# GMC vs. Chevy Trucks **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [November 2, 2005, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gmc-vs-chevy-trucks/329120 "2005-11-02T18:32:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2005, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gmc-vs-chevy-trucks/329120/1 "2005-11-02T18:32:06Z")
OK, in all the ads for GMC trucks they say “We are professional grade”. But are GMC trucks any different from Chevys of the same classification? Do they have heavier guage frames? Bigger shocks? Bigger spindles and bearings? Tougher transmissions and brakes? Don’t care about interior trim and stuff like that. But show me the professional stuff in a GMC that a Chevy doesn’t have. Years back, in the 80’s, a local GMC van dealer was in trouble because they were caught taking Chevy Blazers and changing the badging to GMC because that couldn’t get any GMCs for some reason. Awaiting enlightenment? ---
**Author:** ![Dag\_Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@Dag\_Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dag_Otto)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2005, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gmc-vs-chevy-trucks/329120/2 "2005-11-02T19:41:51Z")
> [@GaryM](#): > > OK, in all the ads for GMC trucks they say “We are professional grade”. But are GMC trucks any different from Chevys of the same classification? They have to be different because there are no Chevys of the same classification. Chevys are not professional grade. GMC’s are professional grade. For, um, professionals. That, or it’s just marketing. You heard this in an _ad_, you say? ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Slant](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c57346/32.png) [@Mr.Slant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Slant)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2005, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gmc-vs-chevy-trucks/329120/3 "2005-11-02T19:58:09Z")
I read a car magazine interview. The auto journalist interviewed a GM executive who discussed, among other things, one of the test marketing clinics that GM had performed. The executive indicated that they had discovered that the public had the belief that GMC vehicles “were made tougher” and “had thicker sheet metal”. The executive noted that GMC vehicles are actually identical to their Chevrolet sister and brother vehicles and gave the impression that he was rather amused by the whole situation. The article went to print right around the same time that “professional grade” became part of the GMC advertising situation. ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2005, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gmc-vs-chevy-trucks/329120/4 "2005-11-02T20:26:12Z")
Sure I figure it’s just marketing. Like Olympus cameras are the “official cameras of the internet”, because they trademarked the phrase. But as I was looking for the Straight Dope, I had to ask. It is possible, though unlikely, that GMC trucks have heavier frame rails etc. And yes, I see their ads on TV, usually before and after “This Old House”. Apparently GMC is a supporter. ---
**Author:** ![Blackclaw](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e68b1a/32.png) [@Blackclaw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blackclaw)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2005, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gmc-vs-chevy-trucks/329120/5 "2005-11-02T20:35:13Z")
> [@Mr. Slant](#): > > I read a car magazine interview. The auto journalist interviewed a GM executive who discussed, among other things, one of the test marketing clinics that GM had performed. The executive indicated that they had discovered that the public had the belief that GMC vehicles “were made tougher” and “had thicker sheet metal”. > The executive noted that GMC vehicles are actually identical to their Chevrolet sister and brother vehicles and gave the impression that he was rather amused by the whole situation. > The article went to print right around the same time that “professional grade” became part of the GMC advertising situation. Exactly right. I worked several summers in an S-10 / S-15 pickup truck assembly plant. The only difference between the Chevrolet and the GMC was the decal I put on the tailgate. Incidentally I prefered the GMC. The smaller decal was easier to put on. ---
**Author:** ![Dag\_Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@Dag\_Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dag_Otto)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2005, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gmc-vs-chevy-trucks/329120/6 "2005-11-02T20:55:54Z")
I have an '87 GMC Suburban. When I go to the parts store, I just say I want such and such a part for a '87 half-ton Suburban. They never ask if it’s a Chevy or GMC, and every part I’ve got so far works. Only difference is in some of the trim pieces. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d26b3c/32.png) [@Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Blue_Sky)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2005, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gmc-vs-chevy-trucks/329120/7 "2005-11-02T21:10:32Z")
GMC also made “industrial” trucks like dump trucks and so forth. Maybe they are trying to appeal to construction-type people who have used these. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Slant](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c57346/32.png) [@Mr.Slant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Slant)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2005, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gmc-vs-chevy-trucks/329120/8 "2005-11-02T21:13:39Z")
> [@Blackclaw](#): > > Exactly right. I worked several summers in an S-10 / S-15 pickup truck assembly plant. The only difference between the Chevrolet and the GMC was the decal I put on the tailgate. > > Incidentally I prefered the GMC. The smaller decal was easier to put on. Funny example. When I worked at one help desk, I had a co-worker with a GMC S-15. He claimed GMC was heavier-duty than Chevy, and that his GMC S-15 was 2 full inches further off the ground than his dad’s Chevy S-10. ---
**Author:** ![Dag\_Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@Dag\_Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dag_Otto)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2005, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gmc-vs-chevy-trucks/329120/9 "2005-11-02T21:23:21Z")
> [@Mr. Slant](#): > > Funny example. > When I worked at one help desk, I had a co-worker with a GMC S-15. He claimed GMC was heavier-duty than Chevy, and that his GMC S-15 was 2 full inches further off the ground than his dad’s Chevy S-10. What a dunce. The S-15 is exactly 5 more than the S-10. Unless you read that algebraically, in which case it’s exactly 5 less. ---
