However, there have been some significant changes within. Our C1500 Silverado sported an instrument panel that was not only better looking and more functional, but also included a driver?s airbag.
The standard analog instruments are more readable, the new audio controls are larger and the new rotary-knob climate controls are far simpler and far easier to use than the previous setup.
The right side of the dashboard top has a couple of molded-in cupholders, as well as a dished-out storage area where a passenger?s airbag will someday go. Our Silverado test truck included a new optional center console that?s particularly nifty, with a swivel-top writing surface, a map/document compartment on its underside and a removable coin holder.
We liked the dual 12-volt auxiliary power plug-ins, and we were truly pleased to find that all C/Ks now need only one key to unlock the doors and start the truck.
The optional high-back bucket seats in our test truck represent another improvement over their predecessors, but GM could still do a little work on the bottom cushion. This truck?s long list of civilizing features is aimed at all-day driving comfort, and the seats could fall an hour or two short of this goal.
Standard cab roominess is another area where the GM pickups don?t quite measure up to their major competitors, particularly the big Dodge Ram. That?s why extended-cab editions are enjoying such a surge in popularity.
Ride quality is one area where the C/K Pickups score high marks. The relatively sophisticated suspension system of this line is good at smoothing out rough roads, even when there?s no load in the cargo bed. Toyota?s T100 may have a slight edge in this area, but not by much, and it simply can?t handle the kind of workloads of V8-powered American trucks.
Our Silverado?s 5.7-liter V8 delivered very good punch for all-around driving, and it also delivered a muted but powerful exhaust note to go with it. This is a very satisfying sound to most pickup owners, and it seems to be unique to good ol? all-American over-head-valve V8 engines.
Handling is another C/K strong suit. Ford?s limited production F-150 Lightning is the handling champ among full-size pickups, but for all-around agility in a regular production truck, our C1500 Silverado does very well.
We were also impressed with the performance of the braking system, which includes 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) as a standard feature for 1995 across the board. That?s a big plus for the GM camp - it?s optional elsewhere.