Chevrolet's C/K pickups are available in three sizes, or duty ranges: 1500, 2500 and 3500. Regular cabs and extended cabs are available in all three ranges, but the four-door crew cab is offered only in the 3500 size. Extended cab trucks can be ordered with a third door, which opens on the passenger side and allows easier access to the rear seat. There are two cargo bed lengths, 6.5 and 8.0 feet. The shorter length is available in Chevy's stylish Sportside body with a narrower bed flanked by protruding fenders and steps.Three trim levels are available: bare bones W/T (for Work Truck), Cheyenne and Silverado. (GMC's are SL, SLE and SLT.) Four-wheel drive is available for all models. (C/K, by the way, stands for the drive configuration. A C1500 is 2WD, a K1500 is 4WD. Few people remember that, so the C/K designation is expected to be dropped next year.) For super heavy-duty hauling, dual rear wheels are available on the 3500 series.
Engine choices are plentiful. All the gasoline engines are called Vortec, for the technology applied to their intake, fuel injection and engine management systems. The base engine is a 4.3-liter V6 with a balance shaft for smoother running; it's a willing runner and makes an impressive 200 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque -- more than the V8s of just a few years ago. The next step up is a 5.0-liter V8, with 230 hp and 285 lb.-ft. of torque -- more than enough for most light- to medium-duty work. Then comes the 5.7-liter V8, a real worker with 255 hp and 330 lb.-ft. of torque -- this is probably the best all-around choice for most buyers, especially those who will be pulling medium-weight trailers. Above that is the big tuna, the 7.4-liter V8 with 290 hp and 410 lb.-ft. of torque -- if this big block, as it's known, doesn't get the job done, you don't have an engine problem, you have a personality disorder. There are also a couple of 6.5-liter V8 turbodiesels: The normal duty version is rated at 180 hp and 360 lb.-ft. of torque, while the heavy duty version is rated at 195 hp and a rock-hauling 430 lb.-ft. of torque.