Do you know the saying, “Birds of a feather stay together?” You may be happy to know it is a true statement even for cars. Has it ever occurred to you that some of the brands you see driving around that seem so similar and trustworthy are a part of the same company? Of course, I am talking about General Motors (GM) and its various divisions. GM is an empire of vehicles that has given us well-made, dependable, long-lasting cars like Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC. All of these divisions have made a name for themselves and are not backing down anytime soon. In fact, GM got its first start in 1908 after releasing its first vehicle, a Cadillac. After only three short years, GMC was born in 1911. This brought about the many other brands we know and love today, as well as some others that have fallen by the wayside, like Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and Saturn.
Perhaps there has been confusion around GM and who owns who, but today we are going to clear all of that up. In fact, many people may even confuse GMC and Chevy. Are they the same? What are their differences and similarities? We will cover all of that, too. Plus, with a focus on the powerful tanks we call GMCs, we will discover some great used vehicles at a used GMC dealer near you.
Are GMC and Chevy the Same?
This is the age-old question for many: Are GMC and Chevy the same? The answer is no, not exactly. While they are both owned by GM and come off the same assembly line, there are some important aspects that make these cars different. The GM empire creates similarly styled, luxury vehicles with a cozy interior and bold exterior. The technology and safety within the GM divisions are always being updated each year, and they go above and beyond to protect their drivers and passengers, which should not come as a surprise for these well-known, trusted vehicles.
It is interesting to note that both Chevy and GMC began their journeys in 1911. It didn’t take long for Chevy to begin selling rebadged GMC trucks in 1919. In all honesty, the differences were so minor that it is no wonder why people commonly confuse the two for being the same vehicles. They use similar parts and materials to construct these masterful rides. Some cars even share the same transmissions and engines. It is smart and makes a lot of sense for GM to do this as they have a surplus of dependable, hard-working, and long-lasting vehicles to go around no matter what type of car you are looking for.
The differences between GMC and Chevrolet are the types of vehicles they create. While GMC is mainly geared toward three different vehicles with a more luxurious feel, Chevy is well-versed in all different types of vehicles. Chevy is more styled toward average individuals who do more commuting and simpler tasks. It should be noted that these differences are mainly between their pickup trucks and SUVs, as this is where Chevy’s offerings do overlap with GMC’s to some extent. While the Chevy Silverado may offer leather seats and a plush interior, the GMC Sierra goes the extra mile, providing the ultimate luxury you can find in a pickup truck.
One more interesting fact about GMC is what that name stands for. Having been a part of General Motors so long, it’s natural to assume that GMC stands for “General Motors Cars,” or something similar. In fact, it stands for “Grabowsky Motor Company,” the original name of one of several smaller companies that GM bought and rolled together to become their premier truck division.
GMC Vehicles to Love
If this all sounds great to you, there are many used GMCs to check out before the day is done. Finding a used GMC dealer can be the best thing you have done all year, as they will be able to put you behind the wheel of a rugged, all-terrain SUV, or truck. It may be worth noting that some of the first GMCs in America were actually used during WWI as battlefield ambulances. GMCs like the Terrain, Sierra 1500, and Acadia, are a good used buy. All of these cars have a great track record and are well-known for their durability and versatility.
GMC Terrain
First, let’s talk about a used GMC Terrain. Arguably, though it was not the best year for most of us, one of the best years of the Terrain was 2020. With a rounded physique and an upscale interior, this competes directly with the Chevy Equinox. The GMC has a lot to talk about in terms of safety features that have been updated since their earlier predecessors with collision alerts, lane departure warning, and other quality technology. Two different engine choices are available. The standard engine is a 1.5L Turbo I-4 making 170 horsepower, while the optional 2.0L Turbo I-4 gives you 252 horsepower. Plus, the 2020 Terrain can tow up to 3,500 pounds when equipped with the bigger engine, and comes with a roomy cargo hold that can carry up to 63.3 cu.ft. of stuff.
GMC Sierra 1500
The GMC truck we are looking at is the 2020 Sierra 1500. This is a great used buy for those looking for a powerhouse on the streets. A variety of engines are available, ranging from an I-4 to various V8s, and even a turbo-diesel I-6. With up to 420 hp, not to mention the extraordinary bed length of up to 98 inches and a towing capacity of up to 12,100 pounds, this truck will surely never let you down. While this is a bit of a bulkier build for off-road use, it has no problem traveling over almost any terrain. Make sure to look for the right trim options for you when looking at the 2020 Sierra.
GMC Acadia
Finally, let’s discuss the used Acadia, specifically (you guessed it) the 2020 model. This is a monstrous SUV with power to spare. There are three engine options to look out for: a 2.5L I-4, a 2.0L Turbo I-4, and a 3.6L V6. With 79 cu.ft. of cargo space and a 4,000 lb towing capacity, it makes a great in-between of the other two GMCs we’ve discussed. Plus, with many trim options to choose from, you will be able to find the right Acadia for you and your family, not to mention a luxury interior with plenty of leg and headroom.
The Ultimate Luxury Trucks
Now that we know a little bit more about General Motors, the differences between some of their brands, and some unique information about GMC vehicles, you can head for a used GMC dealership with a fresh perspective and more knowledge than before. With a fantastic history, luxury interior design, older styles that keep up with the current car trends, and features that impress both old and new drivers alike, GMC is a perfect car company to check out and get to know a little better. The entirety of GM is worthy of all driver’s trust, but GMC does not stray from their high safety standards, upkeep in technology, or bold and impactful designs. Do not wait to find that perfect used GMC.