**Author:** ![AskNott](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asknott/32/5790_2.png) [@AskNott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AskNott)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2005, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gmc-vs-chevy-trucks/329120/10 "2005-11-02T22:14:06Z")
They’re almost completely identical, aside from the front end styling and emblems. However, there are trim packages and a few accessories that are available for one and not the other. As for the ride height, **Mr. Slant’s** co-worker probably got some option that called for harder springs. My '95 GMC Sierra has the towing package, and it rides a few inches lower than the basic model, enough that some folks ask if I got a drop kit. ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2005, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gmc-vs-chevy-trucks/329120/11 "2005-11-02T22:41:07Z")
Thanks for confirming my skepticism. Marketing hype as usual. Now “Built Ford Tough”. That’s something else. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Hoodoo\_Ulove](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/58956e/32.png) [@Hoodoo\_Ulove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hoodoo_Ulove)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2005, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gmc-vs-chevy-trucks/329120/12 "2005-11-02T22:47:08Z")
> [@GaryM](#): > > . . . are GMC trucks any different from Chevys of the same classification? They used to be, over 50 years ago. The biggest Chevy truck motor was a 292, and GMC had a 312 cu. in. motor. These were sixes. Even then, the bodies and frames were the same. ---
**Author:** ![A.R.Cane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ee7513/32.png) [@A.R.Cane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A.R.Cane)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2005, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gmc-vs-chevy-trucks/329120/13 "2005-11-02T22:54:33Z")
You all missed the obvious. That heftier price tag. ---
**Author:** ![Doug\_Bowe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/df788c/32.png) [@Doug\_Bowe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doug_Bowe)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2005, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gmc-vs-chevy-trucks/329120/14 "2005-11-02T22:55:01Z")
> [@Blackclaw](#): > > Exactly right. I worked several summers in an S-10 / S-15 pickup truck assembly plant. The only difference between the Chevrolet and the GMC was the decal I put on the tailgate. > > Incidentally I prefered the GMC. The smaller decal was easier to put on. You confirm what I’ve been told by mechanics for the last 30 years. The GMC and Chevy trucks are twins. A car manager told me a few weeks ago that the GMC gives Pontiac/Buick dealers the ability to round out their selection. They can offer pick-ups, too. Just like the Chevy dealer. ---
**Author:** ![Imasquare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Imasquare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Imasquare)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2005, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gmc-vs-chevy-trucks/329120/15 "2005-11-02T23:01:27Z")
> [@Dag Otto](#): > > They have to be different because there are no Chevys of the same classification. Chevys are not professional grade. GMC’s are professional grade. For, um, professionals. > > That, or it’s just marketing. You heard this in an _ad_, you say? They’re trying to differentiate themselves in the market by trying to appeal to doctors and lawyers. Those that prefer to drive a truck anyway. ---
**Author:** ![R.P.McMurphy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7993a0/32.png) [@R.P.McMurphy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R.P.McMurphy)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2005, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gmc-vs-chevy-trucks/329120/16 "2005-11-02T23:17:17Z")
Everybody knows that GMC trucks are designed by professional engineers that actually draw a paycheck. Chebbies are designed by college students doing summer internships and have retained their amateur status (according to NCAA eligibility rules). GMS = professional grade; Chebbie = amateur grade. And if you believe that, you should go ahead and pay top dollar to get the GMC. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2005, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gmc-vs-chevy-trucks/329120/17 "2005-11-03T02:05:39Z")
I think I’m qualified to chime in here, having spent quite some time employed by GM as a marketing support product specialist. The difference between a GMC and a Chevy is decals and slight trim/finish differences. That’s it. The GMCs will tend to have fewer price points to appeal to the more status conscious buyer who wants it well equipped and doesn’t care much about the price. The vehicles are so identical that sometimes dealers get shipments of trucks that are supposed to be decalled GMC but have the Chevy emblem on them–pisses them off because they can’t sell them until they get the decals changed out which takes up time in the service department. Every car manufacturer has a few platforms they base all of their vehicles on–cuts costs by using one basic chassis/engine/tranny combo to produce many differently marketed vehicles which appeal to various target audiences. I laugh my ass off every time I hear someone parrot the perceptions they’ve been taught by marketing–Buicks are safer than Chevies and Oldsmobiles _were_ more upscale, Pontiacs are faster/more powerful than Chevies, GMC trucks are tougher, etc. It’s pretty much a bill of goods, and a little bit of research can get you exactly the car you want at a lower price once you figure out which cars are virtual clones of each other. For that matter, the Chevy Prizm is the cheapest Toyota Corolla you’ll ever find, and he Pontiac Vibe is a much cheaper Matrix. Once again, being immune to labels is good for the pocketbook… 😉 ---
**Author:** ![racer72](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/racer72/32/3075_2.png) [@racer72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racer72)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2005, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gmc-vs-chevy-trucks/329120/18 "2005-11-03T12:24:35Z")
The two trucks were different till the 1973 model year even though they have been built on the same assembly line since the mid 50’s. GMC trucks were thought of as work trucks and had leaf spring rear ends, a little bit stonger frame and until the mid 60’s, used different engines. Chevy trucks were built for the average consumer and had coil spring rear ends and smaller engines. I found this out the hard way after I tried to put the rear end out of a 64 Chevy pickup under a 62 GMC. I later confirmed this with the Standard Catalog of American Trucks.