Don't expect huge changes for new GM full-size trucks
With the introduction of the new GMT900 series of full-size trucks coming early next year, it's time for the speculation to begin. Word has it that the changes will be "evolutionary", or "change what's broken and leave the rest alone". The sheetmetal will be all-new and should provide more differentiation between Chevy, GMC, and Cadillac models. Arguably the largest problem with the current line-up is the interior, which should be much improved as is the trend with newer GM vehicles. Let's just hope they can add a bit of style while bringing a level of durability that's appropriate for a truck. Where significant change won't take place is under the skin, as the basic layout and execution of the GMT800 remains competitive (if you don't think so, please feel free to suggest changes in the comment section). On the powertrain side, six-speed transmissions come first with hybrids appearing around '08, and expect more power all around the engine line-up.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
md 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
I must be the only person who actually likes the current generations' interior.
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KC 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
I think you are md! Here's a look at the expanse of cheap plastic:
http://www.familycar.com/RoadTests/ChevroletSilverado/Images/Dash.jpg
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greg 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
pics of the new gmt900s are already availiable on the internet. looks very nice.
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Jay 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
The engines and capabilities of the GMT800 trucks were always okay, but the styling inside and out was 5 years obsolete the moment they hit showrooms. Hopefully for GM's sake, the new design will put them ahead of the curve.
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pitranger 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We've all heard it before. The eyes that think GM trucks are good looking either in or out must have cataracts. Ugly is just a word. At the GM truck division it is a mandate.
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Wolf48 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
Est-il possible de l'avoir en version.fr
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V?or Rubiera 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
This is typically GM but they try to fool us that there are improvments. Dodge trucks for example are getting better in all areas you can see and feel real changes exterior/interior design, powertrains (both Diesel & gasoline), chassis. This are the rules for pickups, Ive seen internet pics and they look pretty much the way they are now.
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md 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
Pitranger, no i do not have cataracts, my vision is actually very good. I don't really know what "cheap plastics" are, would somebody please enlighten me? I am sure my jeep cherokee is made up of what most would consider cheap plastic, but it does not bother me in the least bit. For me, all i want from an interior is a couple of cupholders that don't get in the way of the sifter. other than that, i don't really care. After all, our eyes are supposed to be on the road, not staring at the interior.
GM's new trucks should give the others a run for their money. I bet dodge, nissan, and toyota will loose a lot of sales to these. Ford will not be affected quite as much because their trucks have a very solid following of buyers. Trucks are the one thing that GM does consistantly well. IMO, the current ones are actually the best looking. they have simple, conservative styling that fits trucks well. they are currently behind some of the others because of age, but the next generation trucks will be among the best.
No i am not a GM loyalist if that is what anybody is thinking about me. we have not owned a GM car or truckfor over ten years, and the last one was a POS. In fact all of the trucks and SUVs we have owned or currently own, excpet one, were all Fords.
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Greg 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
I also like the current interior. It's "retro" in a good way: they just simply have not changed it for decades. It has some sort of proven and industrial feel to it.
Greg
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Jaymez 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
I love the exterior of my Silverado, but I agree that the interior could have been done a lot better. As practical as the dash is, it's too blah.
I've been looking for ways to spice mine up a bit, and so far all I've found are billet inserts and gauge face replacements. I considered one of the wood trim kits until I saw the prices and painting the plastic just looks stupid.
Utilitarian is nice, but so is color.
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MarkF 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
As the owner of a 2004 Tahoe I will add my vote to those that think the current interior are satisfactory. When shopping for this vehicle we also looked at the Sequoia and Expedition. Mechanically I could have gone with any of them, the Ford maybe half a point below the other two. The Toyota however really turned my off inside with all it's ovals and odd surfaces of hard plastic. The Ford was okay, but fit and finish seems lacking. While the GM Truck/SUV interior is no great step in auto interior design history, it is completely satisfactory for our needs.
