Best Truck Style

I was just wondering on everyones thoughts of the New style trucks (99-05) or the older style trucks (I think they ran from 88-98). Personally, I believe they should have stuck with the more square body style but it seems most people I have talked to are starting to grow on the newer styles and say that it was time to kick the old body style out. Just curious which you perfer. It also seems that the older trucks didn't have near the problems that some of the newer ones seem to be having. Any comments?

i like the 88-98, you can do more with them. as far as mod wise

Well, like I told my salesman when I bought mine, I'm not terribly picky whether it's a 99-02 or a 03-05. However, since getting my 02, I've found that I like the 99-02 a LITTLE better than the 03-05.

i like the 99-02 models, they look good straight from the factory and even better when some things are done to them. the 88-98's are awesome when modded, other than that they are a basic work truck imop. from what i hear they definetly had alot less problems and a bit more power. the new 03-05's....i like them, but im not a big fan of the slanted headlights. also, dodge and ford are making their trucks alot bigger 1/2 ton models, im sure chevy will jump on this eventually. I just feel like im in an s-10 in my truck when in next to one of them.

also, dodge and ford are making their trucks alot bigger 1/2 ton models, im sure chevy will jump on this eventually.

I'm glad Chevy has not done this, as I think that the Ford and Dodge (but especially the Ford) are terribly oversized in their half ton lines. Everyone I know with a late model F-150 bitches about how high the tailgate is from the ground, and many of them have considered lowering the back end to make the bed more accessible. I hope Chevy does not go that route

You forgot to post the 67-72 model years. THE best looking truck any of the big three EVER made, in the history of EVER!!!! After them I'm partial to the early 90's models.

You forgot to post the 67-72 model years. THE best looking truck any of the big three EVER made, in the history of EVER!!!! After them I'm partial to the early 90's models.


67-72 all the way!! Best truck ever made.

I have an '03 with a 6" lift and 315's. Sadly, it sits about the same height as a Stock Super Duty.

I never liked the 99-02 models at first.. I liked the squared ended models the best.. I own an 01 an the look grew on me, but I can't stand the new models. Those front ends are fugly...

I'm a little biased, but none the less, I like the 99-02 models.

'67 - '72 by far. Took long enough to get used to the '99 - '02 body, now I love it, but I can't seem to even look at the new Kat Eyes '03 - '05 version. Me being partial to the sportside/stepside, the square front Kat Eye version does not work at all with the stepside round tail. Just my :2cents: worth.

Personally I prefer the old body style myself...I don't think the new body style looks as "tough". I don't like the way the 1500 sits stock and I also do not feel like I'm driving a truck anymore with the layout of the new interior. I sure can't keep the thing clean with the new design... there's dirt constantly collecting at the corners of the front bumper where it meets the front quarter panels. (even when it's clean) I have had more problems with my 04 than my '92 & '98 put together.
Just my :2cents:

I don't like the way the 1500 sits stock and I also do not feel like I'm driving a truck anymore with the layout of the new interior.

We've had a '74, a '78, a '79, and an '84 aside from my '02... The interior layout is nearly identical to that of the earlier models mentioned. I have driven several 95 - 98 models as well. I hate to tell you this, but the interior layout really hasn't been changed much, The've changed materials, and in some cases made things a bit "friendlier" looking, but everything is in pretty much the same place, and the look is very similar. They even kept the trademark GM "swiss army stalk" on the steering column. Anyone who has been in and around GM trucks all their lives (like me) should be right at home in the driver's seat of a late model.

I like the 99-02 but since I have an 05 I must vote for the newer style.

http://home.comcast.net/~louis.canale/Images/DSCN0520_for_web.jpg

The interior doesn't really matter to me....and your are right everything is basicly in the same spot, just updated. I like the style of the 88-98 exterior....I don't care about the interior.

