What’s the Difference Between Buick and GMC?

Everyone knows Buick and GMC, but what is the relationship between these two American brands? The car industry can be a little confusing, especially when you’re trying to decipher the General Motors automotive empire. However, we are here to clean up the confusion and give you some insight into what Buick is as a brand and what GMC is as a brand. GM owns both Buick and GMC and each brand occupies its own niche in the market. GMC focuses on trucks and SUVs that are durable, strong, and downright powerful. Buick, on the other hand, is an affordable option for luxury cars. Buick models tend to provide more conveniences and creature comforts for your daily drive. There is so much to discover between these brands, and when you visit Snell Buick GMC, your car dealer in Mankato, you’ll find plenty of options that will surely knock your socks off!

Two Premium American Brands

Both Buick and GMC have been around for over 100 years. However, Buick is the older of the two brands. Buick began with iconic cars that impressed the masses, and it was the largest car manufacturer in America in 1908. It was actually the original member of the General Motors empire, and its success is what allowed GM to acquire the many other brands it now offers. It wasn’t until the 1920s that the brand shifted its focus to building premium machines full of refinement and sophistication, offering affordable cars that are designed to be luxurious.

That’s right; luxury is no longer for the rich and famous, though a Buick may make you feel like you are, especially when cruising through Mankato’s downtown area or taking the family to the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota in a luxury vehicle of your very own. Buick has continued to make a name for itself as one of the oldest, longest-lasting car companies in the automotive industry to this day. Without Buick, many people would never know what it’s like to drive uniquely designed cars that offer a piece of the good life.

GMC launched not too long after Buick opened its doors and got its start building commercial trucks. GMC models have always been known as rugged and dependable because of their sturdy construction, high-performing engines, and can-do attitude. Today, the brand focuses on trucks and SUVs that can handle the family, tow heavy loads, and get their tires dirty. Many Mankato drivers love the GMC Denali options, which combine professional-grade capability with premium features. Without GMC, there would be fewer vehicles that can work hard and deliver exceptional power to your daily drive.

GMC and Buick SUVs

GMC SUVs are like family-oriented trucks. They are able to keep up with the best of them and provide premium appointments while never sacrificing power or capability. This is especially true of the full-size GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL. However, when you’re looking for a relaxing ride with creature comforts and luxurious conveniences, you should check out Buick SUVs. Buick is best known for its smaller models like the Buick Envision and Buick Encore GX, which are built to provide practical performance and extra conveniences to improve your quality of driving. It all depends on who you are and what you’re looking for, but both GMC and Buick can provide great driving experiences with unique traits that will assist you along the way.

Buick Sedans

GMC has never built sedans for the American market. GMC is meant to be a professional-grade brand that provides strength and versatile capabilities, and a sedan doesn’t fit the bill. However, Buick has built many sedans over the years that are reliable, fun, and practical. In recent years, Buick has ended sedan production in favor of SUVs, but you can still find plenty of used models like the Regal and LaCrosse that will take you zooming through the city and easily maneuver you through tight roads and parking spots. It is easy to stay within the Mankato city limits or venture out to Minneopa Falls with that special someone in a Buick sedan.

GMC Trucks

When it comes to trucks, GMC takes over the game. Buick originally built trucks as well, but production ended in 1924. However, GMC thrives on this side of rough and tough riding with its most popular truck, the Sierra 1500. This truck competes with models like the Chevy Silverado 1500 and Ford F-150 for strength, heavy-duty towing action, and off-road performance. There is also the heavy-duty GMC Sierra HD and the midsize GMC Colorado. With GMC Pro Safety and other packages to make life more enjoyable, these trucks can become unstoppable and are perfect for Mankato drivers looking for power and control of the roads.

Are GMCs or Buicks More Reliable?

It really depends on the type of car you’re looking at. However, in terms of safety and reliability, GMC and Buick are very similar, though when it comes to rugged durability, GMC has an advantage over Buick. This is because GMC models are designed for stressful and hard-working days. Buick is more refined and practical. So, the question may be a little rigged in GMCs favor because of the many variables behind it. For example, you wouldn’t expect a Buick to handle off-roading as well as a GMC would or carry heavy-duty items across the country. They are simply built for different purposes. However, when it comes down to it, you can count on both of these brands to build long-lived vehicles.

Does GMC or Buick Offer More Luxury?

While it is not hard to see the care and work that went into the interior design of GMC models to make the driving experience relaxing, comforting, and convenient, it is no secret that Buick offers more luxury. In fact, the brand thrives on being able to offer affordable luxury to those who enjoy cozy interiors, unique designs that turn heads, and features that you can’t find everywhere. While GMC has begun offering more luxury-themed models, especially the tier-topping Denali Ultimate options, it still focuses on purposeful builds as they are meant for heavy-duty capabilities, off-roading ruggedness, and taking on whatever you throw at them.

Which Will You Choose to Explore Mankato?

If you’re trying to decide which GM brand to choose, you’re in luck. Here at Snell Buick GMC, we offer a wide selection of new and used trucks and SUVs from both GMC and Buick. With so many options available, the only thing you need to decide is what you will need the car for. If you need something to get you around Mankato, cruise by the sights, and prepare you for a relaxing drive, then you may be more interested in something that Buick has to offer. On the other hand, if you are looking for a reliable and durable truck or SUV that can tow heavy cargo, travel far without breaking a sweat, and continuously strive for excellent performance, then you may find that a GMC vehicle is a better fit. If you want some help choosing between the two brands, then our team will be happy to assist you and will set you up with as many test drives as you need!

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