2000 Chevrolet C/K 2500/3500: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Chevy's heavy-duty C/K pickups (and GMC's similar Sierra Classics) are unchanged from 1999--save for new emerald green metallic paint. Unlike the new-design regular 1500/2500 Sierra and Chevy 1500/2500 Silverado, the C/Ks are holdovers from General Motors' 1988-98 big-truck generation. These models will be replaced by all new models with similar styling, chassis, and running gear for 2001.

Models are again made up from 3/4-ton 2500- and 1-ton 3500-series chassis; regular, extended, and four-door crew cabs; base, LS and LS Premium trim; and rear drive (C) or 4-wheel drive (K). Most come with a 8.1-foot "long" cargo bed, however, crew cab and K2500 extended cab models are also available with a 6.5-foot "short" box. Unlike Silverado, C/K extendeds do not have rear doors. Both chassis include 4-wheel antilock brakes, however, and can be ordered with dual rear wheels.

Three V8s continue: base 5.7-liter, optional 7.4-liter, and available 6.5-liter turbodiesel. All three team with 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmission. The K-models' 4WD is GM's part-time InstaTrac system that allows on-the-fly shifts but the 4WD mode is not intended for use on dry pavement (unlike 4x4 Silverados). Maximum towing capacity is 10,000 pounds across the board. All C/Ks have a split 3-place main bench seat; extendeds and crew cabs add a 3-place rear bench. Front buckets are optional. No airbags are offered, as C/Ks match or exceed the 8600-pound gross vehicle weight where airbags are not required by law, though comparable Ford and Dodge models do have standard dual airbags.

COMPETITION

With the advent of crossover vehicles the segment has become less defined. Once the domain of work-related heavy-duty pickups, buyers are now demanding that their full-size trucks do double duty. Our Best Buys remain the Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150, and GMC Sierra. These trucks offer a wide range of powertrain combinations, plenty of luxury accommodations, and ample towing power--though the GM twins are the only ones to offer full-time 4WD.

The big-rig-styled Dodge Ram matches the new Ford and GM models feature for feature but can't match their ride comfort or civility.