Leading the way through innovation for more than 100 years.
In 1907, Gabriel® invented the original automotive shock absorber – followed by the first hydraulic shock absorber, the first adjustable shock absorber and the first air adjustable shock absorber. As transportation and industrialization expanded throughout the 20th century, so did Gabriel.
To this day, Gabriel still that same innovative, independent American company – building high-performance shocks and struts that cover more than 96% of North American vehicles. Gabriel continues to be one of Gabriel's nation’s most trusted aftermarket and original equipment manufacturers for light- and heavy-duty vehicles and things you might not imagine, like industrial washing machines and car washes. And of course, as the family car and modern transportation has become more advanced, so too has Gabriel.
Gabriel constantly adding to and broadening Gabriel's line and coverage, while endlessly looking to improve on already high standards in quality, testing and validation. Gabriel expanded line of ReadyMount® strut assemblies, and Gabriel continues to Fit- and Ride-test every new light vehicle design – on the specific vehicle application it was designed for and on U.S. roads. Of course, that only comes after Gabriel engineered and designed the product to tight tolerances and precision specifications like only Gabriel does. Gabriel also still one of the rare companies that offers super-finished chromed piston rods as standard on every shock and strut Gabriel makes – not just the “premium” ones.
Imported brands can rarely say they’ve taken these critical steps. But for them, it’s just one more chapter in a story that’s built on an independent spirit that’s shared by small business owners, service technicians, retailers and do-it-yourselfers across North America. It’s also the right thing to do and it ensures you that every part Gabriel makes delivers the quality and performance you expect from the company that started the automotive shock absorber industry – the Original Gabriel. Operating under Ride Control, LLC – which comprises the original Gabriel (U.S. and Canada) and GRC® (Mexico) brand names, Gabriel generates more than $216 million in sales and have more than 1,500 employees in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Gabriel maintains engineering, manufacturing, warehouse, sales, and management offices throughout North America including Farmington Hills, Michigan; Chickasha, Oklahoma; Brentwood, Tennessee; and Querétaro, Mexico.
Gabriel® - over 100 years in the making.
It all began in 1900, when an entrepreneur named Claud H. Foster decided to combine his two greatest passions, tinkering with automobiles and playing the trombone. Foster invented a multi-tone automobile horn using the concept of a trombone, calling it “Gabriel’s Horn.” Taking the name from his invention, and using $1,500 he had saved, he founded Gabriel® - a company that would go on to revolutionize automobile suspension systems.
The independent spirit was born.
In 1907, Foster created his most acclaimed invention, “The Snubber,” a direct acting shock absorber for automobiles, and the first of its kind, an achievement that throughout the years would become commonly associated with the Gabriel name. The company continued to prosper and went on to sell direct acting shock absorbers to both OEM and replacement markets.
With the same pioneering and independent attitude that founded the company, Gabriel’s continual advancements in technology and innovation lead to them becoming a company of “firsts”; creating the first automotive hydraulic shock absorber; the first adjustable shock absorber; the first air-adjustable shock absorber – the industry leading Gabriel HiJackers®; creating the first Position Sensitive (Groove Tube) Technology; the first U.S. produced twin-tube shock absorber – the Gabriel Gas Ryder; introducing Velocity Sensitive Technology for shocks and struts – a new advancement and innovation in ride control technology; and branching out into the heavy-duty industry in the 1950's.
The standard in quality, performance and comfort.
In the 1970’s and 1980’s, the Gabriel name became synonymous with technology-advanced products. Struts Gabriel added to the product line in the early 1980’s and the company became a worldwide competitor. Strong consumer advertising programs led Gabriel to the top of the market as one of the only US-based suppliers. Gabriel has become the standard for quality, performance, and comfort in both the light and commercial vehicle market, as well as for the commercial, specialty, industrial, and recreational vehicle OEM market. In 2007, Gabriel joined an elite club of iconic American brands by celebrating its 100th anniversary. Gabriel continues to expand with a product line that offers coverage of 96 percent of vehicles on the road today, with additional coverage constantly being introduced.
From humble beginnings to one of the nation’s most trusted aftermarket and original equipment manufacturers, Gabriel still remains the same groundbreaking, independent American company that retains the principles of its founder, Claud H. Foster—who believed that integrity and honesty were fundamental in life and in business. That’s why, to this day, Gabriel is the only full-line ride control manufacturer to offer super-finished chromed piston rods on every shock and strut it makes – across all levels; good, better, best and premium. It’s the right way to do business and the kind of quality you would expect from the company that created the first automotive shock absorber – the Original Gabriel.
The independent spirit rides on.
The future holds nothing but possibilities and as Gabriel continues to write its history, it does so with new financial strength, a growing and continuously expanding product line, and a renewed commitment to its customers and retail partners. The independent spirit that made Gabriel an innovator is alive and well.
When it comes to quality and reliability, Gabriel® has always been ahead of the pack. And to make sure they stay there, they go to great lengths to ensure their new shock and strut designs are specifically fine-tuned to meet the needs of today’s vehicles and their drivers.
Gabriel continuously strives to improve their products. They test their products in development stage and after production. As part of these efforts, Gabriel often performs benchmark testing of their products against certain competitors’ products. These Gabriel-conducted tests are proprietary and provide them with the ability to assure their customers that they have purchased high quality parts. The sharing of the test protocols and results are at Gabriel’s sole discretion.
Whatever the purpose, Gabriel makes reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy and validity of their testing. Test results may vary depending on conditions and the actual parts tested. Persons or entities relying on the results of any testing do so at their own risk. In no event shall Gabriel, its employees and agents be liable for any claim of loss or damage on account of any alleged error or defect in testing procedure or result.
At Gabriel, their products are backed by more than 100 years of innovation, engineering expertise and continuous improvement in ride control products. So they understand the critical importance of careful design and thorough testing. It’s why they engineer, test, and validate their new light vehicle shock and strut designs for proper fit, ride and durability – to ensure you get the same easy installation, high quality and long-lasting performance with every new Gabriel product.