What year are Chevy trucks considered square bodies?
The term square-body Chevy refers to GM's classic full-size pickups built on the C/K platform from model year 1973 through 1987, including pickups and related Suburban and Blazer/Jimmy models.
Across this era, the C/K line featured squared-off styling with flat panels and boxy cab shapes, distinguishing it from earlier rounded designs and later GMT400 models. The designation is most commonly used by collectors and enthusiasts when describing these specific years, though some casual references can vary.
Defining years and models
Below is a concise look at which models and years are traditionally considered square-body Chevys.
- 1973–1987: Chevrolet and GMC C/K-series pickups, Suburban, and Blazer/Jimmy SUVs on the C/K platform. These share squared-off sheet metal and a boxy overall look that defines the nickname.
- Scope note: The term is commonly applied to the full-size pickups and the related Suburban and Blazer/Jimmy SUVs built on that same chassis.
In practice, the square-body designation centers on the 1973–1987 window. GM's 1988 redesign began the GMT400 generation, which introduced a new styling direction. Some casual references still describe late-1980s models as square-bodied, but the strict era ends in 1987.
Design cues that define the look
Enthusiasts recognize a handful of common styling cues that mark the square-body era, making these trucks easy to identify in photos and on the road.
Key design cues
- Squared-off cab and bed corners with flat panels and minimal aggressive curves
- Flatter, boxier fenders and doors compared with earlier generations
- Simple, durable body-on-frame construction and practical trim choices
These design elements helped the C/K trucks endure in the market and remain popular for restorations and customization well after production ended in 1987.
GMT400 era and terminology caveat
GM's GMT400 platform arrived in 1988, bringing significant styling and mechanical updates. While some hobbyists casually extend the “square body” label to late-1980s models because of the boxy look, the formal square-body era typically ends with the 1987 model year.
Summary
In short, Chevy square-body trucks most commonly refer to the 1973–1987 C/K family, including pickups and common-body SUVs such as the Suburban. The GMT400-era trucks that followed (1988–1998) mark a new generation, though the boxy aesthetic persists in casual conversation.
