General Motors is to the automotive industry what Kraft is to the food market—an industry giant that has seemingly been around since the dawn of time. For over a century, the GM brand has offered drivers the chance to take advantage of the vehicles they’ve always dreamed about, and over the decades, GM has acquired many different high-quality American-made brands. From Chevrolet to Buick, you’ll find that General Motors offers something for every single driver on the road, and when it comes to excellence, these vehicles radiate with it. When I pass by a car dealer near me, I can’t help but wonder what General Motors’ next step is in its evolution. Here’s a little GM brand overview so that you can truly appreciate how these automakers have re-envisioned the automotive industry in ways we’ve never imagined.
When Did GM Get Its Start?
General Motors was founded by one of the most familiar names in the industry at the time, William C. Durant, in 1908. He began with the idea of including multiple brands under an umbrella, which would be called General Motors. It consisted of Oldsmobile, which was having some challenges during this period, as well as Buick, a high-end brand that was known for its performance and classic designs. Once GM got off the ground, it was only up from there—the brand even toyed around with purchasing Ford; however, that deal never ended up going through, as you’re probably well aware.
Over time, the GM brand grew, collecting more top-quality automakers and making a name for itself in the industry, commanding respect with each new model introduced. Like many automakers, GM played a pivotal role during war times, manufacturing vehicles and other equipment to aid the troops during World War I. Once the war ended, GM continued on its path to provide everyday drivers with vehicles that were loaded with features to improve the ride, as well as prices that fit into virtually any budget. Today, General Motors continues to shine, with brands that offer drivers some of the best models we’ve seen on the roadways, showcasing incredible performances, iconic designs, and GM-level reliability coursing through them.
GM Brand Overview
So, which brands are a part of General Motors? You may know a few right off the bat; however, some may actually surprise you. The interesting thing about GM is that each of its brands has something different to offer drivers, making GM one of the most versatile auto giants. Let’s meet the GM pack.
Chevrolet
Chevrolet, or Chevy as we typically refer to it, has been on the scene since 1911, founded by William Durant and Swiss race car driver Louis Chevrolet, after whom the brand is named. Chevrolet is known to offer drivers features and capabilities that fit into the average American budget. The bowtie brand has been at the helm of industry-firsts, including the first electric starter, the first headlights, and the first safety glass—some of which couldn’t even be found in highly expensive vehicles of the time, let alone models marketed to the general public.
Chevrolet is known for its trucks, which are some of the toughest and most versatile around, including the full-size Silverado and midsize Colorado. It’s also known for its performance cars, including the Corvette and Camaro, and are still recognized as icons. There’s a Chevy that appeals to everyone, from those seeking a sedan and SUV to those searching for a tough truck or a sports car. Chevrolet is known for its diversity, affordability, and top-quality features to make any ride and any task more convenient and enjoyable. Famous Chevy models include:
- Bel Air
- Chevelle
- Impala
- Malibu
- Suburban
- Silverado
- Equinox
- Blazer
Buick
Buick isn’t just a luxury brand. Throughout its time in the industry, its models have proven themselves on the track, with legendary engineering and features that have allowed them to perform well past their competitors. Getting its official start in 1903, Buick, which had been an unofficial brand created by David Dunbar Buick since the late 1800s, took to the scene, showcasing captivating models with elegance radiating throughout. The Buick brand became a part of the GM family of vehicles in 1908 and became one of the first-ever brands under this umbrella.
Today, Buick is known for its timeless class. It’s a luxury brand through and through, yet it’s never lost sight of its performance roots. Drivers who want to take advantage of high-class luxury are drawn to Buick, and this brand showcases some of the most beautifully designed SUVs and sedans ever created. Famous Buick models include:
- Wildcat
- Riviera
- Regal
- Skylark
- LaSabre
- Encore
- Enclave
- LaCrosse
GMC
GMC originally began manufacturing trucks only; however, as the needs of drivers began to change, so did the GMC inventory. The Grabowsky Motor Company, formed by Max and Morris Grabowsky in 1900, instantly captured the attention of the one and only Mr. Durant because of its penchant for building commercial trucks. The brothers renamed the company Rapid Motor Vehicle Company, which would go on to become a part of the GM umbrella and would later be renamed the General Motors Truck Company. These trucks were a major part of military operations during wartime, and once the wars ended, the company shifted its focus.
GMC is known today for its high-end SUVs and trucks, most notably models armed with Denali features. The Denali trim debuted in 1999 on the full-size Yukon SUV, showcasing some of the most luxurious elements ever seen in vehicles. From full-grain leather seating to open-pore wood trim, plus tech features like hands-free driving, massive touchscreens, and more in new models, the Denali trim is perhaps one of GMC’s most famous accomplishments of the modern era. Drivers who are looking for vehicles that are strong and capable yet elegant and refined will love the GMC brand.
Famous GMC models include:
- Sierra
- Envoy
- Syclone
- Acadia
- Yukon
- Canyon
Cadillac
Pretty much everyone is familiar with Cadillac, a brand known for its immaculately upscale vehicles. You may have heard of a little favorite called the Escalade, right? Getting its start in 1902, Cadillac, which showcases the crest of Detroit founder Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, became a part of the GM family in 1909.
This brand is known for its optimal luxury. It offers an assortment of vehicles with old-money appeal that caters to your every need on the road. It is known as GM’s premier luxury brand, appealing to drivers of all ages with exceptionally high standards when it comes to how they choose to travel. From sedans to SUVs, you’ll find that the Cadillac brand offers exquisite style, engaging performances, and features to make any journey unforgettable. Not only are these vehicles eloquently designed, but they’re also ultra-powerful, with high-quality engineering and engines that perform well past rivals.
Famous Cadillac models include:
- Escalade
- CTS-V
- Eldorado
- Coupe DeVille
- Seville
The General Motors Legacy Continues
From affordable favorites from Chevrolet to opulent luxury travelers from Cadillac, the GM brand showcases a lineup that simply can’t be replicated. You have GMC, which offers the perfect blend of toughness and style, as well as Buick, which emanates timeless class throughout each of its models. When it comes to diversity, perhaps no family of vehicles is as unique as GM.
In addition to being so diverse, GM has been responsible for some of the most desirable features currently offered in the industry, including Super Cruise hands-free driving capabilities, as well as the world’s first multifunctional tailgate, available on the Silverado and Sierra models. This brand commands respect, not just because it’s been around for over a hundred years, but because it offers drivers the options they require to impact their travels in ways they never thought possible. When it comes to industry greats, GM is it, and I’m sure this brand isn’t finished wowing us yet.
