What years did they make the Chevy Cheyenne?
The Chevy Cheyenne was a trim package for Chevrolet’s full-size pickups, not a standalone model. It appeared most prominently from the late 1960s through the late 1980s, with its best-known run centered in the 1970s and 1980s.
This article explains when the Cheyenne badge was in use, noting that exact years varied by market, model year, and body configuration. It covers the main eras and how the truck lineup evolved around the Cheyenne branding.
Timeline and key periods
The following overview outlines the main eras in which the Cheyenne trim appeared, with caveats about regional differences and body styles.
- Late 1960s to early 1970s (roughly 1969–1972): The Cheyenne badge was introduced on Chevrolet C/K pickups as a mid‑level trim, often paired with two‑tone paint and upgraded interiors.
- 1973–1987: The Cheyenne and Cheyenne Super became standard high‑trim options on the C/K series during the third generation, featuring distinctive styling cues, decals, and interior upgrades.
- Late 1980s to early 1990s (approximately 1988–1994): The Cheyenne name continued in some markets or configurations as GM refreshed its pickup lineup; by the mid‑1990s, Silverado branding became the dominant top trim in most US markets.
These periods reflect the most widely documented windows for the Cheyenne badge, but exact years can vary by model year (C10, C20, etc.), cab configuration, and country of sale.
Summary
The Cheyenne name appeared intermittently across several decades, with the core era centered on 1973–1987 for Chevrolet’s C/K pickups. For precise year-by-year details, consult original GM documentation or reliable classic-truck references that break down trim codes by model year and region.
What is the Chevy Cheyenne package?
The Scottsdale and Cheyenne trims were introduced in the 1970s, the former being a mid-range trim and the latter adding fancier features like wood trim and upgraded upholstery and audio systems. Finally, the Silverado was the top-tier trim introduced in 1975, and the rest is history.
What is the difference between a Chevy Silverado and a Chevy Cheyenne?
The main difference is that Chevy Cheyenne is the name for the top trim level of the Silverado in Mexico, while the Silverado is the name of the entire truck model in the United States. Historically, Cheyenne was a mid- or high-level trim option in the United States for C/K series trucks before the Silverado nameplate was introduced as the top-tier trim. Today, the trucks are virtually identical but with different badging based on the market.
Current difference
- In Mexico: "Cheyenne" refers to the highest-end, most premium version of the truck, while "Silverado" is the name for entry-level models.
- In the United States: "Silverado" is the model name for the truck, and "Cheyenne" can refer to a specific trim package (like the "Cheyenne Edition") that includes extra chrome and a trailering package, or it can refer to the historical trim levels from before the Silverado was the main model name.
Historical difference
- Before 1999: "Silverado," "Cheyenne," and "WT" (Work Truck) were all distinct trim levels for the C/K series trucks, with Silverado being the most premium, Cheyenne the mid-level, and WT being the most basic.
- Example: A 1970s Cheyenne model was more upscale than a basic "Custom" model, but it was below the top-tier "Silverado" model, which had features like wood trim and upgraded upholstery.
What's special about a Chevy Cheyenne?
The Cheyenne had innovative designs not available in production vehicles at the time, such as its side access doors and unique cargo bed. The original Chevrolet Cheyenne truck originated back in 1971 with a production end date of 1998. In 1999 the Silverado was introduced.
What was the last year of the Chevy Cheyenne?
In 1971, Chevrolet introduced a trim level for second-generation C/K series trucks called the Chevy Cheyenne. Chevy continued selling the Cheyenne trim in the US until 1998 when it was discontinued prior to the Silverado's launch.
