Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see May lease deals!
Options
1999 Chevrolet Silverado
This discussion has been closed.
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
in September as usual or before? Thanks.
--John
in September as usual or before? Thanks.
E-mail me at jcarver@dcn.att.com
--John
If you want one expect the price to jump up 2K over a 98 model and good luck on getting one, they expect them to go pretty darn fast.
There is some information about the changes at:
www.truckworld.com
For all others wanting more info on the 1999 Silverado, I just got my new issue of Chevy Truck in the mail today and the following information is quoted (hope they don't sue me for copyright infringement):
"Changes in the wind for the new "Silverado" Chevrolet include a two-inch longer wheelbase, 0.9 inch wider front track and 2.5 inch wider rear track on a new hydroformed, ultra-strong frame. The new engines, still called Vortec but not like former designs, do feature the LS-1 design block with a rugged iron casting. New cylinder heads with a straight and easy valve layout enhance durability, a primary goal of the new Chevy engine designs.
Cleaner buring, tighter sealing, better breathing and quieter operation were clear goals. These engines, akin to the Corvette but tuned for truck performance, deliver 25 more horsepower in the 4.8L version that the previous 5.0L. The 5.3L will outperform the 5.7L by 10 horsepower. A 6.0L V-8 surpasses the former 5.7L HD V-8 by 45 horsepower. It's too early to speculate whether the 7.4L will continue in current Vortec form, but that looks like the program for the moment.
All 1999 Chevrolet Silverado pickups will boast four-wheel disk brakes, a wise move, the rear brakes proportioned via electronic sensors that measure loading. Massive brakes with twin pison front calipers may deliver four times the pad life of former systems. This is a new truck; in every way that counts!"
Lastly, a two page Chevy Truck ad that was in the inside front cover of the magazine had this to say:
"IT'S TIME TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON RESALE VALUE. The highest resale value in full-size pickups belongs to Chevy. Period."
I have a 1997 Silverado 5.7 V-8. Love it to death. Hit the gas and it moves, pronto!
Cheers.
Barry
From the tact they're taking, it appears as though GM is only interested in giving current Chevy/GMC owners a new truck, but have made very little effort to attract Ford and Dodge owners. Do they really care about the diesel owner? What about the heavy-duty commercial user who prefers the strength of a solid axle 1-ton 4x4? And the intentional use of the 3-door extended cab on the Chevy compared to all the 4 doors is ridiculous. Dodge has already announced there will not be a 1999 Club Cab - all extendeds will be Quads.
As a truck owner, I see nothing from this new GM pickup that would make me look into it further. There is nothing they are introducing that doesn't already appear on another truck.
Your 5.7L Chevy might outrun me, but my Cummins turbo diesel will be in the next state while you refuel
All I'm saying is if you want to talk about Dodge's, go to Topic number 8 in this section of the Town Hall, or for Ford and Dodge's, that would fit in the miscellaneous truck questions under topic number 9. If you review your previous E-Mail's you were getting away from the 99 Silverado altogether, which is the focal point of this room, and if you're that turned off by the new design, go elsewhere. Personally, I look forward to them. They still look like a truck coming down the highway and not a bubble from radical redesigns.
Your statement was: "Hit the gas and it moves, pronto!" My statement about being outrun was in *response* to that - never said "outrun" was your word.
If you don't appreciate feedback from the competition, so be it, but from the posts on most of the topics in the Pickups conference, competition is certainly welcome, and offers owners/fans of one brand the opportunity to get a complete perspective on what they own and what they may buy in the future. This topic board is to *discuss* the 1999 Silverado/Sierra; it is NOT limited to only those who LIKE the truck. When Edmund's tells me it's inappropriate to mention competitive vehicles, I will stop.
The fact that they are not comming out with 4 doors is a complete joke and make me wonder if GM is even living in the same world. GM has got it right about making the cab longer, but what about wider? Isnt that what all of us big people need anyways? When they say 3 on the bench, its a tighter squeeze in a chevy that the Dodge or ford? By 2-3 inches if I read the specs right?
I suppose it will all come down to pricing. If they are going to take the same hugh profits that they do on the SUV's, then they can keep there truck. The best "Car" I ever owned was a 94 ext cab chevy 1/2 ton. IT was so comfortable and powerful, but the kids grew bigger and I opted for an Astro. Now I am praying that this new 3.9 inche bigger cab is really an improvement. I need a back seat that I can put an adult in without embarassment. I like that Crew Cab short box, but with the Silverado improvements on there way for the rest of the line, why consider buying the old style until they upgrade.
