Here's an interesting look at how ridiculously large full-sized US pickups have become since the 1990s. The one on the left is an early–1990s Chevrolet Silverado, and the one on the right is a recent-model Silverado. Why are the new ones so tall and have such high front ends restricting forward vision for the driver? "Pedestrian impact standards" don't seem to be the answer. Machoism run amok, maybe?
What a difference 30 years makes
- Thread starter K-Man
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- Jul 15, 2023
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It is partially market demand for flamboyant signaling machines, but it’s also due to how CAFE is written.
wemay
Site Donor 2023
Agreed. They should have taken the picture with the older model in the forefront. It would lend more credence to the argument.
Is that also a 2wd? That would make it sit lower.
The Silvarado is 4wd.
What concerns me are the shadows on the ground. The Chevy doesn't have any, making me think this picture is fake.
What concerns me are the shadows on the ground. The Chevy doesn't have any, making me think this picture is fake.
The horsepower, towing capacity, braking, safety rating are all far better than older trucks.
You can tow things with the newer 1500 that 30 years ago would require a 2500 class.
I don't think it's machoism, it's more capability. As far as pedestrian impacts the larger truck should be easier to see, further away so you don't step in front of it.
You can tow things with the newer 1500 that 30 years ago would require a 2500 class.
I don't think it's machoism, it's more capability. As far as pedestrian impacts the larger truck should be easier to see, further away so you don't step in front of it.
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
2500 too
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
Yeah - the tow ratings have risen drastically …
I think it was the Nissan Titan that I determined its not really a 1/2 ton truck but more like a 2/3 ton truck....
I have had both models at the same time. The size difference is ridiculous. The picture doesn't do it justice.
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
Bill Dance took the picture
…On the newer trucks their low-beam headlights are at my eye level when I'm driving my older Ranger, which is a little higher than most cars. This is dangerously blinding on rural roads. My dad's old 1992 Silverado was not like that.
Wonder how many on here have ridden in both.. new. Same for square bodies. Smaller yes but if you had to go from 2025 to 1995 trucks you'd think the 95's were garbage. Back then though they were nice from that point of reference.
I'd like to see the same picture with my 1993 Nissan pickup in the middle. Best truck I ever owned. Comfy? No. Luxurious? No. But you could beat on it til the cows come home and it would come back for more. It was the Estwing hammer of pickups.
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
Ford Super Duty = Friday Night Lights
Not just cars & trucks, most things change in 30 years
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