1990-1998 Chevrolet C/K Pickup: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
1998 Chevrolet C/K Pickup
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1990-1998 Chevrolet C/K Pickup
- Price Range: $700 - $5,900
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Specifications & Safety
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1998 Chevrolet C/K Pickup and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (V8)
- Cargo room
- Interior room
- Antilock brakes
- Cargo and towing ability
- Visibility
Cons
- Control layout
- Fuel economy
- Ride quality
Vehicle Highlights
GM's best-selling vehicle and the nearly identical GMC Sierra had been redesigned as early 1988 models. Both came in three series: 1500 (1/2-ton), 2500 (3/4-ton), and 3500 (1 ton). "C" pickups are 2-wheel drive, while "K" designates 4-wheel-drive models. Short-bed trucks (1500 series only) rode a 117.5-inch wheelbase and had a 6.5-foot cargo bed. Long beds, in all three series, had a 131.5-inch wheelbase and 8-foot bed. Extended-cab pickups rode a 155.5-inch span with 8-foot bed, or 141.5-inch with 6.5-foot bed. Antilock rear brakes were standard. Base engine was a V6, but a broad range of V8s were available, including a diesel. Sportside trucks (short bed only) had flared rear fenders; those with regular fenders were called Fleetside. A 454 SS muscle truck arrived in 1990, with a performance/handling package.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Chevrolet C1500 5.7-liter ext. cab Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 36 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1998 Chevrolet C/K Pickup. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1998 Chevrolet C/K Pickup.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Chevrolet C/K 2500/3500:
The 7.4-liter V8 engine was revised, and could be mated to a 4-speed automatic instead of the prior 3-speed. In the 454 SS, that engine now made 255 horsepower--25 more than in 1990.
1992 Chevrolet C/K 2500/3500:
Sportside trucks with the flare-fendered cargo box could have an extended cab this year. All C/K trucks got freshened interiors, and the four-speed manual transmission was gone. A new turbodiesel V8 engine debuted for heavy-duty use.
1993 Chevrolet C/K 2500/3500:
Automatic transmissions now had electronic controls to determine shift points. A flare-fendered sport option package went on sale.
1994 Chevrolet C/K 2500/3500:
Two new 6.5-liter diesel V8s debuted. C/K trucks now had side door guard beams and center high-mounted stoplamps.
1995 Chevrolet C/K 2500/3500:
A driver-side airbag and standard 4-wheel antilock braking came in 1995.
1996 Chevrolet C/K 2500/3500:
All the Vortec gasoline engines were retuned, while the 6.5-liter diesel was replaced with a turbodiesel of the same size. The other big news was the availability of a passenger-side rear door on the C/K1500 extended-cab, short-bed truck, but only on the top-line Silverado models.
1997 Chevrolet C/K 2500/3500:
A new standard passenger-side airbag comes with a dashboard deactivation switch that can be flipped when a rear-facing infant seat is used. The 5.0-liter V8 delivers 230 horsepower, ten more than 1996 models, while the 5.7-liter checks in with 255 horsepower, five more than before. For 1997, the optional third door could be ordered on any C/K 1500 model, not just the top-line Silverado.
1998 Chevrolet C/K 2500/3500:
Chevrolet made few changes to the C/K as it readied a replacement for the 1999 model year.
Our road test for the 1990-1998 Chevrolet C/K Pickup includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1998 Chevrolet C/K Pickup and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1998 Chevrolet C/K Pickup is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
The V6 feels adequate with manual shift, but a 5.0- or 5.7-liter V8 would be wiser for any significant work, especially with automatic transmission. Short-bed Sportsides have a more sporty appearance and, with a larger V8, move impressively. A K2500 4x4 with 5.7-liter V8 and automatic averaged 13.3 mpg, and yielded strong low-end pulling power as well as good passing response. Braking can be a problem with rear antilocking, when the bed is unladen. Four-wheel ABS on later models is a better bet. Acceleration in a 454 SS is actually neck-snapping, and its wide tires and sports suspension make it the best-handling full-size pickup you're likely to find. Visibility is good from a wide, spacious cab that has ample room for even the largest occupants. Gauges are unobstructed but can be hard to read in sunlight, and electronic heat/vent controls are complicated. Gloveboxes are tiny. Ride quality is better than in prior pickups, but higher-capacity models don't take bumps so well when the box is unloaded. Only the short-wheelbase 4x4 with off-road suspension rides really harshly. Engine improvements for '96 were impressive. The V6 still isn't ideal for heavy work, but the 5.0-liter V8 is now a smooth, capable choice (except for serious towing or hauling). The 5.7 V8 feels much livelier, furnishing robust acceleration and fine pulling power.
