1999-13 Chevrolet/GMC Truck & SUV Vehicle History

1999

Redesigned trucks were larger, roomier and much more advanced than previous models. Extended cab models had standard third door on passenger side. Silverados were available in base, LS and LT trim while Sierras were available in SL, SLE and SLT trims. ABS and 4 wheel disc brakes were included on all models. Adjustable Electronic Ride Control available. Automatic transmission featured Tow/Haul mode for reduced shifting. Base engine 4.3L V6 was carried over from prior generation while 4.8L, 5.3L and 6.0L engines were all new.

2000

Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon and Yukon XL introduced on new platform. Cargo doors were standard, while a liftgate with integrated lift-up glass hatch was available. Tahoe and Suburban trim levels were base, LS and LT, while Yukon and Yukon XL were available in SLE and SLT trims. Fourth door added to driver's side on extended cabs, replacing 3 door models. Self-leveling rear suspension and traction control available on SUVs. Rear coil springs replaced leaf springs on Tahoe, Yukon, 1500 Suburban and Yukon XL. Factory options for trucks included 4WD fender flares and soft tonneau cover. Vortec 4800 and 5300 engines revised for more power.

2001

Z71 package available on 4WD SUVs included color-keyed bumpers and grille, wheel flares, lower body molding, tubular side steps and 17" wheels. Composite bed offered on 1500 extended cab models with Z71 package. Traction control was optional on 2WD trucks with a V8 and auto transmission. OnStar available on several trim levels. GMC C3 truck and Denali SUV available with 6.0L, all wheel drive, exterior and interior upgrades. 1500HD debuted as a crew cab shortbed. 2500HD available with unique grille, 2" body raise and standard 6.0L. 5-speed Allison 1000 transmission, 6.6L Duramax or 8.1L available on HD models. 8.1L available on 2500 Suburban and Yukon XL models.

2002

Denali replaced C3 package option on truck models. Base trim on trucks added A/C as standard, while other models added deep-tinted glass. Base trim was dropped on Tahoe and Suburban. Front and rear automatic climate controls were standard on SUVs. Quadrasteer four-wheel steering system introduced on Silverado and Sierra. Z85 firm-ride suspension is standard on all 1500 truck models. Manual transmission no longer available on extended cab models.

2003

Silverado received new headlight, grill, side molding and tail light design. Sierra's grille and front bumper updated. Instrument panel and center consoles redesigned. Dual-zone climate control, BOSE audio, XM satellite radio and power adjustable pedals offered. Standard front passenger sensing system and dual-stage airbags for increased safety. Side mirrors available with turn signal indicators, puddle lights and power folding option. Quadrasteer available on 3/4 ton SUVs. Silverado SS available with High Output 6.0L, all wheel drive, 20" wheels with styling changes inside and out.

2004

1500HD dropped and replaced with 1500 crew cab with 69.3" bed. The 78.7" shortbed was now referred to as the standard bed. The shortbed became 69.3" long; the longbed was unchanged at 97.6". Work truck offered on standard and extended cabs with fewer features. Base models added power locks, cruise control, CD player, chrome grille and wheels. Passenger outside door lock removed. Quadrasteer option no longer requires heavy-duty trailering package on trucks. Tire pressure monitor standard on SUV models.

2005

Denali truck only available as a crew cab. 1500HD returned as a crew cab model. 2500 dropped, leaving only the 2500HD, which received a new grille and hood design. Hybrid Silverado and Sierra offered in limited areas with 5.3L and 120V outlets in bed. Cargo doors dropped on SUVs, navigation system available. Truck rear drum brakes replaced discs on all models except for hybrid and Quadrasteer equipped models. Stabilitrak antiskid system became standard for all 1500 SUV models. Last year for Stepside. Sierra offered Performance Edition on 2WD extended cabs with 6.0L, 20" wheels and heavy-duty trailering package. Z71 package available on 2WD Tahoe and Suburban.

2006

All truck models received grille and hood design from last year's 2500HD. Intimidator SS offered based on the SS 2WD package. VortecMAX performance pack included 345 horsepower 6.0L, heavy-duty towing equipment and upgraded rear axle. Quadrasteer dropped. LTZ trim available on Suburban included 6.0L, all wheel drive, unique trim and 20" chrome wheels.

2007

Silverado and Sierra Classic trucks still available. Manual transmission dropped from models with 4.8L engine. Six-disc CD changer and steering wheel-mounted controls were added to the LT trim package. An all-new platform was introduced for Trucks and SUVs this year. The models featured sleek styling, refined interiors, with more powerful and efficient powertrains. Features included a fully boxed frame, coil over front suspension and rack and pinion steering. Trucks were available in three cab styles, three bed lengths and five suspension systems.

2008

Tahoe and Yukon hybrid models provided 25-30 percent greater combined fuel economy. A 300-volt battery allowed driving up to 30mph on electricity alone, and used electric air conditioning and power steering systems. XM Satellite Radio was now standard on trucks and an integrated brake controller was available. Head curtain side impact air bags and StabiliTrak standard on all SUVs. A 6L90 6 speed automatic transmission was optional on 2500 Suburban and Yukon XL models.

2009

Hybrid versions of the Silverado and Sierra that achieved 25 percent overall fuel economy were now available. Six speed automatic transmission now available on trucks with 5.3L, 6.0L and 6.2L engines. Bluetooth and rearview camera system optional on most models. Heated/cooled seats and Side Blind Zone Alert system available on LTZ and Denali trim levels. Third row seat standard on SUV models.

2010

Engines were enhanced for better efficiency with variable valve timing and active fuel management. All V8 gas engines now offered E85 FlexFuel capability. Side curtain, seat-mounted side airbags and StabiliTrak standard on all trucks. Single-speed transfer case was standard on 4WD SUV models; two-speed transfer case was optional. A USB port was included on all but base radios.

2011

Silverado and Sierra models received small styling updates to the hood, grille and front bumpers. Trucks also featured improved wind noise insulation. Power in the 4.8L engine was raised from 295 horsepower to 302 horsepower. The 2500HD trucks received thicker and stronger frames for increased hauling capacity. XFE model was dropped from Tahoe and Yukon due to the high fuel economy of the standard models. Revised head restraints for the second row seating were added.

2012

Truck models received a new silver lower front fascia, replacing the black fascia in previous years. Cruise control and hill start assist are now standard on all trucks. Dealer installed Wi-Fi systems are now available. Heated and cooled seats are now optional on LTZ pickup models. Custom Sport Truck package has been added for truck models. SUV models received similar changes as the trucks with the exception of heated front seats now standard on LT models and side blind zone impact alert systems being standard on LTZ models.

2013

Updates were minimal as GM prepared for the launch of the redesigned 2014 Silverado/Sierra. Grade braking/downhill assist was now activated full-time rather than activated via the tow-haul feature on all trucks equipped with a 6-speed transmission. A new 6.0 V8 compressed natural gas engine was available in HD models.