The full size GMC Sierra was all new for 1999. And by all new, it was larger, roomier, tougher, and more powerful than ever. In the past, GMC ad Chevy pickups had looked pretty much alike, sharing everything but a grill and a few trim pieces. Now, GMC gave the Sierra a distinctive look in an attempt to make it appealing to a more upscale buyer. The sheet metal parts were unique from the windshield to the front bumper.
Can you believe that all full-sized Total Recall Motors trucks and SUV's are still largely based on this antique. Save for a few reskins and electronic gimmicks and interior overhauls, the 2014 TRM trucks and full-sized SUV's are still these dinosaurs.
The spacer between the bumper and grill that still leaves a 1 inch gap and the 1 inch gap between the grill and headlamps are pretty sloppy. The GMT900's tightened up many of the tolerances there but didn't do much in the way of design.
I recall at the press release of GMT900s at Milford in 2006, there was a snippet of info saying the frame had been stiffened considerably which allowed tighter bumper and body panel clearances. That makes sense.
I also see a lot of them here in the mountains. They have severe rusting problems all over. The worst are cab corners and bedsides. They sometimes don't have a scratch on them except for the rust.
I had 2000 GMC and loved it..
especially the way it sat low to the ground,had great cornering and power,..got only three big speeding tickets but completely worth it
These trucks looked really clean until they were hit with the ugly stick in 2003. The '06 Silverado was a last minute improvement until the all new '07s came around. I'm not sure who was in charge of GMC in '03, but that plastic front bumper was definitely a step down.
I always preferred the 88-98s over any other era, stylewise, including the current gen.
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