Value for the Money
Chevrolet's C/K models are an excellent choice in the full-size pickup field. Trucks equipped with the 5.7-liter V8 are still our top choice.
Chevrolet's C/K models are an excellent choice in the full-size pickup field. Trucks equipped with the 5.7-liter V8 are still our top choice.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Chevrolet C1500 5.7-liter ext. cab Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 36 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Chevrolet C/K 2500/3500 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Chevrolet C/K 2500/3500 .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
Trucks with the 6.5L engine may have a transmission shudder when the torque-converter clutch applies and releases. (1991-94)
Automatic transmission:
700-R4 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1990-92)
Brake wear:
Vehicle pull or premature front brake pad wear, may be corrected with revised rear brake shoes. (1992-98)
Clutch:
A grinding noise during clutch engagement and difficulty shifting into first or reverse is caused by a clutch master cylinder pushrod that is too long. (1992-93)
Cruise control:
The cruise control cuts out and won't reset unless the key is turned off because the cruise control module is too sensitive to vibrations at the brake pedal. (1994-95)
Engine knock:
Engine knock at startup on 4.3-, 5.7-, or 7.4-liter engines is usually eliminated by using an oil filter with a check valve. If this does not fix it, GM has revised PROMs for the computers and will even replace the main bearings if all else fails. (1990-95)
Engine misfire:
Damaged injection pump or lift pump on 6.5-liter diesel may clog the fuel filter. (1994-98)
Engine noise:
The exhaust valves on 4.3-, 5.0-, or 5.7-liter engines may not get enough lubrication causing a variety of noises. Usually, the same engine consumes excess oil because the valve-guide seals on the exhaust valves are bad and have to be replaced. (1996)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $560 |
| Alternator | $378 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $725 |
| Brakes | $230 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $595 |
| Exhaust System | $420 |
| Radiator | $350 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $335 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $210 |
Our price chart for this generation Chevrolet C/K 2500/3500 details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
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| 1998 | |||
| C 1500 2WD | $3,200-5,300 | $2,500-4,100 | $800-1,300 |
| C 2500 2WD | $3,700-5,400 | $3,000-4,400 | $1,100-1,600 |
| K 1500 4WD | $4,400-6,000 | $3,700-5,000 | $1,500-2,100 |
| K 2500 4WD | $5,000-6,600 | $4,300-5,600 | $2,000-2,600 |
| 1997 | |||
| C 1500 2WD | $2,800-4,800 | $2,100-3,600 | $600-1,100 |
| C 2500 2WD | $3,300-4,800 | $2,600-3,800 | $800-1,200 |
| K 1500 4WD | $3,900-5,500 | $3,200-4,500 | $1,200-1,700 |
| K 2500 4WD | $4,400-5,800 | $3,700-4,800 | $1,500-2,000 |
| 1996 | |||
| C 1500 2WD | $2,400-4,000 | $1,700-2,900 | $500-800 |
| C 2500 2WD | $2,800-4,200 | $2,100-3,200 | $600-900 |
| K 1500 4WD | $3,600-4,800 | $2,900-3,800 | $1,000-1,300 |
| K 2500 4WD | $4,000-5,200 | $3,300-4,300 | $1,300-1,700 |
| 1995 | |||
| C 1500 2WD | $2,100-3,600 | $1,500-2,500 | $400-600 |
| C 2500 2WD | $2,500-3,700 | $1,800-2,700 | $500-800 |
| K 1500 4WD | $3,100-4,200 | $2,400-3,300 | $700-1,000 |
| K 2500 4WD | $3,600-4,800 | $2,900-3,800 | $1,000-1,300 |
| 1994 | |||
| C 1500 2WD | $1,800-3,200 | $1,200-2,200 | $300-500 |
| C 2500 2WD | $2,300-3,300 | $1,700-2,400 | $400-600 |
| K 1500 4WD | $2,700-3,700 | $2,000-2,800 | $600-800 |
| K 2500 4WD | $3,100-4,000 | $2,400-3,100 | $700-1,000 |
| 1993 | |||
| C 1500 2WD | $1,600-2,700 | $1,100-1,800 | $200-400 |
| C 1500 454 SS | $5,800-6,800 | $5,000-5,900 | $2,400-2,900 |
| C 2500 2WD | $2,000-2,800 | $1,400-2,000 | $300-500 |
| K 1500 4WD | $2,300-3,300 | $1,700-2,400 | $400-600 |
| K 2500 4WD | $2,700-3,500 | $2,000-2,600 | $600-800 |
