud! Meeting a GM rep next week - see what they say. My guess is not much. A company in this bad of shape should be way ahead of these problems. Too bad, I always loved GM vehicles, but this has turned me away. Do NOT buy the Acadia - all smoke and mirrors, glitz and no substance...definitely not up to to the GMC reputation!

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  Very Happy w/ Purchase - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By LarissaMJ - March 18 - 12:41 pm

  Bought vehicle almost 5 months ago and am extremely pleased. My husband did a lot of research. Knowing my needs and little quirks, he thought the Terrain would be a good choice. I drive 25 miles each way to work everyday, mostly highway and little traffic. My MPG has averaged 26, and that is mixed with a lot of around town driving. I have a lead foot too. Sound system is great, I use the Ipod dock since XM not available in Hawaii. I like the ability to get extra power by pressing the ECO button off. Can really tell the difference for a 4 banger. I havent had any problems with this vehicle at 5K miles. Got a "this is really a nice car" complement from 14 yr old sons friend. I have to agree

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  Sad to see it go... - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By miacadia - March 18 - 8:46 am

  I have leased this car for 3 years and am sad to say goodbye to my Acadia. It has been a great family car - my kids loved the pull-down movie screen and my husband and I loved the headphones for peace and quiet! With fold down seats, plenty of room for transporting large items, but then you can only seat 2 people. Little storage space when all seats are up. We went on vacation last summer out east and had some difficulty fitting all our luggage in the back! Some complaints - low gas mileage 14-16 city, 22 highway, not enough storage space up front for driver - purse, office files etc..., lots of blind spots, when playing a movie, cannot put the sound only in the back, very loud up front!