Star-Telegram.com's view

“Bigger, faster, stronger and smarter.”

That’s how Chevrolet describes its redesigned 1999 full-size pickups, whose new name is Silverado.

The rollout of the new trucks is accompanied by one of General Motors’ largest advertising campaigns ever.

There is no reference in promotional materials to “bold, new styling,” however, because there isn’t any.

While virtually everything else about them is brand new — from the chassis to the seats — General Motors resisted the impulse to follow Dodge and Ford with drastic restyling of the full-size trucks, the company’s bread-and-butter vehicle.

Although some critics say the restyling didn’t go far enough, Chevy says research showed that loyal Chevy truck owners and other potential buyers didn’t want a drastic change in the vehicles’ looks.

Good. I’ve never been a fan of the “muscular” styling of the current Dodge Ram, although many people are. And while I like the looks of the Ford F-150, the looks alone wouldn’t lead me to choose it over a competing vehicle.

What the critics are going to find is that consumers will admire the mild redesign of the Silverado, but they will absolutely love the rest of the changes — such as the roomier cab, tougher frame, bigger box and much improved performance.

For the first time in recent history, I believe, Chevrolet has the opportunity to overtake Ford to claim the best-selling-vehicle title. The F-150 has been the top-selling vehicle overall in both Texas and the nation for the past several years, outpacing even the sales of the Ford Explorer, which has been the best-selling passenger vehicle.

The frame is stronger than before, the V-8 engines are all new and more powerful than ever, and even the brakes are far superior to those of the previous Chevy trucks and any of the competition. Four-wheel disc brakes are now standard across the line.

The base engine is a 4.3-liter V-6, standard on two- and four-wheel-drive 1500 models. It cranks out 200 horsepower and 260 foot-pounds of torque.

There are three Vortec V-8 engines to choose from, all new but based on the legendary small-block V-8 design. The 4.8-liter engine is rated at 255 horsepower and 285 foot- pounds of torque; the 5.3-liter at 270 horsepower and 315 foot-pounds of torque; and the biggest, the 6.0-liter, at a whopping 300 horsepower and 355 foot-pounds of torque.

To me, though, the interior is the Silverado’s best attribute. The extended-cab models have a back seat that is really a seat and not some short, ill-designed attempt at one. There is support for the thighs and plenty of leg room even for adults. About two-thirds of pickup buyers choose extended-cab models because they need the extra passenger space, but only the Silverado (and its clone, the GMC Sierra), offers a truly practical rear seat.

One drawback is that only three doors are available, but a fourth door apparently is on the way.

There is a vari ety of Silverado models available, ranging from regular to extended to crew cab, short- or long bed, two- or four-wheel-drive, and standard (Fleetside) or step-side (Sportside) styles. Most models are available in three trim levels — base, LS and top- of-the-line LT, and in half-, three-quarter and one-ton versions (1500, 2500 or 3500).

The base truck (1500 regular cab, two-wheel drive) lists for an affordable $15,995, about $150 less than a comparably equipped 1998 model. The new trucks include $500 worth of equipment that was optional last year, such as four-wheel disc brakes, tilt steering wheel, 16-inch wheels and tires, automatic halogen headlights, and 40/20/40 split front bench seat.

Our test vehicle was a long-bed, four-wheel-drive LS 1500 extended-cab model with the Z71 off-road package, in meadow-green metallic paint with a graphite custom-cloth interior (list $25,895 plus $640 transportation).

The engine was the 5.3 liter V-8 ($700 extra), and the vehi came with the new four-speed automatic transmission ($995) with tow-haul mode. The power was astounding for such a heavy vehicle; I can’t imagine needing any more than this, although I suppose some people would need the 6.0-liter engine for heavy trailering.

This truck was so refined and smooth-riding that it was almost like a premium sport-utility vehicle. Luxury features (some adding to the price tag) included six-way power driver and passenger seats ($480), AM/FM/cassette/compact-disc stereo ($100), and front fog lights.

Extras that come with the LS model include air-conditioning, dual outside power mirrors, chrome grille, cruise control, power windows and door locks with remote key-less entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and body side moldings.

Besides the cool Z71 graphics, the package ($295) included skid plates underneath for serious off-roading. The four-wheel-drive system came with Chevy’s Autotrac active transfer case ($375), and the vehicle also had the optional trailering package ($285), which added a hitch platform and wiring harness. Maximum trailer weight with this model is 8,200 pounds.

Total sticker on our test truck was $30,987, including transportation.

The off-road capabilities of our Silverado were impressive; this is truly a go-anywhere truck.

Among the high-tech features on the new Silverado are a self-dimming rearview mirror, security system, engine hour meter, driver message center (monitoring vital functions), intermittent wipers, lockout protection (doors won’t lock with keys left in ignition), next-generation driver and passenger air bags (with passenger air-bag cutoff switch), and the ability to run 50 miles after the radiator loses its coolant.

EPA fuel-economy ratings for the 5.3-liter V-8 are 15 miles per gallon in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. That’s only slightly better than the 16 city/20 highway estimates for the V-6 models.

The tank in our long-box test model held 34 gallons of fuel; short-box versions have a 26-gallon tank.

Impala coming back: The Chevrolet Impala, introduced in 1958 and then reintroduced as a high-performance model of the Caprice in 1994, will return to the Chevy lineup as a completely new model for the 2000 model year.

It will make its debut in January at the 1999 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The most recent model was discontinued after 1996.

No details are available yet, but Chevrolet’s “first car for the new millennium” promises to “re-create the same magic formula that brought success to generations of Impalas before it: A good-looking car, with more performance, amenities and value than you might expect, at a Chevrolet price,” Chevy says.

AT A GLANCE:

The Package: Full-size, three-door, six-passenger, V-6 or V-8 powered, four-wheel-drive, long-bed pickup, all new for 1999.
Highlights: Three optional V-8 engine choices offer a broad ra nge of power and trailering capabilities; roomy and comfortable interior with a real back seat; refreshed but not radical restyling.
Negatives: Some critics believe the new styling is too much like the previous generation’s; consumers will decide.
Major competitors: Ford F-series, Dodge Ram.
EPA fuel economy: 15 miles per gallon city, 18 highway (5.3-liter V-8, automatic transmission).
Base price: $25,895 plus $640 transportation.
Price as tested: $30,987, including transportation.
On The Road rating: A-plus.