Did Chevy make a square body?
Yes, Chevrolet did produce boxy "square-body" full-size pickups, most famously the C/K generation built roughly from 1973 to 1987. The nickname is widely used by enthusiasts and collectors as an informal way to describe these boxy designs, and some also apply it to the later GMT400 era (1988–1998). The term is not an official Chevy designation.
What qualifies as a square body?
The label describes GM's full-size pickups with squared-off panels and a more angular silhouette. The look emphasizes flat surfaces, near-vertical grilles, and practical, durable construction that contrasted with earlier rounded styles.
Below are the two main eras most people refer to when they talk about Chevrolet square-body trucks.
- Core square-body era: Chevrolet C/K pickups (C10, C20, C30) built roughly 1973–1987, known for squared fenders and a boxy cab design.
- GMT400 era: GM's next full-size platform (1988–1998), which retained a boxy silhouette and is also often called square-bodied by enthusiasts.
These periods collectively define the popular square-body nickname across Chevy trucks. The term is community shorthand rather than formal marketing language.
Key models and years
This section lists the main Chevrolet and GMC full-size pickups and closely related models that are typically included when people refer to square-body styling.
- Chevrolet C10/C15 (half-ton) and C20/C30 (three-quarter to one-ton) variants, 1973–1987.
- GMC equivalents: GMC C1500, C2500, C3500, sharing the same generation and styling.
- GMT400-based Chevrolet trucks and SUVs (e.g., Silverado introductions in this generation, plus Blazer/Jimmy through the era), 1988–1998.
These models illustrate the breadth of GM's boxy design language across pickups and closely related SUVs during the era.
How the square-body era fits Chevy's broader story
During the 1970s and 1980s, GM redesigned its full-size pickups several times to adapt to fuel economy pressures, safety standards, and evolving tastes. The square-body generation is remembered for its rugged reliability, roomy interiors, and straightforward mechanical layouts that made maintenance straightforward for owners and fleets alike. Enthusiasts prize the era for its classic, no-nonsense styling.
Common questions and myths
Readers often wonder about scope and terminology. Here are clarifications to help separate fact from folklore.
- Is every Chevy truck from the era a "square body"? No. The label typically applies to the boxy 1973–1987 C/K line and, to some extent, the 1988–1998 GMT400 family; earlier and later designs are not usually included under the same nickname.
- Did Chevy stop producing square-body styling after 1987? The silhouette persisted in the GMT400 generation, which extended into the late 1990s, preserving the boxy look for many models.
In short, the square-body nickname covers a broad stretch of GM's boxy full-size trucks, and Chevy's lineup is at the center of that story.
Summary
Yes—Chevrolet did produce vehicles commonly described as square-bodied. The most iconic are the 1973–1987 C/K full-size pickups, with their squared panels and upright stance. Some enthusiasts also extend the label to the 1988–1998 GMT400 lineup, which kept a boxy, utilitarian look. The term remains an informal shorthand used by car people rather than an official Chevy designation.
Is a Chevy C10 a square body?
Yes, a C10 is a "square body." This is a slang term for Chevrolet C/K series trucks produced from 1973 to 1987, which are known for their boxy, square-like body style. The C10 is the specific model designation for the two-wheel-drive half-ton version of these trucks.
This video explains what to look for when buying a square body C10: 1mMilford BrothersYouTube · Apr 17, 2025
- "Square Body" generation: The nickname refers to the C/K truck series from 1973 to 1987.
- C10: This is the model code for the 2-wheel-drive, half-ton version within that generation.
- Significance: The term is used to distinguish this specific generation from others in the C/K series, and these trucks have become highly collectible.
What year did Chevy make square bodys?
1973-1987
A History Of The 1973-1987 Chevrolet Square Body Pickup, GM's Longest-Running Classic Truck | DrivingLine.
Is GM really making a $8000 truck?
No, GM is not making an $8,000 pickup truck; this is a false rumor likely originating from clickbait videos. GM's smallest truck, the Chevrolet Montana, is sold only in South America, and its price would be significantly higher than $8,000 in the U.S. even if it were imported.
This video discusses the GM $8,000 pickup rumor and its potential impact on the market: 58sGarage HeadsYouTube · Jun 1, 2024
- False rumor: The idea of an $8,000 pickup truck is a marketing tactic that has spread through sensationalist videos and online posts, often misattributing the claim to GM or Ford.
- Chevrolet Montana: GM does sell a small truck called the Chevrolet Montana, but it is designed for the South American market and is not sold in the United States.
- Pricing in the US: Even if the Montana were available in the US, its price would be much higher than $8,000 due to import taxes and other market factors.
- Actual GM trucks: GM's current trucks, such as the Chevrolet Silverado, have starting prices far above this amount, with prices ranging from roughly $30,000 to over $80,000 depending on the model and features.
Is Chevy making a square body truck?
No, Chevy is not making a direct, new "Square Body" truck, but the rumors have been fueled by concept art and a modernized, retro-styled 2027 Silverado refresh that has a more "boxy" look. There have also been viral images of a purported 2025 GMC Square Body, but this is also not official. Chevrolet's official 2025 lineup does not include a new square body truck.
You can watch this video to see a conceptual 2025 Chevy C10 pickup truck: 51sTheAutoReportYouTube · Oct 25, 2024
- The official stance: Chevrolet has not officially announced a new "Square Body" truck, and official 2025 model lineups do not include one.
- The rumors: Viral content, including concept designs and social media posts, has fueled speculation about a new "Square Body" for 2025 or 2027, sometimes claiming it will be a limited-run anniversary edition.
- What is new: The upcoming 2027 Silverado will have a more modern, boxy design with some nostalgic elements, but it is not a direct recreation of the classic square body.
- What is the source of the confusion: The confusion likely stems from concept sketches, rumors of a limited-edition 50th-anniversary model, and the general desire among fans for a retro-inspired truck.
