What year is a Chevy considered a square body?

The square-body era for Chevys spans model years 1973 through 1987, defined by the boxy, squared-off styling of GM’s third-generation full-size pickups (the C/K line). This is the period most enthusiasts use when they refer to a “square body” Chevrolet.

Defining the square-body era

“Square body” describes the third-generation GM full-size pickups introduced in 1973 and lasting through 1987. The styling features a flatter, boxier silhouette with squared fenders, a squared-off bed, and a relatively austere interior compared with later designs. The term has become a cultural shorthand among truck enthusiasts for these boxy, rugged Chevys and their GMC counterparts.

Which models are included

Before listing specifics, it helps to know that the term most often applies to the Chevrolet C/K line’s boxy look from 1973–1987, and that some related GM SUVs built on the same platform share the same visual language during that window. The following Chevy vehicles are commonly classified as square-body within that era.

• Chevrolet C/K pickups (model years 1973–1987) — the canonical square-body trucks


• Chevrolet Suburban (on the same platform during the 1973–1987 era) — shares the square-body styling

If you’re evaluating a vehicle’s era, note that some related models may have minor styling updates within the same generation. The overall boxy silhouette and flat panels are the telltale signs of the square-body look.

How to verify a square-body in person

When assessing a potential square-body Chevy, look for squared-off fenders and bed, flat doors, a boxed cab, and a relatively simple, non-aerodynamic grille characteristic of 1970s–early 1980s designs. The third-generation C/K trucks used a distinct rectangular grille and square wheel arches, and the year should fall between 1973 and 1987 as indicated by the VIN and body style codes.

What happened after 1987

GM transitioned to a new body design with model year 1988, introducing changes that began the shift away from the original square look. The styling became somewhat more rounded and aerodynamic in the subsequent generations, though the boxy aesthetic persisted in certain trim lines and within the Suburban lineage for a time. Despite these evolutions, the 1973–1987 window remains the core definition of the “square-body” Chevy.

Summary

In short, a Chevy is considered square-bodied when it is part of the third-generation full-size pickups, specifically the Chevrolet C/K line produced from 1973 through 1987. This era defines the iconic boxy look that remains a hallmark of classic GM trucks, with Suburban variants sharing the same design language during those years.

What was the worst year for Chevy Silverado?

The worst Chevy Silverado years are often cited as 2007-2011, 2014-2017, and 2019-2021 due to frequent problems like engine issues, oil consumption, transmission failures, and electrical and AC problems. The 2014 model year is especially notorious for a high volume of complaints and numerous recalls, while models from 2007-2011 had engine problems linked to the Active Fuel Management system, and 2019-2021 models experienced engine bearing and lifter issues.
 
2007-2011

• Engine Problems: Many engines with the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system experienced high oil consumption and lifter failures. 
• Recalls: This generation had several recalls, including issues with Takata airbags in some models. 

2014-2017

• 2014: This year is frequently listed as one of the worst due to a high volume of complaints and 19 recalls. 
  • AC and Electrical Issues: The air conditioning system was a major problem, with many owners reporting failure. 
  • Transmission Problems: The new 8-speed transmission experienced issues like clunking and eventual failure in some instances. 
• 2015: Experienced a high number of recalls and complaints related to the transmission. 
• 2017: Had numerous transmission problems, including rough shifting and shuddering, leading to low reliability ratings. 

2019-2021

• Engine Issues: These models are known for Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) lifter failures and engine bearing problems, which led to recalls. 

You can watch this video to learn about the worst model years of Chevy Silverado: 57sGarage of TimeYouTube · Aug 11, 2025

What qualifies as a square body?

73 to 87 are the years now referred to as "square bodies" which I guess is a way of differentiating them from other series. Becoming quite collectible. They were great trucks and I'd buy a new one if they sold them today. My old 81 is still on the job as it has been for me since 1986.

What is considered a square body?

A "square body" is a nickname for a generation of General Motors (GM) trucks produced from 1973 to 1987, known for their angular, boxy design. This era of trucks, which includes various Chevrolet and GMC models like the C/K series pickups and K5 Blazer, is a popular choice for classic car enthusiasts due to its durability, simplicity, and customization options.
 
Key characteristics

• Design: The trucks have a distinctive, boxy body style with a clean, sharp design, which earned them the "square body" nickname from fans, even though GM internally called them the "Rounded Line" series. 
• Production years: The "square body" generation of pickups ran from 1973 to 1987, with the K5 Blazer and Suburban maintaining the body style until 1991. 
• Models: This generation included a wide range of vehicles such as the Chevrolet C/K series (including C10, C20, and C30 models), K5 Blazer, and Suburban. GMC versions were also available, often with similar styling and mechanicals. 
• Popularity: They remain popular with enthusiasts today because of their iconic look, ease of maintenance, and extensive aftermarket support, which allows for many customization projects. 

What years are considered square body chevys?

The Chevy "square body" trucks, also known as the third-generation C/K series, were produced from 1973 to 1987. The name comes from their box-like design, which was a contrast to the rounded body styles of the time.
 

• 1973-1987: This entire 14-year span is considered the "square body" era.
• Key feature: The trucks were a successful and long-running generation for both Chevrolet and GMC.
• Name origin: Despite being called the "Rounded-Line" generation by Chevy, they earned the nickname "Square Body" due to their distinct, boxy exterior.