Best Truck Style

[Chevyman15004X4]

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?

[broughy84]

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

[BlenderWizard]

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.

[Nigel215]

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.

[BlenderWizard]

Originally Posted by Nigel215

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

[3wbdriver]

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.

[Moose is loose]

Originally Posted by 3wbdriver

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.

[t-ribbit]

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...

[nineball481]

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

[jethro_3]

'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 worth.

[ChevyLover247]

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

[BlenderWizard]

Originally Posted by ChevyLover247

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.

[canale25]

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

[broughy84]

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.

[White Lightening]

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