| 1992 | |||
| C 1500 2WD | $1,400-2,200 | $900-1,400 | $200-300 |
| C 1500 454 SS | $5,000-5,800 | $4,300-4,900 | $2,000-2,300 |
| C 2500 2WD | $1,600-2,300 | $1,100-1,500 | $200-300 |
| K 1500 4WD | $2,000-2,800 | $1,400-2,000 | $300-500 |
| K 2500 4WD | $2,200-3,000 | $1,600-2,100 | $400-600 |
| 1991 | |||
| C 1500 2WD | $1,200-1,900 | $700-1,200 | $100-200 |
| C 1500 454 SS | $4,200-5,200 | $3,400-4,300 | $1,400-1,800 |
| C 2500 2WD | $1,400-2,100 | $900-1,300 | $200-300 |
| K 1500 4WD | $1,700-2,300 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| K 2500 4WD | $1,900-2,600 | $1,300-1,800 | $300-400 |
| 1990 | |||
| C 1500 2WD | $1,100-1,700 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| C 1500 454 SS | $4,000-4,800 | $3,300-3,900 | $1,300-1,500 |
| C 2500 2WD | $1,300-2,000 | $800-1,300 | $200 |
| K 1500 4WD | $1,500-2,100 | $1,000-1,400 | $200-300 |
| K 2500 4WD | $1,600-2,300 | $1,100-1,500 | $200-300 |
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Chevrolet C/K 2500/3500 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | ext. cab long bed | ext. cab short bed | reg. cab long bed | reg. cab short bed |
| Wheelbase, in. | 155.5 | 141.5 | 131.5 | 117.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 236.6 | 217.9 | 213.4 | 194.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 76.8 | 76.8 | 76.8 | 76.8 |
| Overall Height, in. | 73.8 | 70.6 | 70.4 | 70.4 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4387 | 4140 | 4001 | 3849 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 5042 | 3261 | 5383 | 2412 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 34.0 | 34.0 | 34.0 | 25.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.9 | 39.9 | 39.9 | 39.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.7 | 41.7 | 41.7 | 41.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.5 | 37.5 | -- | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.8 | 34.8 | -- | -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
At introduction, base engine for the C/K 1500 and 2500 was a 160-horsepower, 4.3-liter V6. A heavy-duty version with five fewer horsepower went into C/K 2500 models rated at 8600 pounds GVW. Options included 5.0- and 5.7-liter gasoline V8s, rated 175 and 210 horsepower, respectively, plus a 6.2-liter diesel V8 that developed 140-150 horsepower. Also optional was the big 7.4-liter gas V8, making 230 horsepower. A more potent variant of the 7.4 went into the 454 SS muscle truck, which was discontinued in 1994. Each engine was available with either manual shift or an automatic transmission. Gas engines had a 5-speed manual, except the H.D. 4.3-liter, which got a 4-speed. So did diesel trucks. By 1991, 3-speed automatics were gone; all were 4-speed. All 4-wheel-drive models used Insta-Trac, an on-demand, part-time 4WD system. 4WD trucks had shift-on-the-fly capability and automatic-locking hubs. Four-speed manual gearboxes departed in 1992, when a 190-horsepower turbodiesel V8 debuted for heavy-duty use. A 155-horsepower, 6.5-liter diesel replaced the 6.2-liter in 1994. Two years later the normally aspirated engine was replaced with a new 6.5 turbodiesel with 180 horsepower. In fact, engine outputs for all C/K engines rose sharply in 1996. The 4.3-liter V6 now made 200 horsepower (up 40), helped by sequential fuel injection. The 5.0-liter V8 added 45 horsepower (now 220). The 5.7-liter V8 gained 50 (rated at 250), while the heavy-duty 5.7 rose to 245 horsepower (up 65). A compression boost helped add 60 horses to the 7.4 V8 (now 290 bhp). For 1997, power outputs for the smaller V8s were bumped again--to 230 horsepower for the 5.0-liter and 255 horsepower for 5.7-liter--resulting in slightly lower fuel economy.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V6 | 4.3 / 262 | 160-165 | 235 | 4-speed manual: 18/20 3-speed automatic: 17/19 |
4-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V6 | 4.3 / 262 | 200 | 255 | 5-speed manual: 17/22 4-speed automatic: 16/21 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 5.0 / 305 | 175-230 | 270-285 | 5-speed manual: 15/20 3-speed automatic: 15/17 4-speed automatic: 15/19 |
