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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  Pleased that GM Has Come Back Strong... - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By riogp - December 30 - 11:18 pm

  When I was a kid we had Packards ( Ask the man who owns one ) ...after that we drove Chevys & Cadillacs. In the 80s we switched to German iron since all the US auto makers fell flat on quality. My 2012 Acadia has revised my opinion of American quality. A very sophisticated work of engineering...very much on a par with the German product, as well as the Japanese...and at a more realistic purchase price ...and very much more reasonable service charges. The Acadia handles very precisely for such a large outfit. Mixed driving 20. 8 mpg. on the AWD version. I am very impressed.

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  TERRAIN again! 2010 and 2013... - 2013 GMC Terrain
  By 2pixel - December 30 - 10:23 pm

  I had a 2010 Terrain which I loved, and since it was a leased car, I had to turn it in this year. After several test drives of other cars, I decided to lease a new 2013 Terrain. I love the exterior styling!

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  Great beginners car - 1995 GMC Jimmy
  By wspringer - December 30 - 1:42 pm

  I love this vehicle. Got it a few months ago as my 1st car (Im 17). Very comfortable and nice looking. Easy to drive. Has a lot of modern amenities in it that my moms 2010 Malibu doesnt even have. 4 wheel drive goes great in tough situations. Gonna keep this until it falls apart. It has no rust and under 130,000 miles on it now so Im hoping it lasts a long time.

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  Great car - 2013 GMC Acadia
  By jeroldh - December 15 - 3:04 pm

  Ive had my 2013 Acadia for about 4 weeks. Great car. Very comfortable and easy to drive. Intell-link easy to use with very short learning curve. Gas milage is slightly better than advertised. Much better looking than the previous Acadia. I would recommend this car to anyone!

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  Great SUV, almost a homerun! - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By parkerv357 - November 2 - 1:47 pm

  I bought my 2011 Acadia Denali used with just 16,000 miles on it. I am pleased with vehicle, yet with this being a Denali model and trading in an 02 Sierra Denali on this 2011, I feel that GMC could have grabbed a few options from the parts bin. I like the acceleration from the direct injected V6. gas mileage is not bad for a vehicle this size. I am averaging 18-20 MPG in town. The wice averages about 15-17 MPG. The bluetooth phone connections are great. I also like the reclining second row seats and the sliding seats also. I know in my Sierra, it had every option available for 2002, teh Acadia should have it all also. Good product, like most GM products, it could use a couple more.

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  LOVE MY VAN BUT ...... - 1997 GMC Safari
  By ahamm1 - October 23 - 4:10 pm

  I got this van in the summer of 2007 with 69000 miles on it, RAN GREAT was my daily ride. I drive over 100 miles a day and in 2010 the fuel pump problem happened with my van as well. We replaced it and it still is not running right, so it has been parked for over a year now for the day I have the money to take it in because I really do not want to give up the van. Also there is a clunking sound when you take off. Still love the van..

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  Great Car! - 2012 GMC Terrain
  By jlbigguy - August 28 - 8:29 pm

  Have my 2012 Terrain for 1 week now, and after 900 miles I am impressed. Getting 30.5 mpg on the highway, and overall average is 27mpg. This is with ECO mode on. Very smooth and quiet ride, no wind noise at all. The car feels solid, and is very comfortable (premium cloth seats). I have more room then in my old 2004 Pontiac Montana, and I am 66" tall. Can hardly tell the engine is running when at idle. Very pleased with my purchase.

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  excellent car - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By ranson2 - August 17 - 8:55 pm

  i used this car for almost one and a half year< awsom car, powerfull and no problems, no leaks, just change oil and go. i advice every one who is entended to get a car to buy SLT acadia AWD.

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  Happy With My Purchase !!! - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By pattisdgal - August 7 - 6:34 pm

  Had a 2001 Dodge Durango which I loved. After 12 years it was time for a new SUV. I test drove the Traverse, VeraCruz, Durango, and the Durango. As soon as I sat in the GMC, I was sold. The ride is comfortable, it handles great and has lots of room.

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  Acadias are the BEST! - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By jholmes46219 - August 4 - 10:01 am

  I recently traded my 2009 Acadia SLT2 with over 120,000 miles for a new 2012 Denali. I only traded the 09 because of the number of miles and the attractive trade deal available. I loved the old one and like the new one even better. The mileage has averaged in the 18-19 mpg range overall. I have hauled as much as 1,000 lbs and only felt a small amount of rear sway. My only real complaint is that front headlights can only be accessec through the front wheel wells. This is the best all around vehicle I have owned!