My friends who bought 87-88 Chevys are the happiest truck owners. The resale is so good because that was the first year of the new style. I bet that the 99-00 models will be even a better resale winner if you can cut through the MSRP bull and pick one up for %5 over cost like you should any new car (Truck). The wild card is that the older style truck are going to hit a rapid devaluation with the new line. Lets hope all these trade in keep down the pricing. For gosh sakes, these are VW beetles are they?
I bet there will be the biggest truck Giveraway in GM history in late 98. The they are going to have to bribe us a big bundle of cash to take home a 98 when those superior 99 are onthe showroom.
I was very excited to see the Infomercials on my local cable station showing a nice well done show featuring Cal Ripkin on the new silverado, at the end, they had a 800 you could call to get a free video and special information. All I got was a survey asking me basically how long I planned on holding out before I decide to by another truck. I responded Fall 99, being that I am waiting for the Silverado, I supposed this means to them that they arent going to waste any marketing money on me until the end of the year. I havent recieved the promised promotional video.
GM might just have something with the Silverado being that the Ford is starting to look so much like Dodge. I didnt know it was a ford the other day until I saw the name plate.
Is anyone out there allittle worried like me about buying on of these things before they get the bug out of it?
Chris in Sacramento
I agree with kcram that these sites,(not "sights"),are for discussion. If you don't want to open your eyes then go back to the dealer and quote more promos as if they were the Bible.
Chris,
Not only do you talk too much, you can't see very well. Ford looks nothing like Dodge.
I'm kinda glad Chevrolet went with conservative styling. I'm very surprised people think just because the outside hasn't changed much, these Chevy's have nothing to offer. These trucks are going to be mechanically and electronically superior to anything on the road--( in the half ton class). Remember, Chevrolet hasn't done anything in the truck department since 1988. when those trucks came out, i feel they really jumped ahead of the field. their throttle body engines were getting better mileage than ford's sophisticated multiport engines. Dodge wasn't even a player then. Engineering technology advances exonentially every year. You like your "new dodge"? like your 97 ford? just wait. i think this new chevy will be awesome.
Actually, the new Ford looks a lot more like the old Ford than the Dodge. If you look on page 66 of the April edition of Off-Road magazine, you will see a 1997 and 1999 Ford F-350 sitting side by side. The bigger grille and the bigger bumper are the only real differences. There is no doubt these two trucks are related. Although the new Ford Superduty trucks are significantly different than the 1997 heavy duty trucks, the changes in the exterior appearance really aren't as significant as you might think when you see the two trucks side by side.
If you look at the Dodge and the new Ford side by side, the differences are obvious everywhere. The increased grille size is about the only similarity. Does the new Ford look closer to the Dodge than the Chevy? Sure, but when was the last time the Ford and Chevy looked alike? As for the new Chevy, I'll be waiting. If the new trucks are as awesome as you say, I'm sure it will have no problem being named Motortrend Truck of the Year, like the F-150 was when it was introduced.
as for the ford and dodge, i still disagree. I think the ford shows pronounced fenders, like the dodge, and boxy headlights, instead of "streamlined" versions like the dodge's, are the only thing that still give it an old ford look. I think the view from the side is very unique and nothing like the dodge. i like the new fords, despite my comparison with dodge, i think they are a great new fresh look, and from what i can tell mechanically awesome. but enough of that. this is the '99 Chevy, post, so lets debate that.
You suggest that I talk too much? Maybe its that you read too much.
As for my comment that the Fords are starting to look like the Dodges. I didn't say that they look like them, but the they are "Starting" to. They are definetly trending that way. The Chevy is keeping is place as and I think will benifit from the distintion. Chevy is going to pick up more sales from the crowd who wants a truck that looks like a truck buyers.
Since when did Ford Look like Chevy? Try the early 90's. They were both pretty square werent they? And Ford was making those step sides too and they really looked like a chevy from the rear.
Maybe if I saw the Dodge side by side to the Ford Superduty, I would notice the differences, but when I was on the freeway last week, I say this beautify huge truck coming up on my left, I thought for sure it was a Dodge, as It passed, I was supprised to see it as a Superduty Ford with the dealers sticker still in the window. I believe Ford is simply chasing the styling that sells. Its my opinion so that makes me right!!!
