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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  It looks gorgeous and has "perks"... - 2013 GMC Terrain
  By vnikolefoster@gmail.com - July 10 - 7:07 pm

  ... I wanted but if it is always in the shop. I purchase a 2013 GMC Terrain Denali edition. It is beautiful inside and out but I came to realize quickly the previous owners traded it in for a Mercedes. I have owned the vehicle less than a year (after several trips to the dealership, because they could fix the problem because the computer did not register a issue [although they stated they felt the issue]) . Finally after I drove it for another two months and when back to have it tested again they rebuilt my transmission. Really? I have 40k miles on it, why would the transmit already be messed up! I got my car back 2 weeks ago and when I pulled into my driveway after work today, I smelled coolant and I have a puddle under my car. If you can afford to purchase the Denali, I would recommend a different brand: Toyota, Honda, anything but a GMC!

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  ENVOY SLT Solid as Stone Mountain - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By Bill Poindexter - July 8 - 12:12 am

  We purchased our 2008 GMC Envoy SLT with 10,000 miles on it and one year old. Now we have over 150,000 on it and would not trade it for anything new and free. The best way to describe the old school, body on frame, straight six SUV is SOLID. For work I have the opportunity to rent many vehicles and nothing comes close to the solid feel and stump pulling power of GMs Envoy and Trail blazer twin. My brother in law is a master mechanic and shop owner and rather than purchase a new vehicle (which he could easily afford) he chose a well cared for Trail Blazer. He is highly impressed with the bullet proof power train rugged body on frame design. I can attest it feels like you are driving a SUBSTANTIAL vehicle. The mass of power available at the slightest touch of the gas verifies what I read. The truck engine in these SUVs were over built by GM. The solid axil always stays put and signals when you are adrift in the lane resulting in a reassuring ride and stable tracking regardless of the highway condition. Newer vehicle designs may give you more storage pockets and cup holders but I value solid construction and indestructible power train as more important for getting you from A to B. Comfort is exceptionable and everything is quiet and solid inside the car. Repairs have been limited to a cracked exhaust manifold and wires chewed up by a demented squirrel. I would strongly lean toward buying a well cared for Envoy over a new vehicle just because they simply dont build them like this any more.

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  honeymoon is over - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By xoxomyass - June 25 - 12:39 pm

  This car is crap, I bought this car less than 6 months ago. I loved it and the space, features, look, feel etc. The car lot I got it from in st peters, missouri are crooks!! Ok so the engine blew all 4 pistons. I took it to a shop to get the engine repaired (4800.00) when they finally found a good engine which was not easy to do they ran diagnostic, there was a very very long list of code errors from the tranny. They said a bunch of wires had been cut underneath it and the transmission transfer case was cracked (600.00) This was the 4th acadia they had to replace a engine in the last month. It still runs like crap, cant wait to get rid of it like a bad boyfriend. DO NOT BUY GMC I NEVER WILL!

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  JIMMMYY! - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By ahusson - June 8 - 9:44 am

  So I got this 2000 GMC Jimmy at 165,000 miles, now it has 172,000 miles and it a complete money pit, but a life saver. I have spent $3500 in repairs in the last 6 months. Ive taken it to three different mechanics and technicians.Every single part on my brake is brand new, and the ABS light is still on. I cant afford to keep it anymore, so this is a good car if you are a mechanic or have a mechanic who knows who he is doing. BUT this has saved me through the winter. With All-Season tires it plowed through 2 feet of snow and 2 inches of ice. No weather condition stopped me, and I was incredibly thankful. (Maine Winter of 2014-2015)

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  I have the Denali AWD with the 6 cylinder - 2015 GMC Terrain
  By tradedcmax - May 28 - 7:49 pm

  While we have only had this for a couple of weeks, it is proving to be a great SUV/CUV. It isnt the cheapest out there, but for a premium ride and feel, coupled with the money off of sticker price, it is a nice compromise. For the sticker price, you could get more bang for your buck at a competitor, but after taking money off, that isnt so true. This vehicle has a premium feel and ride, with some decent features. Compared to my foreign SUV/CUV, it feels like Im driving a high end model, even though my foreign SUV/CUV is a limited trim. Everything seems more luxurious in the Terrain. It is a nice blend of size and features.

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  New Canyon Road Trip - 2015 GMC Canyon
  By azjimc - May 24 - 11:50 pm

  I just completed a 5K mile road trip with new Canyon. Exceeded expectations! Moderate heavy load still averaged 22MPG. Have all the electronic bells and whistles. Amazing Nav screen automatically notes coming traffic problems. Voice tells about road issues ahead. Weather map shows accurate NWS maps with storms clearly shown ahead. Drivers Info Center on dash supports LED screen plus added features. Never used On-Star and did not need it with on board Navigation features. Nav-GPS very accurate. Slightly slower to use than Garmin. Auto-trac a must for bad weather. Very secure feel to driving the truck. Light years away from older F 150 I used.

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  8 Year 170K mile review - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By clearwatereq - May 23 - 5:17 pm

  And I can honestly say Id buy another. My red jewel SLT2 has every option available for 2007. Its been a reliable vehicle overall, not 100% problem free though. I replaced the transmission at 60K, steering rack at 50k, water pump at 67k, struts at 80K, and other regular wear and tear items that are normal (ie-brakes) Its been amazingly trouble free for nearly the last 100K. It still looks and drives much like a new vehicle.

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  Nice if GM would fix the key switch issue 5 years ago - 2013 GMC Terrain
  By Brian Spencer - April 25 - 9:10 pm

  Bought brand new. The key switch has been an issue since the first week we owned it. If the steering wheel isnt perfectly straight when you park it, the key binds until you turn the steering wheel and turn the key at the same time. It randomly has binding issues when you attempt to turn the key off. This issue has been around since launch and it still has not been resolved. If you lean against the door panels, the color wears off. I test drove it and the seat was in the correct position for me. I didnt know until my wife drove it after I got home, that the power seat is only half power! You manually slide it forward and back and tilt is controlled by power. My Rendezvous was full power.

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  Major Problems - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By jfullersf - April 20 - 10:35 pm

  Yukon is comfortable and exactly what I wanted. Tons of room, drives great, exactly like a $75,000 SUV should. But I have had constant issues since I purchased it. Most recent was the full replacement of the engine at 22,500 miles and 10 months of ownership. Ive had seat issues, popping in steering wheel, loud wind noise coming from the sun roof. The 4 wheel drive system has had 3 issues and a recall since I owned it. The gauges stopped working, the steps get stuck. GM hasnt taken ownership that I have a lemon and this car needs to be bought back or replaced. Ive owned 2 other Yukon Denalis and this has been the only one that Ive ever had problems with.

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  2015 Terrain denali AWD it is good for off road too - 2015 GMC Terrain
  By socal60 - April 20 - 2:44 pm

  Great comfort, interior and ride. I had the Denali and wow what a vehicle. It was very comfortable to drive long distances at a time and had great storage and visibility, no blind spots that modern technology did not accommodate . Fantastic safety features, collision avoidance,rear view camera, and parking controls. Take it off road, dirt or mud, even sand , not to mention snow and it handles better off road then my 2015 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4X4