shape of the even-newer Ford F-Series pickup, the Chevrolet--and cousin GMC--C/K

full-size pickups are suddenly looking like the old kids on the block. Yet, in truck

years, the General Motors full-size pickups aren't really that old. The design was

first introduced in 1988 as a completely new offering inside and out, and even today

it looks clean, crisp and contemporary.

Stylistically, it offers truck buyers an alternative to the newer Dodge and Ford

models, an alternative that is traditional without necessarily being out of fashion.

And in a market segment where product cycles are often measured in decades, eight

years tallies up as just getting started.

In 1992 the line was rounded out with the addition of a Crew Cab model and a 6.5-liter

turbodiesel V8. In 1995 the interior was redone, including the addition of a driver's

airbag.

For 1996 there is really big news under the hood. The so-called "Vortec" technology,

which was used to such positive effect on GM's 4.3-liter V6 truck engines, has been

extended to all the C/K's gasoline V8 engine offerings. The 5.0, 5.7- and 7.4-liter

V8s all deliver a lot more power and a lot more torque. In horsepower, the 4.3 V6 has

more than the previous 5.0 V8, the 5.0 has more than the previous 5.7, and the 5.7 has

more than the previous 7.4. Across the board, torque figures are up between 20 to 25

lb.-ft., depending upon the specific engine.

squarely and comfortably in the great traditional middleground.

As with all full-size pickups, the C/K, from either Chevrolet or GMC, is available in

more combinations and configurations than most of us can probably count. There are

three cab selections; regular, extended and the 4-door Crew Cab. There are two body

styles, the traditional, straight-sided version and the Sportside, which offers a

narrower cargo bed and fender flares. There are four wheelbases, from 117.5 in. to

168.5 in., and choices of single or dual rear wheels.

There are three of what we can call duty ranges; the lighter-duty 1500-Series, the

harder-working 2500, and the 3500 heavy-duty. You can take your pick of the four

gasoline engines previously mentioned, or one of two 6.5-liter turbodiesels--normal and

a "heavy-duty," matched with a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic.

All C/K pickups are fitted with 4-wheel antilock brakes, a big plus in the safety

department. The optional 4-wheel drive is a shift-on-the-fly type that allows for easy

changes between 2wd and 4wd high. Like all truck systems, it's designed for occasional

use rather than full-time, and engaging low-range 4wd, for really tough going,

requires stopping the vehicle first.

The Chevy we sampled was about in the middle of all this, a Silverado 1500 with

extended cab, 2wd, 5.7-liter Vortec V8 and a 5-speed manual transmission. It had a

gross vehicle weight rating of 6800 lbs. and a maximum trailer-towing capacity of 7500

lbs.

This certainly isn't the biggest truck you can find, but only a few owners would

likely think it not big enough. For the record, everything said about the Chevy

pickups also applies to the equivalent GMC versions, as well. Aside from their

grillework, the two lines are identical.

The 5.7-liter Vortec V8 makes 250 hp at 4600 rpm (last year, the 7.4-liter "big block"

V8 made only 230), and 335 lb.-ft. of torque at 2800 rpm (last year the big block was

rated at 385 lb.-ft.). This means practically the same hauling power as previous

versions of the big-block, but without that monster's penalty in fuel economy.

The example we drove was EPA-rated at 14 mpg city, 18 highway; more than acceptable,

considering the Chevy's capabilities.

The new 5.7 V8 gets the job done. It pulls willingly to its 5500 rpm redline and makes

power all the way. More remarkably, our truck, equipped with the manual transmission,

could be lugged down to 1000 rpm in 5th gear, even on a slight upgrade, and from there

would take full throttle with no bucking or stumbling. If this engine is running, it's

making useable torque, which is what truck engines are all about.

Most buyers will probably choose the automatic transmission, but those who prefer

shifting for themselves will be pleased to know this one shifts smoothly and easily.

And all that torque means you don't even have to shift very much, if that's your

preference.

square corners, replaced by flowing curves and a significant increase in function.

The new instruments and controls are well located and easy to see, reach and operate.

Not to mention far more attractive. Multi-direction face-level vents for the heating,

ventilation and air conditioning are spread across the dash. A nifty cupholder pops

out of the instrument panel and holds two drink containers without blocking any

control functions. In front of the passenger seat the instrument panel includes a

recessed top, with two more recesses for drinks; plenty of room for food-on-the-go.

There are storage spots all around, and three power outlets for running a radar

detector, phone, fax or whatever other electronic necessity your travels require.

In the back of the extended cab there's a bench seat with room for three, but it's

really best suited for shorter trips; the seatback is pretty upright and the bench

itself is short.

On the plus side there's lots of versatility. The rear seat easily flips up and out of

the way revealing, on one side, a covered compartment for tire-changing tools and, on

the other, a conveniently flat floor surface for stowing luggage, a tool box or ice

chest. Not all extended cab pickups have flat floors in the rear so if you plan on

carrying things inside you may want to check this out.

The C/K pickups are also available with an optional third door on the passenger's

side, which allows easier access to the rear for piling in people, pets or cargo.

drive like a car. Unloaded, the ride is mixed; in most places it's acceptable, but on

concrete freeways with a periodic irregularity it can become pretty tiresome as it

hops in frequency with the pavement. But that can be said for just about any pickup

truck, especially unloaded. Loaded, however, the ride will be better, and even the

1500-Series Chevy will take more than a ton of bricks in its bed.

On balance, the ride is good, particularly for the long haul. The front seats are

comfy and there's plenty of room, and roomy comfort is one of the big reasons people

buy full-size pickup trucks.

There's good steering feel, directional stability is relentless, and the Chevy goes

where it's pointed and stays headed there. The long wheelbase of the extended cab

detracts from nimbleness, and maneuvering in tight quarters might require some

planning. But it will take a mighty big monsoon direct on the beam to cause this

thing to start drifting to leeward.

lineup, one area where GM's full-size trucks hold a distinct edge over the new Ford

F-Series.

For a long time, truck buyers planning to haul big loads were almost forced to reckon

with the expense--both initially and in fuel consumption--of a big-block. But no more;

the 5.7-liter Vortec V8 offers a very real alternative, with plenty of power for all

but the most outrageously heavy work, yet decent fuel economy (by pickup truck

standards) for daily use.

In case you'll be dealing with only medium loads, the 5.0-liter Vortec V8 offers

performance comparable to or better than last year's 5.7. If your needs dictate you go

the other way, the 7.4-liter V8 churns out 290 hp and 410 lb.-ft. of torque. For

diehard diesel fans the HD version of the 6.5-liter turbo-diesel offers 190 horsepower

and 385 lb.-ft of torque, and is smoother and quieter than the Cummins turbodiesel

offered in the Dodge Ram. Chevy gives you a lot of choices.

While the competition has gone off on stylistic frontier-busting, the Chevy (and GMC)

pickups have retained the high middle ground. Eight years down the road, they still

look clean and modern. They're definitely a proven commodity with hundreds of

thousands of satisfied owners. And the addition of the Vortec engine technology across

the gasoline powerplant line makes them more attractive than ever before.