Good point by Rocles about the fleet use of Fords bring down the resale value, but that could be countered by the fact that there are more fords on the road, so you need to work with a percentage. I could say that there are more Ford Trucks in the junk yards, but that doesnt prove that they are more prone to get into accidents or get junked.
I dont wear glasses, funny Rocles does and questions my eyesight?
Chris In Sacramento
So let me get this straight: you like the new design of Chevy or don't you? You ramble on entirely too much. That was my point.
Your argument that Ford looks like Dodge reminds me of the clowns I ride with on the week-end. I own three motorcycles and only one is a Harley, yet people, who know nothing about bikes, think all three are H-D.
Golly! I think the new Silverado looks like a S-10---yuck-yuck!C'mon!
What little Ive seen of the Silverado, I like, but I cant be sure if I'll go for one until I see one face to face and drive it. It also has to fit in my garage like the current extended cabs do.
Boy your a real mean spirited meany....
As far as rambling , what else is there to do. Nobody knows anything new about these Silverados. We are all just rambling and guessing arent we? And some of us are talking more about the Fords on this thread to boot.
I just pick up an issue of "pro". Its the small magazine they have laying around the Chevy dealership. Its supposed to look like an insider publication to the salse force, but the fact that they leave stacks of them for the public to pick up leads me to think that its a ploy to get at loyal buyers.
As far as your condensation about the public perception of Harley vs. Japanese look alikes. Are you trying to deny that every major manufaction of street cruisers isn't desparately trying to capture the look and sound of the HD? You know Rocles, 94 percent of the public doesnt ride motor cycles and dont really care about them, why are you upset that the general public falls victim to what Honda and Kawasaki has spent millions to do, make a HD substitute. By the way, nobody wants to talk about Harley in the Silverado Group.
Talk about rambling, yes I use allot more words than you, but in your short 10 lines of post, your magaged to sqeeze in...
Ford
Dodge
Clowns
Your personal week end activities
The number of motorcycles you own
Havent you figured out that I got you by about 25 IQ Points. Just because I dont use my spell checker doesnt mean I cant out debate you. And besides, by 95 Vulcan 1500 is bigger than anything you own on 2 wheels guaranteed. "Yuck Yuck Yuck" I know you used to get in allot of fist fights when you were in school, or maybe still do eh?
Is everyone else having as much fun as I am with this bully?
Christopher in Sacramento
You know, there are some that agree that the Silverado does infact lean towards the restyling of the S-10. So whats so rediculous about that. I think that Rocles thinks that anyone that doesn't agree with him is a "Clown". His words not mine...
C.
Personally, I've always been a Chevy man. But I admit that there has been at least one model from Ford AND Dodge in recent years, that with the right color, options, and body style, would be the preferred truck to own (for me, of course). My dad has always had pickups and currently owns Chevy 3/4 ton. I've driven all of 'em and even hauled heavy loads. But I'm not racing anyone and I doubt the torque fairy is watching over me. Nevertheless, some folks insist on keeping score.
Auto manufacturers advertise their products with themes of brand-loyalty and one-upmanship (have you seen the Cadillac ads lately with the pretty woman in the Caddy rebuffing the guy in the BMW 'cause he doesn't have NorthStar, OnStar, this, that, and the other?) How about Dennis Franz (playing a cop) pulling over a guy in a Mercedes because he's driving without enough horsepower. Too bad the consumer plays into this never-ending soap opera (is that redundant?). What ever happened to "baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and Chevrolet"? We are all free to choose, folks. Your neighbor may choose to persecute you for your choice. You may choose to ignore him.
Unless, of course GM starts giving them away!
Alex.
No *information* on the 99 whatsoever. And talk about blowing your own horn - the card for the 1988 redesign touts the "introduction" of the extended cab and what an innovation it is - never mind that they were FOURTEEN years behind Ford and Dodge in building one.
"Like a rock"
and their sales are dropping just like one, too.