Greetings,

Until the 03-05 body style - I would never have considered owning a Chevy Truck. I like the aerodynamics - and I especially wanted the "sizing" of vehicle height, bed height etc.. I use my truck for my business - but I don't use it like a contractor does. The bed is a constant watertight storage area for my equipment and supplies (thanks to the watertight hard folding locking tonneau cover).

Some kid me that a 345 horse engine isn't useful for my purposes - but I love the combination of steady power and 21 MPG on the highway - with the excellent ride the Z60 suspension gives for handling, cornering, and smooth agile quiet ride. I didn't "need" 20 inch wheels and tires - but they are very pleasant. I love the seats for comfort, climate control, and XM radio and interior. The four door extended cab gives me great access yet has a pleasant enough look to have pulled me away from having been a long time Ford driver.

Some of the items mentioned above existed prior to mid 2004 - but most of them did not. Had Chevy's new body style not produced the Limited Appearance Package and Silverado Performance package for a 2 wheel drive - I'd still likely be driving Fords or Nissan products.

I couldn't have afforded an SS (upfront cost or operating cost or added 400 pounds of weight), and didn't want a 4x4 - I wanted great traction for Wisconsin winters and I wanted rear wheel drive with locking differential - so even though I switched gears and went to Chevy (instead of Ford or Nissan) - its the best truck I tested - and even with all the test drives of all the trucks I did (about 18) - its the most pleasant driving experience I found in any truck or van I tested. With 5200 miles on it - no noises, no problems, no issues, no complaints and superior handling and quiet high traction ride. And the wife loves it almost as much :-)

Lets hope they build more of these trucks.

White Lightening

I myself have been "in and around" Chevy Trucks all my life!!!!!!!! That's all I've ever drove. As far as the interior, I am referring to the seats.. you sit lower in the '04's compared to the 90's. I prefer the interior seating of the '92 & my '98 over my '04. At least I felt like I was driving a truck then...
just my opinion...we're all entitled to it.


We've had a '74, a '78, a '79, and an '84 aside from my '02... The interior layout is nearly identical to that of the earlier models mentioned. I have driven several 95 - 98 models as well. I hate to tell you this, but the interior layout really hasn't been changed much, The've changed materials, and in some cases made things a bit "friendlier" looking, but everything is in pretty much the same place, and the look is very similar. They even kept the trademark GM "swiss army stalk" on the steering column. Anyone who has been in and around GM trucks all their lives (like me) should be right at home in the driver's seat of a late model.

I like the 99-02's. The front end looks more aerodynamic..or ...sleek.

ALSO looks alot more "agressive" if you add aftemarket grille and such.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/303278Jeff_s_toy_Apr_4_05-med.jpg

SWEET TRUCK MAN!!!

Now that the picture is posted in my signature maybe people can understand the statement "Black is Beautiful" as the only chrome is the lip of the rims. I even put a roll pan to complete the "Smooth" look.

Thanks for the compliment! :worshippy

The only thing I hope chevy does not start doing is making their dashes more round where everything somewhat flows together like what ford and expecially dodge has done to their newer trucks. I like the square look first off its alot easier to add components to and easier to take the old dashes out to work on. I noticed how chevy has remodified the older style dash from 88 to 94 in the newer 99 to 05 vehicles (Take a good look between the two and you will see the resemblence) which is still fairly square compared to dodges and fords.

As chevylover also said, I like the seats that are higer (im short, makes me feel taller) in the 90s models compared to the newer ones.

I don't like the more aerodynamic style, (although they do probably improve better fuel milage), I think the older style, expecially from the 80s, looks the most aggressive, expecially with a large oversized front grill guard (with a healthy whinch attached to it).

Now that the picture is posted in my signature maybe people can understand the statement "Black is Beautiful" as the only chrome is the lip of the rims. I even put a roll pan to complete the "Smooth" look.

Thanks for the compliment! :worshippy

What pic?

