Cadillacwww.cadillac.comDo you insist your SUV have side-swinging cargo doors rather than a horizontally split tailgate? Then you can now buy a Cadillac Escalade, since the 2000 model will offer such doors as a no-cost option. Otherwise, the 2000 Escalade is pretty much identical to the '99, which means it's based on the pre-2000 Tahoe and with power from the classic 255hp, 5.7L Vortec V-8. An all-new Escalade with more distinctive styling is due for 2001 and it will be followed soon afterward by a car-based Luxury Activity Vehicle. Beyond that, Caddy is also planning a pickup.
Chevroletwww.chevrolet.comTake a look at Chevy's all-new Y2K Tahoe and Suburban. Like em? GM hopes you do, because nothing less than the profitability of the entire corporation depends on them selling in vast numbers. A big gamble there.
Taking advantage of the modular frame design of the new-in-'99 fullsize Silverado pickup family, the 11/42-ton Tahoe and Sub feature coil-sprung rear suspension for the first time, and that gives them the best on-road ride yet felt in a GM SUV. The 31/44-ton Suburban retains rear leaf springs so it can tow over 10,000 pounds. Four-wheel-drive versions of the new SUVs retain the same A-arm and torsion bar front suspension introduced on the '99 Silverado, and the engines (275hp 4.8L, 285hp 5.3L, and 300hp 6.0L next-generation Vortec V-8s) also port over from the pickup along with the 4L60-E and 4L80-E four-speed automatic transmissions and GM's latest Auto-Trac dual-range 4x4 transfer case. While the two-door Tahoe is history, the four-door is roomier and features sweet elements like an aluminum rear liftgate. The Sub finally stores its spare tire down between the framerails instead of inside the cargo area.
With so much riding on the fullsize sport/utes, the rest of Chevy's 4x4 line carries over from 1999. The tiny Tracker, all-new last year, comes into 2000 wearing new colors as a two-door removable top or a four-door. The dual-range 4x4 four-door Trackers have a 2.0L DOHC 127hp four-cylinder standard. The two-door can be had with a too-tiny 1.6L four-cylinder.
Changes to the compact S-10 pickup (regular- or three-door Extended Cab) are limited. A revised, smoother-running version of the 190hp, 4.3L V-6 with which all 4x4s are equipped is now installed, the ZR2 off-road package's axle ratio has been revised, and the antilock brake controller has been tweaked. Those same mechanical changes carry to the two- and four-door Blazer, where the stripper base models have been canceled and the Trailblazer off-road package is now available only on the four-door. New compact GM SUVs are rumored for 2001 and a revised S-10 is not far behind that.
If you like the old C/K pickup, you can still get one in 2000 albeit only in heavy-duty 31/44- and 1-ton versions. The big news with the Silverado pickup is a fourth door on Extended Cab models. Better late than never. The 4.8L V-8 is upgraded to 270 hp, and the 4x4 11/42-ton Silverados are now available with fender flares.
Dodgewww.4adodge.comAll of Dodge's trucks for 2000 are familiar, but they've all received significant upgrades. And even some startling variations.
Everyone knew a Quad Cab version of the Dakota was on its way, but it was still startling (and satisfying) when Dodge finally showed the truck. It turned out to be a true four-door crew cab. Under the hood, the Jeep Grand Cherokee's 235hp 4.7L SOHC V-8 replaces the 5.2L Magnum V-8 that had been optional. The 5.9L V-8 can be had as an option only in the Quad Cab and the R/T. The new engine is a smoother, vastly more modern design, but we're already nostalgic for Chrysler pushrod V-8s. The standard Dakota powerplant remains a 120hp 2.5L OHV four, though most will be equipped with either the 175hp 3.9L OHV V-6 or the 4.7L.