When did Chevy start making 4 wheel drive?
Early Beginnings: 1930s–1940s
During the late 1930s and into the World War II era, General Motors developed and deployed four-wheel-drive technology for military use. Chevrolet participated in this effort with 4x4 platforms that would inform later civilian models, while some early Suburban and pickup configurations offered 4x4 options for rugged conditions.
Key early milestones
- Late 1930s: Chevrolet explores four-wheel-drive configurations on Suburban and pickup lines, primarily to meet demand for tougher terrain and work-site conditions.
- World War II era: 4x4 military trucks and vehicles from GM’s family of brands contribute to the era’s demand and technical knowledge for civilian applications after the war.
These early efforts laid the groundwork for a broader Chevrolet 4x4 lineup in the postwar years, transitioning from specialized military use to civilian utility vehicles.
The 1969 Milestone and Beyond
The introduction of the Chevrolet K5 Blazer in 1969 signaled a clear shift toward consumer-friendly four-wheel-drive SUVs. This model helped normalize 4x4 capability in a family-oriented vehicle and set the stage for broader adoption across Chevrolet’s truck and SUV ranges in the following decades.
Iconic 4x4 models
- Chevrolet K5 Blazer (introduced in 1969) — one of the first dedicated 4x4 SUVs from Chevrolet, designed for on- and off-road use.
- Suburban and Tahoe families (1970s onward) — offered 4x4 options to accommodate rugged terrain and demanding reliability needs.
- Pickup trucks (Silverado/Sierra lineage) — 4x4 variants became common across generations starting in the 1980s and continuing today.
Conclusion: The K5 Blazer is widely recognized as a milestone that popularized Chevy’s 4x4 SUVs, with 4x4 becoming a standard option across many trucks and large SUVs in the ensuing years.
4WD in the Modern Era
In contemporary Chevrolet offerings, four-wheel drive is a core feature across multiple divisions. Modern 4x4 systems range from selectable two- and four-wheel-drive modes to advanced traction-control and off-road packages, spanning Silverado, Colorado, Tahoe, Suburban, and related models.
Current models with 4WD options
- Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500 — widely available with 4x4 configurations and off-road packages.
- Colorado — mid-size pickup with 4x4 options for work and recreation.
- Tahoe and Suburban — full-size SUVs offering 4x4 variants and off-road-oriented trims.
Conclusion: Four-wheel drive remains integral to Chevrolet’s utility and adventure vehicles, supported by modern electronic controls and diverse drivetrain options.
Summary
Chevrolet’s four-wheel-drive journey began in the late 1930s through military-focused development and limited civilian applications, with broader consumer adoption culminating in the 1969 introduction of the K5 Blazer. Since then, 4x4 has become a staple across Chevrolet’s trucks and SUVs, evolving with advanced drivetrain technologies to meet both work and recreational needs.
What year did Chevy start 4x4?
1956-1959 GM Factory Installed Option
GMC was first in 1956, and Chevrolet followed in 1957, assigning it a Regular Production Option number (RPO 690). The 1957 Chevrolet and GMC 3100 4×4 price was a bargain at $2549.00 compared to the earlier add on kits.
When did trucks start having 4WD?
Component supplier Marmon-Herrington began converting Ford pickup trucks to four-wheel drive back in 1935, but the first production four-wheel-drive pickup was the 1946 Dodge Power Wagon. A product of the war effort, the Power Wagon was essentially a one-ton four-wheel-drive military truck with civilian sheetmetal.
Is GM really making a $8000 pickup 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.
Did Chevrolet make a 4x4 truck in 1970?
Check out this gorgeous 1970 Chevrolet K-10 CST 4X4 Pickup! This pristine truck is one rare find, being an original 4x4 CST Short Bed, Z-Code California built Pickup. During its makeover there was no expense spared anywhere. A complete Frame Off restoration was performed on Chevy Pickup.