They don't seem to be too interested in attracting me as a customer if they're that unwilling to provide information, and what they do provide is self-backslapping. Tell me what I need to know to make a fair choice. Tell me that your truck compares favorably to the others in this, that, and the other. I don't care what you did in the Arizona Proving Grounds - I don't live there. Make me want a Chevy in *my* neighborhood. That "info" packet I got just doesn't do that
I talked to my local Chevy Dealer on 5/22/98 and he put his regional Chevy rep on the speaker phone and here is what I heard:
- 1999 Silverados will begin production mid June with delivery to customer Sept-Oct time frame
- 1/2 ton only to be built initially
- 3/4 ton to begin production Sept-Nov. with customer delivery to begin Feb-Mar 1999
- New engines:
5.0L replaced by 4.8L V8 with +25 HP (255 HP)
5.7L replaced by 5.3L V8 with +10 HP (265 HP)
7.4L replaced by 6.0L V8 with +45 HP (300 HP)
4.8L V8 and 5.3L V8 available in 1/2 ton
6.0L V8 only available in 3/4 ton or 1 ton
No torque numbers yet
The Chevy rep believes there could be delays with this schedule and was not confident Chevy dealers will receive any decent inventory until at least Jan 1999.
Truckworld Online (http://www.truckworld.com/truck-tests/99-chevy/99-silverado.html) is a great source of information. Below is a summary of their 10 page report on the 1999 Silverado:
- New Frame:
Front section: hydroformed rails are stronger and stiffer and improve ride and stability
Mid rails: curved lip on inside edge are stronger: tubular cross members provide better torsional performance for more solid stable feel
Rear section: straight rails: '98 model uses splayed rails
- Wheel base +2.0 in., Front Track +.9 in, Rear Track +2.5 in
- Transmission:
Larger sump pan, heftier torque converter
New touch button tow/haul mode: more aggressive shift pattern for trailering and hauling
- Brakes: Dynamic Rear Proportioning sense load changes electronically, twin pistons on front discs for additional strength
- Ext.Cab:
Cab Floor Height -1.0 in
Front bumper to back of cab +3.1 in.
Driver's heel to back of cab +3.9 in.
Front head room + .07 in.
Rear leg room +1.1 in.
Rear seat back angle +4.0 degrees
3rd door available in 1/2 & 3/4 ton
No quad cab option
Front seat belts mounted directly to seatback
Odometer doubles as an engine hour meter
Driver lockout protection: Can't power lock doors if keys are in the ignition
Search feature:to locate truck, push button and lights flash and horn honk
1999 Crew Cab short box
The short box is new for 1999 but will come in the old body style as will the Tahoe & Suburban until model year 2000.
My Chevy dealer is taking orders for the 1999 Silverado 1/2 ton but not the 3/4 ton. He is able to call up all the options on his computer and gave me a copy of all the options.
- http://www.truckworld.com/
then select Truck Tests
then select '99 Chevrolet Line-up
then select '99 Silverado
Dont take this personally but the 7.4L V8 is rated at 290hp (these are the Vortecs 1996 and up). So the increase would be only 10hp but with a 1.4L smaller engine!
Thanks for the info!
these are light duty 3/4 tons, like ford has.
In the current body style, which you can get at the same time as the redesign (for a while), 3/4 and 1 ton, you will still get the 350 and the 454.
when chevy redesigns their heavy duty line in a few years, the 6.0 will probably be the base engine, and there will be a redesigned big block to take the place of the 454.
Chevy and GMC dealers have not yet received pricing but expect to get it mid June.
The +45 HP is the new 6.0L compared to the old 5.7L. The 454 will not be offered in the new body style in 1/2 or 3/4 ton. The old 454 and 350 V8's will be available in the 1999 old body style 1/2 and 3/4 ton pickups.
Cdean:
The 6.0L is replacing the 454 in the new body style pickups. The 454 is not available for now but is scheduled to receive an update sometime in the next two years and this new 454 is rumored to produce 500 ft. lbs. of torque.
My local Chevy dealer is ordering the 1999 Silverado 1/2 tons but the local GMC dealer has yet to place an order.
i heard similar news from my local chevy dealer who spoke to chevy reps at a national sales convention. they didn't give out a whole lot of info, but they said the engine replacing the 454 would be in the 500+ ftlb range for torque.
If I was going to own my next truck for 10+ years, and I was set on Chevy, and I needed the power of the 454, I'd muster up all of my patience and wait 12-18 months. Rumor has it that the 2000MY GMC will introduce the GM V-10. More power, better gas mileage, better emissions.
I have a source that tells me that a shipment of 20 experemental 99 GMC's are parked at his dealership's lot today. I'll check them out and let you know what I saw! Supposedly there are any and all configurations and colors to see.