This one! :evillol:

Best style is the 99-03
Best truck is the 88-95 pre vortec

with mods they all look good with out ill have the say the new ones because they look good stock but the 88-98... I dont like them stock but for sure like them with 4 full doors and a sick lift

I really love my 05, but the best looking trucks by far are the 99-02 models. I think the grille is perfect - not too boxy and not too rounded. I agree with blender 100% about the height of the F-150. I got behind one the other day and was thinking it must be impossible to get any use out of the bed.

I vote for the pre 88's. Your IFS can't touch a good straight axle. Try taking that trash on the rocks.

man i was hopin to be the one to bring up the 67-72s. o well. they are definitely #1. beyond that 99-02 (mine being an 01). i also have a 76 which is also a great body style to customize. some cragars or bullet holes and a little gray primer- thats wut im taklin about lol. as far as the dash goes, the one in my 76 could just as soon be in a camaro or chevelle with the full round guage layout. the best part is that the newer truck has practically the same guage and dash setup. go chevy!

o yeah sorry. i also like the taillights in the 03-05s better than mine. i like the round lenses and the solid red. ok now u all know my opinion in case u care haha.

I really love my 05, but the best looking trucks by far are the 99-02 models. I think the grille is perfect - not too boxy and not too rounded. I agree with blender 100% about the height of the F-150. I got behind one the other day and was thinking it must be impossible to get any use out of the bed.

Yep, I pulled up nose to nose with a NBS 2wd Ram 1500 a couple of days ago... that crap sits up 8" - 10" higher than my 02 1500 does. It sucks when you buy a truck to use, and then you have to lower it to be able to access the bed with any ease. And I know people who have done that to NBS F-150's. I REALLY hope GM doesn't follow this stupid trend with their next gen Silverado, but I've got a real bad feeling they will.

I vote for the pre 88's. Your IFS can't touch a good straight axle. Try taking that trash on the rocks.

And then there's those of us who think it is COMPLETELY stupid (not to mention a waste) for about 99.9% of people to own a 4wd truck. I know nobody around me ever uses it.

man i was hopin to be the one to bring up the 67-72s. o well. they are definitely #1. beyond that 99-02 (mine being an 01). i also have a 76 which is also a great body style to customize. some cragars or bullet holes and a little gray primer- thats wut im taklin about lol. as far as the dash goes, the one in my 76 could just as soon be in a camaro or chevelle with the full round guage layout. the best part is that the newer truck has practically the same guage and dash setup. go chevy!

I also have a '78 Custom Deluxe... they are pretty awesome looking trucks.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/33581576small.jpg
now thats sexiness ladies. sorry its dirty i havent driven it in a while theres even some mold on the hood. its a cryin shame.

As far as the front headlights, I would like to see them slanted somewhere in between the 02 and the 05 style. Or totally redesigned. Also the 05 body style has too much of a boxy look to it.

I do prefer the look of my 54 1500 short bed. but for the newer one my 02 std cab short bed looks great.

im going to have to go with 99-02 body style, my dad owned a 92 and an 82. My dads 92 definatly felt bigger than my 99. i think the back seat in the 92 was better than the newer one but then it lacked the 3rd door on the ext. cab. i was sad to see the 350 go out with the new body style, ive had plent of times with the 350 hauling trailers and that thing never gave up. i havent got to tow anything as heavy with my 99 Z-71 though. well thats my opinion.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/33581576small.jpg
now thats sexiness ladies. sorry its dirty i havent driven it in a while theres even some mold on the hood. its a cryin shame.

HEY! is that '76 a cream/white two tone or a faded yellow/cream twotone? My '78 is a yellow/cream twotone

i say they are all good looking compared to the fords and dodges out there. just my opinion. but i still like my 02

Yeah...I'm really partial to the '02 as well. I bought it at the end of Aug '02, so the '03s were on the lot. I looked hard one way, then the other and took the '02!!!

Yeah...I'm really partial to the '02 as well. I bought it at the end of Aug '02, so the '03s were on the lot. I looked hard one way, then the other and took the '02!!!

