Chevrolet Silverado - History

History

Although General Motors introduced its first pickup truck in 1930, the term "Silverado" was a designation used only to detail the trim for the Chevrolet C/K pickup trucks and Suburbans from 1975 through 1999. GMC used a few variations of the "Sierra" name (Sierra, High Sierra, Sierra Grande, Sierra Classic) to distinguish the different trim levels through 1987, though the "C/K" nomenclature was continued through 1999. "C" (or "R" for 1987) trucks were rear-wheel drive and "K" (or "V" in 1987) models were four-wheel drive. The "R/V" nomenclature was continued from 1988-1991 to distinguish the older platform trucks that were still being produced in addition to the T400 platform C/K. Both Chevrolet and GMC dropped the "C" and "K" designations in 1999. However Chevrolet still uses the CK and the CC in their current model codes.

The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks have been essentially the same for their entire history. The Silverado today is generally advertised as the "standard" version, while the Sierra has more luxury options. There are some trim and option variations as well. Early models included variations in the engine and equipment, but the present differences are slight. The 1999 redesign included different grilles and interior trim, and certain features (e.g. Quadrasteer) were included at different times on the two trucks. The Silverado has continued marketing with the 2013 model as a cross between the Camaro and the Silverado itself.