Shopping Used Trucks from GMC vs Chevy

Used trucks can be found from a variety of auto brands, but no other names stand out quite like the iconic American GMC vs Chevy manufacturers. When it comes to building a great pick-up, these companies have perfected the process down to a science. Both have their own unique histories that have paved their journeys from the past to today. Over time Chevy and GMC have grown into two separate brands with different strengths.

The way these trucks are made determines how well they hold up under pressure and how much longevity can be expected for the ultimate life of the truck. Each step forward in truck engineering can be traced back to the great minds responsible for designing, manufacturing, and ultimately selling them. Catering to slightly different audiences has resulted in some variance in the way Chevy and GMC execute business and produce vehicles. Each brand offers exactly what its customers are looking for. It’s no surprise that they have both successfully managed to stand up to the test of time.

For a durable used truck that goes the extra mile, it’s always smart to value quality over quantity. Chevy and GMC have remained closely tied. They continue to have several identical parts under the hoods within their line-ups of current trucks. Taking a closer look at the design details and resale value might steer you closer towards GMC over Chevy, especially if you’ve already owned a few trucks in the past.

While Chevy is undoubtedly well-known and well-liked, it is no secret that their foundation of success is based on mass production. Chevy is a more generalist brand, with offerings across a wide range of vehicle types, including cars, convertibles, SUVs, and trucks. Chevy trucks are often viewed as a great go-to starter brand for a first-time truck buyer. However, for GMC, trucks are a specialty. As a result, GMC’s more generous standard offerings and thoughtful style elements become apparent when reviewing the details.

Early Auto Giants of History

Chevrolet and General Motors have been intertwined throughout their histories. On May 2nd, 1918, GM officially “bought” Chevrolet by buying up the majority of its stocks. This acquisition catapulted GM into becoming the largest automotive company in the world. GM was originally founded just ten years prior to achieving this landmark status. A carriage maker from Flint, Michigan, named William C. Durant (known as Billy), started it all. He had bought out Buick in 1908, transforming the failing auto company into the legendary General Motors. Additional automotive brands joined in to expand the brand, including Cadillac, Oldsmobile, and Oakland.

This rapid growth put strain on GM to the point that Durant was forced out by stockholders for his aggressive business practices. In 1911, he rebounded quickly by founding a new auto company, which he called Chevrolet. It was named after his business partner, a Swiss race car driver (Louis Chevrolet). Although he no longer worked at GM, Durant still held onto several GM stocks. He decided to make GM an offer they couldn’t refuse, trading five shares of Chevrolet for every one share of GM. By 1918, Chevrolet and GM became one as Durant regained control of his old company with the leverage he created through Chevrolet.

Despite his best efforts, Durant wasn’t the owner of GM for long. Just two years later in 1920, a new company president was named. Pierre S. DuPont was heir to his family’s successful chemical company. His family had been investing in GM since 1914. DuPont made his way up the ranks from chairman of GM’s board to company president in 1920. He agreed to pay Durant’s debts in order to get him to leave the company once and for all.

Although no longer with GM, Durant continued to follow his entrepreneurial drive. He founded Durant Motors in 1921 and went on to release a line of cars that sold for the next few years. Unfortunately, even Durant’s strong will and determination were not able to rise above the economic influence of the Great Depression. Once his car company was no longer viable, he switched gears and decided to open a group of bowling alleys in Flint. This venture also eventually failed, largely due to the economy at the time. Nonetheless, Durant lived to the ripe old age of 85, eventually dying in 1947. His legacy on the auto industry continues to live on through the lasting success of both GM and Chevrolet.

GMC and Chevy Today

Although they shared the same tenacious founder, GMC and Chevrolet have grown into very different companies over the past century. Their vehicles continue to share many of the same mechanical parts, however, GMC trucks are known for putting more emphasis on style and design. As a result, GMC trucks tend to be slightly less accessible to the average buyer when compared to Chevy. GMC vehicles hold their value a bit better on the resale market as well, partly due to their relative scarcity. Chevrolet is a top producer due to the high volume of vehicles they manufacture and sell. With so many used Chevy trucks in circulation, they are not hard to come by.

GMC specializes in the manufacture of just three types of vehicles, SUVs, vans, and trucks. Although many of the differences between Chevy and GMC come down to matters of personal preference, it is generally known that GMC offers more well-equipped standard models which are a step-up from the more basic, yet ever-popular, Chevy trucks. Examples of these distinctions can be traced back to the 1960s when Chevys offered dual headlights while GMC used more advanced quad-headlights on similar models. Because GMC specializes in large-sized vehicles and sells at lower volumes, tried and true truck enthusiasts may be more likely to find what they’re looking for by shopping GMC.

See For Yourself at Rick Hendrick Buick GMC Duluth

We’d be delighted to take you on a tour showcasing our latest inventory of quality GMC used trucks. Each of our pre-owned pick-ups has its own unique story to tell, and we’d be happy to share it with you. We put in the time required to fully research our inventory before we bring it to our customers. By doing the work ahead of time, we ensure that only the best used trucks make their way onto our dealership, no matter the brand.

Here at Rick Hendrick Buick GMC Duluth, our selection is unmatchable, with our exclusive access to a vast nationwide database of the best vehicles available for resale. Search on our website, but be sure to narrow down your choices. If you don’t, you could spend countless hours browsing through our thousands of great vehicles. Know what you want before you start looking, or chat with us for some guidance. Our knowledgeable dealers can help you figure out what your truck priorities should be based on your needs.

Even within the GMC brand, trucks from different years and models will vary widely in their power, towing capacity, fuel efficiency, and high-tech features. Let form follow function as you consider what you’d like to see in your next truck. One thing is for sure, there’s no dealership with more variety to choose from than us in Atlanta, GA, and the surrounding area. No matter your budget or specific requirements, we’re well-equipped to take on the challenge of finding you a perfect match.