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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  Timing chain/headlamps/airbag - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By blox - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Acadia used with low miles on it. Our first major problem was both headlamps burnt out on the acadia. So we replaced both of them had to take both tires and black fender wall off to replace bulbs and wires. The wires for the headlamps caught on fire. Went in for a oil change for them to tell me I have a oil leak. So now the timing chain is being replaced and in the shop for a week maybe longer. And the service airbag light comes on all the time. Just wish GM would at least acknowledge that there is a lot of ppl having problems with the acadia and do some recalls. Not at all happy with GM at this point.

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  Disappointment - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By acadia4me - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Very disappointed in my 2011 Acadia in the month that I have owned it. Gas mileage: Far from the 16/23 state MPG I have averaged 9-11 MPG, and had a whopping record high of 14 MPG with 200+ highway miles (on cruise control!). When I contacted the dealer for service they told me it just needed to be broken in for another 1000 miles. AC: Initially the AC cooled well. After a few weeks however it just isnt getting very cold. Contacted the dealer and they said the temp is within spec. Everyone who sits in the car in our 90+ degree weather asks if I can turn the ac down to make it cooler or stop it from blowing lukewarm air. Alarming "clunk" after reversing about 10 feet.

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  Air Bag Problem - Beware - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Justin - September 17 - 2:00 am

  My 2007 Envoy Denali has had numerous computer/sensor issues. Reads tire pressure and gas incorrectly. Recently the air bags deployed without cause. The interior has $3,000.00 in damages caused from the driver and passenger side airbags deploying. The air bag deployment also resulted in my girlfriend being sent to the ER. There is absolutely no damage to the exterior. Poor manufacturing - beware!

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  Access - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Access - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Experience has not been good. Gas mileage is low. About 5-7 mpg less than bragged about. Dealer said that it is within range. Other brands have not lied as much as GM has. I drive for mileage, all it does is get worse. Access for one who runs around with disabled veterans plates is terrible. I would not recommend the Acadia to anyone who is disabled. God help us if this is considered to be a good product.

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  Worst Vehicle Ever! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Jeff Wilhelm - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Purchased to replace a mini van. Huge mistake, has been in the shop several times, about once every 6 weeks for repairs. Biggest issue is with the AirBags, have had to have it in to service these 7, yes 7 times. GM says that they cannot and will not give a guarantee that the airbags work, if the lights not on assume that it works. Apparently safety not an issue with GM. We have had leaking windows, pw motor replaced, steering column squeaks, wipers dont work, fuel economy is terrible, brake line clips that have come off, lunges when you accelerate up a hill, the list goes on and on. Worst vehicle we have ever had. Should have let GM go under!

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  So Many Problems - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By so_many_problems - August 27 - 12:48 pm

  I have the same problems as Hate_GMC. The transmission of my brand new Terrain was leaking right when it was driven home. The antenna is too long and the car wont fit in my garage. Weve contacted GM and have gotten undesirable results. The receptionist was very rude to me and only after did we file complaints did they pay us any attention. Weve requested that we get a new car or that they would extend our warranty but we didnt receive either. With every year of warranty extended, wed have to pay a fee.

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  Disappointed - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Tonya - June 27 - 10:27 am

  The overall review for this vehicle is Poor and not well thought out!. It is 2010 and why this vehicle do not have dual air control and a rear air vent is very surprising! If the vehicle had an option to change the red dash board lights, I probably could overlook everything else. I do not drive my vehicle at night because of the red lights. Q&A must not have been done on this vehicle during night time.

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  GMC Terrain - Buyer Beware! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By dkoontz - June 23 - 1:09 pm

  Why buy a Terrain? For me it was the promise of best in class highway fuel economy, rated at 32 mpg with the 4 cylinder. Took delivery of my SLT Terrain last December and now have around 7200 miles on the vehicle. My average highway mpg: 25.1! Well says GM, your mileage may vary. OK I get that. But in every case Ive driven pure highway (Interstate) miles, Ive used cruise control and driven at or below the posted speed limit (sometimes 60, never more than 70). So GM exactly what am I doing wrong? To put in mildly, Im disgusted with GM and the vehicle after initially loving it. If considering the 4 cyl, do yourself a favor and look at the 6. Or better yet, buy and import!

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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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  Love at first sight, but.... - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By tryUSAagain - May 10 - 1:50 am

  When we first got this car, we absolutely loved it. Yes, the transmission was a bit jittery, but overall we just loved the look, ride, and comfort of this car. As time passed, however, problems have continued to arise. Just today, for the third time we are getting warning lights about the airbags. We have a transmission leak (car not even at 28,000 miles yet)and the car has been to the dealer more times in the few years weve owned it than all of the cars weve owned in the last 12 years combined. I really wanted to believe that GMC had turned the corner and was building quality cars again, but this car has done nothing but sour me on them. Looks great,rides great,but is a pain to own.