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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  In my 5th year - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By hdao - June 12 - 10:24 am

  As I have seen quite many people are disappointed with Acadia. Especially sun roof leak, power steering rubbing noise, water pump leak. I was lucky that I did not buy the one with a sun roof. M Acadia had a water pump leak. It has been replaced at 30k mileage for free under power train warranty. The power steering rubbing noise happened after the bumper-to-bumper warranty. However, after contacting the GMC Social Relation Department, GMC has split the cost. That is a nicest thing of buying this vehicle. It shows GMC committed to customer satisfaction.

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  A tribute to Bertha - 1995 GMC Suburban
  By seasalt44 - June 5 - 7:52 pm

  "Bertha" has logged nearly 300,000 miles with very little other than regular maintainance, Tires, batteries, plugs, wires etc. Has the original motor, transmission, starter. Insurance costs are lower than most. Shes got a little rust on the top and the hood has recently lost its top coat of paint but for a dark blue paint it has done pretty well. The interior looks barely used even though it has hauled people/children, lumber (a full 4X8 sheet of plywood will go inside) and all kinds of other cargo. Got it at 92,000 miles after a family with kids. I call it my transformer car. It will tow, haul, rides good on trips. The A/C has been replaced twice the last 50,000 miles. Great bargain.

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  Wish I could drive my Arcadia - still in the shop :( - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By paulgueho - May 28 - 3:45 am

  I purchased my Arcadia one month ago & Have only been behind the wheel for only a week - three days after purchasing it I got it home & the DVD player quit working & it had to be replaced then the check engine light came on & I had it checked & the 3rd cylinder wasnt firing then the A/C quit blowing cold- so I took it in & after a bunch of mumbo-jumbo it was fixed so all problems were fixed by the dealership but this has been a very poor car buying experience & I do not think that I will ever get a new or GMC ever again - I just dont feel comfortable or safe with my family in it taking trips & I am waiting for more problems to occour ...............

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  Drove them all... - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By peterfletcher - May 3 - 11:19 pm

  I looked at everything & mean everything! It came down to the Dodge Durango, Jeep GC, Toyota 4Runner & Acadia. I rented a Durango and Jeep for a couple of days. Both of them had driving positions that didnt allow me to read the gauges because the steering wheel blocked it. In the Jeep, the A Pillar is way to wide & the roof line to low to be comfortable. With the rear seats down, the Durangos load floor was so high that my dog was breathing down my neck and could be pitched out the side window. The 4runner was nice, but the rear air vents were blocked when rear seat was folded flat, the passenger seat sits very high and is not adjustable plus no sunroof delete available in my state(Im 63").

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  Really Reliable, Aside from Some Maintenance - 1994 GMC Jimmy
  By kingsolidsteve - April 24 - 1:50 am

  This was the first vehicle I used to learn how to drive. My dad bought it from a small private dealer in 2006, and I became the primary driver of the Jimmy the following year. During the three years I had it, the A/C, fuel pump, starter, alternator, battery, and a belt had to be replaced. Luckily, it ran well without any problems after that. However, it got abysmal gas mileage, usually 10-14 mpg, but I think that may have been attributed to the fuel pump issue. The power windows also started to die towards the end, but thats to be expected of an older vehicle. Overall, I really enjoyed having the opportunity to have driven this vehicle and will remember it well since it was my first.

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  Nothing but issues - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By unhappy07owner - April 5 - 6:56 pm

  I purchased my 2007 Acadia last May and since that date it has been in the shop a lot. The transmission had a lag so we had it in to get it repaired, they did some computer update and about a month later the transmission failed, so into the shop and a new rebuilt trani was put in, but still had the lag from 4th to 5th. So in again to have it looked at. The company increased the rpms so that there was no more lagging. I have gone trouble free for a few months and now it is my steering. Something to do with the inside mechanism of the steering colomn. I am thinking that GM really made a lemon here. Especially reading everyones complaints about the same things.

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  2011 GMC Terrain Poor Gas Mileage - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By longbow1 - March 26 - 10:07 am

  Purchased our 2011 GMC Terrain Feb 2011 and still waiting for 32 mpg. If I knew the mileage was going to suck Id purchase the V6 to give me better pick up, passing acceleration, and cruise control performance going up freeway hills. We love our Terrain except for the engine and mpg. The best mileage experienced on our trips to Utah and Arizona from California is 23.2. Currently in the city 21.2. Wheres the miles per gallon as advertised. Just saw a 2013 Terrain commercial on TV last night (3/25/12) boasting 32 mpg. Both my wife and I laughed!

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  2007 GMC Envoy Fuel Gauge - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By nettieg - March 25 - 6:33 pm

  I have driven (and love) my 2007 Envoy. The truck is so comfortable & it has been 100% reliable for me. I currently have 35,600 original miles on it. It is a total disappointment to me that GMC refuses to pay for a replacement fuel gauge. I sure cant afford to pay half ($325.00) for a new gauge anymore then anyone else can. I tried to appeal to GMC because I am 60 years old & on Social Security Disability, but to no avail. The company evidently does not care what sort of "American made (???)" parts suppliers it deals with. So for now, with gas at $3.95/gallon, I just top off the tank every 5 days. I hope that at some point, a GMC executive drove the Envoy & ran out of gas.

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  Acadia--smooth but flawed - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By reefball1 - March 13 - 9:18 pm

  Smooth, comfortable ride. However: 1. The dealer installed rear DVD players (mounted in the headrests) have a headphone jack but no way to control the volume. Headphones that are plugged in are dangerously loud for children. 2. The rear audio control is horrible: when the radio station is changed by a child in the back seat, it changes the station on the front control panel. 3. USB jack is awkwardly mounted in a box on the dashboard, so my iphone cable gets pinched and hangs down the front of the control panel. 4. Console in armrest is poorly designed and barely tall enough for sunglasses.

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  Satisfied Customer - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By spervman - February 15 - 8:14 pm

  I am 31 years old and this is the 3rd straight GM vehicle that I have owned. Bout my first one at 17. The Acadia is known for issues with its transmission, roof leaks, etc. I have to say that I have been 100% satisfied with mine. The only recommendation that I can think of would be to improve the mpg. I currently average about 18 mpg and that is a good combination of highway and city mileage. So that is more like what to expect. BUT! The Acadia is a very spacious family vehicle. So what exactly is everyone on here expecting?? 32mpg? For that, youre in the wrong market of vehicles anyways.