My list of changes would include: front DVD controls, better designed audio system UI and integration with the DVD player, ability to use the air compressor for other tasks, and a variable displacement engine. Other than that, keep the price down and I'll be back for another one.
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freestufftimes.com 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
Does anyone have a link to the pics of the next generation truck? I just picked up a new dakota a month ago and am loving it.
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MARC KESSLER 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
Am I the only one noticing the lack of front leg and headroom in the gmt800 series. My 1995 Suburban and 2000 Escalade has way more. Hopefully the gmt900 will bring it back.
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MARC KESSLER 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
Am I the only one noticing the lack of front leg and headroom in the gmt800 series. My 1995 Suburban and 2000 Escalade has way more. Hopefully the gmt900 will bring it back.
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Bryan 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
When we here people claiming their car/truck is "satisfactory"...and in the same breath stating they will be back for more...you can see just exactly who GM caters too...those who have "satisfactory"-type standards.
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Bryan 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
"hear"...not here...silly me :)
Yes, I promise I'm edumacated.
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laserwizard 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
Bryan, you are so right! Recent reviews of the pathetic bribe-a-thon by GM shows that they didn't have any significant conquest from foreign buyers and very tepid crossover from Ford and DCX buyers. GM continues to think that it is advancing interior design with LaCrosse and Cobalt, but they are merely playing catchup and are still forgetting that the target is a MOVING one! I find most GM interiors to be SATISFACTORY just like I would find a can of SPAM to be satisfactory if I was starving. However, GM interiors will NEVER be mistaken for world-class or damned good in either execution, quality, or built with quality materials. GM is simply giving its buyers the K-Mart execution which they so crave and which the rest of us revile.
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whofan 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
I also like the interior in the GM trucks. I think the truck should have a little higher stance to it. Everyone says GM`s trucks are dated. They were brand new only five years ago.
GM needs to address the duribilty of parts, Windshield wiper motors,steerring shafts, Slip yolks ect, and get the cruise control out of the turn signal switch. I have a 01 Chevy the interior is what I like best. The new Fords interior looks goofy, wood grain, big chrome counsel shifter (Grizwalds anybody?).
I like Dodge exterior best of all, but lots of plastic in their interior.
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MarkF 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
To add one more point to why I actually like my '04 Tahoe: It's transportation. I find there are many more vehicles that turn me off with their looks than there are that I find appealing. Far too many SUVs are trying to be a "fashion statement". I've always appreciated that GM has kept their full-sized trucks and SUVs away from the trends and gaudy lines that trap many other auto makers. The Honda Ridgeline, Subaru Tribeca, and Jeep Commander are great examples of over styled vehicles that would greatly benefit from less overt exteriors. Good mechanicals, simple lines, and excellent fit and finish: that's what gets me to buy.
Don't ask me however to buy a GM sedan, sometimes cheap plastic is just cheap plastic.
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Steve B. 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
That's funny MD... I was just thinking of how much the interior looks like the 97-01 Cherokee, and the 97-current Wrangler TJ.
The design is not bad from a functional standpoint, but it is definately from the old pickup school of thought. Ford's F150 represends the new school of thought (where the vehicles are considered viable alternatives to cars and not as utilitarian work vehicles).
I wonder if the controls will be improved. Who cares what the plastic looks like. I want to know if they're finally going to delete that evil 1980's era control stalk. While they're at it, maybe give the driver easy control of the headlights. There are times that you want to turn your lights down to just parking (driving through a checkpoint at night) and having a disable function on the DRL's would help. For a company that no longer builds cars with standard ABS, their line about "saftey" in DRL's is a bit ridiculous.
Seriously, there needs to be an industrywide council to determine the standard locations for such controls as cruise, power windows, wipers, headlights, etc. Turn signals, the three pedals, and the PRND21 auto-shift pattern have become standardized for the most part... why not standardize the secondary features?
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