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Chevrolet Trucks and Cars For 1998 |
By Carey Russ |
Chevy has a pickup, van, or sport-utility vehicle in nearly every size and for nearly every purpose. Since former Geo vehicles have been brought into the Chevy fold, the Tracker SUV now wears the Chevy bowtie. The S-10 compact pickup and Blazer compact SUV have freshened styling and interiors. The big Tahoe and Suburban sport-utes have a variety of interior and exterior refinements and the availability of the "OnStar" communications system. The full-sized C/K pickups continue with minor enhancements.
S-10
The 1998 S-10 pickup has a new grille and headlights for a closer resemblance to the full-sized Chevy pickups. New wheels and paint colors also spice up the versatile small Chevy truck.
Inside is a new instrument panel with dual airbags. The passenger-side airbag can be deactivated with a switch. Interior trim and seats are also new this year.
The 2.2-liter 4-cylinder has a number of enhancements for better power and lower noise. It's standard in 2-wheel drive models. Optional in 2WD trucks, and standard in all 4x4s, is a 4.3-liter V6.
With choices including regular or extended cabs, long or short box and a stylish "Sportside" box, 2- or 4- wheel drive, three tim levels and several special option packages, there is an S-10 for every compact pickup need.
Blazer
The Blazer compact sport-utility is a first cousin to the S-10 pickup and has the same new front styling for 1998. Bodyside cladding and the rear bumper have also been redesigned. Inside a new instrument panel with dual airbags and high-back reclining bucket seats are the highlights. The "Passlock" theft-deterrent system is standard on all Blazers, as are 4-wheel antilock disc brakes.
Blazers are offered in several trim levels in 2 and 4-door body styles, with 2 or 4-wheel drive. All have a 190-horsepower, 4.3-liter V6 engine. A 4-speed automatic transmission is standard, although two-door models have an available 5-speed manual transmission.
Tahoe
Back before sport-utilities were known as sport-utilities, most were available only in 2-door form. With the increasing popularity of SUVs as the modern station wagon, 2-door models are becoming quite rare. In fact, the 2-door Tahoe is the last of the full-sized 2-door sport- utilities. Of course, there is also a 4-door version. Both now have the "Passlock" theft-deterrent system, new color choices, and enhancements to the standard 4-speed automatic transmission. New options include the OnStar navigation and assistance system and full- time automatic all-wheel drive. A more traditional 4-wheel drive system is also offered. The standard engine is the Vortec 350-cubic inch V8, with a 6.5-liter turbodiesel available.
Suburban
The larger-than-large segment of the sport-utility market is growing, but the Suburban is still the longest of the large, and has the highest towing capacity. This year, the "Passlock" theft-deterrent system, new colors, and transmission upgrades are found on all 'Burbs. A new full-time automatic all-wheel drive system joins the "InstaTrac" 4-wheel drive system on the option list. Also offered is the OnStar communications, navigation, and assistance system. Engine choices are a 5.7-liter gasoline V8 or 6.5-liter turbodiesel.
Tracker
The Tracker now sports a Chevy bowtie in place of the Geo globe. Offered in 2-door convertible and 4-door hardtop form, the Chevy Tracker has interior and exterior trim changes for 1998.
C/K Pickup
Chevrolet's full-sized pickup comes in 2-wheel drive "C" and 4-wheel drive "K" form in 3 different weight rating. Regular cab, extended-cab, and crew cab versions are available, as are a choice of gasoline or diesel engines. The C/K range has a number of mechanical and trim enhancements for 1998.
Venture
The second-generation Chevy minivan made its debut last year. It continues to be offered in short or long wheelbase form. A driver- side sliding door is now available on short-wheelbase models. Minor changes have been made to trim and equipment levels. The OnStar system is now offered.
Astro
The midsized Astro is more like a downsized full-sized van than a minivan. Available with rear- or all-wheel drive, it has more room and better towing ability than any minivan. It has the "Passlock" theft-deterrent system and a variety of mechanical and trim enhancements for 1998.
Chevy Van and Express
The passenger-carrying Chevy Express and Chevy Van freighter have the "Passlock" theft-deterrent system and trim changes for 1998.