Believe it or not, my '02 is under warranty still. It was purchased (by the previous owner) inOctober of '02, so it was probably one of THE last '02's available as a new truck

'67 - '72 by far. Took long enough to get used to the '99 - '02 body, now I love it, but I can't seem to even look at the new Kat Eyes '03 - '05 version. Me being partial to the sportside/stepside, the square front Kat Eye version does not work at all with the stepside round tail. Just my :2cents: worth.


how do you feel about the new "Kat Eyes" version now?

And then there's those of us who think it is COMPLETELY stupid (not to mention a waste) for about 99.9% of people to own a 4wd truck. I know nobody around me ever uses it.


My sentiments exactly! I live in So. IL and it might snow here 4-6" total a year.

My opinion, the 68-69 and 88-98's are the best looking. I'm also more partial to the GMC's, I like the grille style better. I also plan on getting a new CCSB 2wd 2500 with the Duramax/Allison etc, sometime in the next year.

My current ride is this. http://www.solisearch.net/ims/pic.php?u=31044XzjwS&i=205753
It's a 96, CCSB, 1500, 2wd, built out of two frames, with the crew cab body stuck on. Lowered 4/6, etc.

My buddy Todd's truck. Love it!!!

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/324000-324999/324858_53_full.jpg

I do not like the '03~'05 models at all...I have a 2000...when it comes time to replace it I'll either get an '02 if I can find a low mileage one or a GMC.

ttt

I do not like the '03~'05 models at all...I have a 2000...when it comes time to replace it I'll either get an '02 if I can find a low mileage one or a GMC.

The key is - to like what you have. It appears from a historical perspective - that the 99/02 series and the 03/06 series will both be short-lived stylings. The sneek peak pictures of the 2007 looks alot like the Ford F150 styling. Interestingly the biggest selling styling (on a per year basis) has been the 03/06 styling - but by total volume the pre 99 years have a big edge in quantity of trucks sold.

Like what you got is my motto.

The key is - to like what you have. It appears from a historical perspective - that the 99/02 series and the 03/06 series will both be short-lived stylings. The sneek peak pictures of the 2007 looks alot like the Ford F150 styling. Interestingly the biggest selling styling (on a per year basis) has been the 03/06 styling - but by total volume the pre 99 years have a big edge in quantity of trucks sold.

Like what you got is my motto.

Yeah, I really don't get why GM has made this body style so short lived. '99-'06 is only 8 years (count it before you tell me I'm wrong). The one before that ran from '88-'98 with VERY little change there and then the one before that ran from '74 to '87 with a facelift in '81. However, the '67-'73 was onther short lived style that is one of the most sought after bodies for collectors/enthusaists. Maybe our 99-06 models are destined for the same greatness. After all, they are pretty fuckin' cool.

It's a Brave New World we live in. From this moment on and as far as I'm concerned...I own a Classic. A True Classic that came and went due demagraphics and seemingly popular buyer opinion. A true steed that dances on the highways putting all others in a state of awe or ignorance.
I was at the Chevy dealership on Friday replacing a key to our '05 Bu and I took a look at what was there. Some mighty fine looking stuff I must say. A saleperson came up to me and let me know I could trade my baby in on a really good deal on a new one. I told her, "No thanks, She still has at least a couple of hundred thousand miles left in her". The saleperson tilted her head, took a look and caclmly said with an aura of understanding...."Yeah, I know what you mean". Man, that sez it all!!! You see, I didn't but her only to trade her in. That my friends, just plain does not make sense. :cheers:

Neo from The Matrix: Reloaded: "Upgrades..."

What I'm getting at here is that for those of us who own a 99-02, there are still lots of upgrades that can be made to our trucks from parts from the 03-06 models. One thing i am interested in doing is installing '03-up HVAC controls and instrument/dash bezel so that I can then install a double DIN headunit in my dash. Does anyone know if the 03-up HVAC controls are compatible (i.e. plug and play) with the wiring in the '02? I sure wouldlike to have the exra head unit space.

Neo from The Matrix: Reloaded: "Upgrades..."