5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: 14.5 |
| ohv V8 | 5.7 / 350 | 200-255 | 300-335 | 5-speed manual: 14/19 3-speed automatic: 14/19 4-speed automatic: 15/19 |
5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: 13 |
| Diesel ohv V8 | 6.2 / 379 | 140-143 | 255 | 4-speed manual: 19/21 4-speed automatic: 18/24 |
4-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 7.4 / 454 | 230-290 | 385-410 | 4-speed automatic: 10/12 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| Diesel ohv V8 | 6.5 / 400 | 155-180 | 360 | 5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 15/18 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
1. Naturally aspirated (155 horsepower); turbodiesel (180 horsepower). Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: Canada, USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Chevrolet C/K 2500/3500 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1998 C/K |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1998 Chevrolet C/K Pickup directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990 diesel:
Fuel lines can contact automatic-transmission linkage shaft and/or propshaft.
1990:
Brake-pedal pivot bolt could disengage.
1992 extended cab w/high-back bucket seats:
Seat recliner-to-frame bolts can loosen, fatigue, and fracture, allowing seatback to recline suddenly.
1992:
Brake-pedal pivot bolt could disengage.
1994:
Brake-pedal retainer may be missing, mispositioned, or poorly seated.
1994:
Reversed polarity of brake switch can cause contacts to wear prematurely; may result in loss of brake lights without warning.
1994:
Some drivers' seats could loosen.
1994-95 extended cab C10/15 w/high-back front bucket seats or 60/40 split bench seat:
Recliner-to-frame bolts could loosen, fatigue, and fracture, allowing seatback to recline suddenly.
1994-95 extended-cab C10/15 w/gas engine or 6.5-liter H.O. turbodiesel:
If lap- and shoulder-belt energy-management loops on front seatbelt assemblies release at or near the same time, acceleration forces can cause release mechanism to activate and allow buckle to separate from latch. Also, a few trucks lack those loops.
1994-96 C10:
Solder joints can crack, causing windshield wipers to work intermittently.
1995:
Steering-column shaft nut could loosen and detach.
1995-96 Reg. andExtended Cab:
The windshield wiper motor may fail on certain vehicles. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.
1995-96 w/gasoline engine:
Throttle cable may contact dash mat, which could bind the throttle; engine speed might then not return to idle.
1995-97 Crew Cab:
The windshield wiper motor may fail on certain vehicles. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.
1995-97 extended cab w/Easy Entry:
Pinch point in recliner mechanism can trap and pinch a person's hand or fingers when Easy-Entry feature is activated.
1995-98 crew cab:
Front inner corner of fuel tank can contact body sill, wearing a hole in or cracking the tank; can result in fuel leakage.
1996 C10/15 w/7.4-liter engine:
Fuel-rail assemblies may have improperly crimped end retainer clip that results in leak.
1996:
Four U-bolts on either side of rear axle were under-torqued and could loosen and eventually fall off; could result in sudden loss of control.
1997 C10/20:
On some trucks, one or two front-seat mounting bolts were not installed.
1998 C10 extended cab and 4-door utility:
Steering-gear bolt can loosen and fall out, resulting in separation of shaft from gear.
1998 C10753 extended cab:
Rear brake line can contact left front-fender wheelhouse inner panel; a hole could be worn in brake line, allowing loss of fluid and reducing rear-brake effectiveness.
1998:
On certain vehicles, the outside rearview mirror switch may short circuit. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.
1998:
On some trucks, one or both front brake rotor/hubs may have out-of-spec gray iron that can fail during life of vehicle.
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