The interior redesign for 1995 was a welcome change. Gone are the flat
surfaces and square corners, replaced by flowing curves and a significant
increase in function.
The new instruments and controls are well located and easy to see, reach
and operate--not to mention far more attractive. Multi-direction face-level
vents for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning are spread across
the dash. A nifty cupholder pops out of the instrument panel and holds
two drink containers without blocking any control functions. In front of
the passenger seat, the instrument panel includes a recessed top with two
more recesses for drinks, but we found them useful only when the vehicle
was not moving. There are storage spots all around, and three power outlets
for running a radar detector, phone, fax or other accessories.
In the back of the extended cab there's a bench seat with room for three,
but it's really best suited for shorter trips. The seatback is pretty upright
and the bench itself is short.
On the plus side there's lots of versatility. The rear seat easily flips
up and out of the way revealing, on one side, a covered compartment for
tire-changing tools and, on the other, a conveniently flat floor surface
for stowing luggage, a tool box or ice chest. Not all extended cab pickups
have flat floors in the rear, so this is worth taking a look at.
The C/K pickups are also available with an optional third door on the
passenger's side that allows easier access to the rear for piling in people
or cargo.
This is a pickup truck with a long wheelbase and should not be expected
to ride or drive like a car. Unloaded, the ride is mixed. In most places
it's acceptable, but on concrete freeways with a periodic irregularity
it can become pretty tiresome as it hops in frequency with the pavement.
But that can be said for just about any pickup truck, especially unloaded.
Loaded, however, the ride is better, and even the 1500-series model will
take more than a ton of bricks in its bed.
On balance, the ride is good, particularly for the long haul. The front
seats are comfy and there's plenty of room, and roomy comfort is one of
the big reasons people buy full-size pickup trucks.
There's good steering feel, directional stability is relentless, and
the Chevy goes where it's pointed and stays headed there. The long wheelbase
of the extended cab detracts from nimbleness, and maneuvering in tight
quarters might require some planning. But it's extremely stable on the
highway.