What I'm getting at here is that for those of us who own a 99-02, there are still lots of upgrades that can be made to our trucks from parts from the 03-06 models. One thing i am interested in doing is installing '03-up HVAC controls and instrument/dash bezel so that I can then install a double DIN headunit in my dash. Does anyone know if the 03-up HVAC controls are compatible (i.e. plug and play) with the wiring in the '02? I sure wouldlike to have the exra head unit space.


onlyone u forgot and the onlyone that should count the classic chevys.67-72 by far the best truck. u are not a chevy guy unless uve owned or still own one of these.but i still dont like the grill on the 05 chevys wats up with that. the gmc's in my books is a better lookin truck for 05.

I never liked the 99-02 models at first.. I liked the squared ended models the best.. I own an 01 an the look grew on me, but I can't stand the new models. Those front ends are fugly...


fugly????the front end makes the new body look mean. a true silverado man would never say he cant stand any model....

fugly????the front end makes the new body look mean. a true silverado man would never say he cant stand any model....


that is true but the best looking body style is the 67-72

I personally prefer the 99-02 model because it has a universal look (not too agressive and not too pussy looking). I like the 03+ models too but i can see why some people are picky about it. The slanted headlights look a little too mean for me haha! I wouldnt mind having one though.

Neo from The Matrix: Reloaded: "Upgrades..."

What I'm getting at here is that for those of us who own a 99-02, there are still lots of upgrades that can be made to our trucks from parts from the 03-06 models. One thing i am interested in doing is installing '03-up HVAC controls and instrument/dash bezel so that I can then install a double DIN headunit in my dash. Does anyone know if the 03-up HVAC controls are compatible (i.e. plug and play) with the wiring in the '02? I sure wouldlike to have the exra head unit space.



I would like to do the same

I would, too

'67 with the small rear window and the lower hood.

But from the poll guess I'd have to say 99-02. I don't like the new front end, but that may change. It took me a couple years to even get used to the nbs at all. Now the square ones look archaic to me, like a fridge on wheels.

And then there's those of us who think it is COMPLETELY stupid (not to mention a waste) for about 99.9% of people to own a 4wd truck. I know nobody around me ever uses it.

Personally I like snowmobiles A LOT better than trucks, hence the 4wd. My truck is just there waiting for the chance to drag my sleds up north and have some real fun. I've done my time trying to get folks to tow me out of the drifts with a trailer behind. Nothing stops this thing at the trail heads!

Count me in as one of the completely stupid .1% that laughs at all of the cars and 2wd's showing up with trailers to the unplowed trail heads and the un-maintained seasonal roads... :lol:

I love my 54 short bed custom cab and my 02 std cab short bed, red with a cowl hood (goodmark). I did like my 72 short bed also. But all between and after I'm not to fond of

What about the 06's :smokin:

What about the 06's :smokin:

They are lumped with the 03-05. a new hood and a slightly different grill aren't really a big change

Before I was able to buy my Silverado, (05' Z71 ext. cab), I liked the 99-'02' front ends. When the Avalanch came out with the slanted headlights, I thought it was the ugliest front end Chevy ever came out with! I said "If they put that on the pickups, I'll buy a Ford!" Needless to say, my dislike of the front end overrode my dislike for the Fords. The Chevy front end grows on you.

I like the 99-02 but particularly the 2001-2002 2500HD/3500 with the stepped hood. They sit almost as high as the dodge but you can still see over the hood. My '00 2500LD, however, sits too low in the front(for now). I also think GMC got the styling better than Chevy(sorry guys). I personally would've prefered the GMC but since I was buying used I got what was available.
I also have to agree on the 67-72. My neighbor had a '68 GMC 4x4 that looked new. I almost bought it but he changed his mind after buying a '90(?) Dodge Ram 250. He sold the Dodge instead. He said the GMC drove better.

I prefer the 99-02 body style. I'm having a hard time accepting the slanted headlights of the new body style but I'm sure with time it will grow on me.