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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  Great Truck !!!! - 2010 GMC Yukon
  By gmlover777 - December 20 - 8:10 am

  What a wonderful truck. I love everything about this truck. Its beautiful looking and is very reliable! I got the SLT model and we are quiet lucky because it has all the features like the Denali. The only downside to this truck is the 3rd row seating. Its very uncomfortable although we never use it. Im a big guy im 5 foot 10 and I had to lie down on the bench because there was no room to place my feet. But what I do like is you can take the seats off and it will give you a hell of a lot more space. Great truck!! Always loved these trucks, expect the Chevrolet Tahoe!! Never buy that model too many problems with my experience.

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  2011 GMC 3.0L V-6 DIR, GREAT SO FAR! - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By luke22zm - December 9 - 4:17 pm

  Me and my wife just bought this car used with 31,000 miles on it. Got a great price on it and so far, its ran great. I was told by one person to stay away from the 3.0L V-6 and go 4-Cyl, but others told me it would be just fine. There is a knocking noise when it runs, 3 different certified GM dealers told me its normal with the car and the direct injection in it, it runs great and has no issues so I am going to take there word for it. Still have the powertrain warranty if something goes wrong anyway. Overall nice features, fun to drive, and sporty, rides smooth and is fun to drive! I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a SUV! Ours is FWD and we live in MN, drives great still!

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  One year review... - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By terndude - November 7 - 11:18 pm

  First, this is a V-6 Terrain AWD SLT-2, no V6 option in the list still... So, after one year of ownership, I can attest to the performance, comfort, and build quality of our 2011 Terrain. On freeway drives we get 23-26 MPG and towing a 1,400lb camper across the Cascades we still get around 21. Not sure what people are doing to those 4-bangers, but the 6 performs well under all scenarios weve been in. Hauled a new dishwasher in it last week with room to spare. Leather is a bit stiff but comfy and the sliding / reclining rear seat makes ample room for car seats and passengers over 6ft with ease. No problems whatsoever. AWD great in ice and snow, quiet, comfy, hugs the road.

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  2002 Envoy SLT 4x4 - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By jens923 - October 30 - 5:43 pm

  I purchased my 2002 Envoy SLT new in Sept 2001. After a little over 10 years on the road, I am still driving it and am still pleased with the truck. I currently have 89,000 miles on mine. I replaced the original brakes earlier this year after the truck had over 80,000 miles. The engine still runs like new and the auto transmission shifts very smoothly. The truck rides well and is comfortable. I plan on keeping my Envoy and have no desire to trade it in on anything new.

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  My 99 Jimmy SLE is GREAT - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By brothermike777 - October 19 - 6:34 pm

  I bought a 99 Jimmy with only 76k on it from Enterprise Leasing company. It had some small issues that were an easy fix. I cant say its good on fuel but I can tell you it has always ran awesome,is so comfortable with many toys and most of all it feels sturdy and safe to drive. I had a Toyota pickup I loved but when I got hit it crumbled like an aluminum can. I know this truck would stand up in any accident situation due to its sturdy construction and placement of its 2nd generation airbags. Im extremely happy with it with no issues. I wish the rest of you the best with your issues. I know one thing I have always maintained it with proper dealer advised fluid changes and lubrication.GoodLuck

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  Well Satisfied - 2012 GMC Terrain
  By oldterrainguy - October 10 - 6:58 am

  Couldnt be happier with my 2012 Terrain. Style, inside and exterior, tech galore which will take me time to learn including bluetooth and onstar dirctions. Very good solid and quiet ride. Took the Terrain for a drive specifically to test mileage since I had read bad reports for the 2011 Terrain and Equinox. If the onboard computer is reasonably accurate, 31.5 to 33.8 average over a 100 mile test with cruise set at 61 MPH. I believe the EPA test standard is still 60 MPH. Great value for those that keep a car for a long time.

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  2012 GMC Terrain SLE AWD 4Cyl - 2012 GMC Terrain
  By jspa - September 2 - 8:48 pm

  The styling, price, value and especially the performance of the vehicle we purchased is outstanding. Test drove a 2012 Terrain SLE AWD and then a 2011 Terrain SLE AWD and each had a four cylinder engine. There is no comparison. The 2012 performed much better, in my opinion, perhaps due to the VVT engine. We have this vehicle for about a month. It has a smooth, quiet ride, good acceleration on hills, and overall a great looking SUV in black.

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  Acadia is a great family vehicle - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By toxner - August 24 - 7:25 am

  I rate this vehicle very high. It is a joy to drive and it is very comfortable for the family to travel in. To me it is very responsive and drives really nicely. It is a bigger SUV but the room inside is amazing. I love the styling and look of the vehicle.

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  First SUV - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By driggle - August 15 - 11:39 pm

  This is my first try at an SUV. My last car was an Accord, and I have to say I am thrilled I made the jump. I avoided SUVs in the past because of the ride, handling, and noise, but the last 8 months with my Terrain have proved me wrong. I love riding up high, no more falling into or climbing out of the seat. The ride is far more comfortable than my Accord was, the interior has far less road noise, and power from the V6 is much better than my 4 cylinder Accord was (no surprise there!) The cargo versatility is amazing, I love the sound system and the Terrain feels very well put together. I am very happy after 8 months and have had no issues and feel very confident I made the right choice.

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  The GMC Terrain Rocks! - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By lauramil - July 29 - 10:41 pm

  My husband and I recently purchased a 2011 GMC Terrain from Wade Raulerson GMC in Gainesville, FL. I get a new vehicle just about every year but this is one ride that I plan on keeping! I have never been so happy with a vehicle. It gets great gas mileage and everywhere I go I receive compliments on it and people ask me where I got it. The ride is smooth, no outside noise inside, the seats are comfortable and there is plenty of backseat room.