When did Chevy stop making Cheyenne?
The Cheyenne badge on Chevrolet pickups largely disappeared from the U.S. market after the early 1990s, with GM ultimately replacing the traditional C/K lineup with the Silverado in 1999. In essence, the Cheyenne era ended as Chevrolet moved to newer branding for its full-size trucks.
To understand the timing, it helps to trace how the Cheyenne trim originated, how it evolved through the 1970s and 1980s, and how GM shifted to the Silverado platform at the close of the 1990s. What followed were changes in branding that made the Cheyenne name largely a thing of the past in North America, even as limited-edition or regional uses persisted elsewhere.
Origins and evolution of the Cheyenne trim
Cheyenne began as a high-end trim package on Chevrolet’s full-size pickups, and it became a recognizable badge across several generations of the C/K trucks. Over the years, the Cheyenne name was used in various configurations and sometimes alongside the Cheyenne Super, reflecting GM’s approach to offering a premium appearance and features on its trucks.
Early adoption and prominence (1970s–1980s)
During its peak years, the Cheyenne package signaled a top-tier option for buyers seeking more upscale trim, distinctive exterior treatments, and upgraded interior features. The name became closely associated with the Chevrolet pickup lineup through multiple model years and cab/bed configurations.
Timeline of major milestones (note: this list highlights the broad arc of the Cheyenne era and its eventual decline rather than every regional variation):
- 1973: The Cheyenne package is introduced on Chevrolet C/K pickups, establishing it as a higher-trim option within the lineup.
- 1980s: The Cheyenne and Cheyenne Super editions appear on various C/K configurations, reinforcing the badge as a premium choice.
- Early 1990s: GM begins flattening trim hierarchies as it modernizes the lineup, and the Cheyenne name starts to fade from U.S. market offerings.
- 1999: The Silverado nameplate replaces the old C/K lineup for U.S.-market full-size pickups, effectively signaling the end of the Cheyenne-era branding in North America.
In summary, the Cheyenne era in the United States effectively ended in the early 1990s, with the Silverado transition completing the shift by the end of the decade. Chevrolet did not maintain a Cheyenne mainline offering on U.S. full-size pickups after that period, though the name has shown up in limited, non-standard contexts on occasion.
What happened after the Cheyenne era?
With the Silverado entering the market, Chevrolet restructured its full-size pickup branding. The Cheyenne badge did not re-emerge as a standard U.S. trim on the new platform, even as some markets outside the United States occasionally used regional or special-edition names tied to older lineage. The broader takeaway is that Chevrolet moved on from Cheyenne as a core, widely offered trim while continuing to offer high-trim, feature-rich pickups under the Silverado umbrella.
- Late 1990s: GM transitions from the C/K-based naming to Silverado, consolidating the lineup around a single, modern platform.
- Post-1999: The Cheyenne name largely disappears from the U.S. market’s mainstream pickups, existing today mainly in historical references or very limited regional contexts.
- Beyond the U.S.: In some markets outside North America, regional editions or historical references to Cheyenne may persist in catalogs or literature, but they are not standard U.S. configurations.
These developments show that the Cheyenne moniker, once a prominent badge on Chevrolet trucks, was phased out as part of a broader branding consolidation that culminated with the Silverado era.
Global footprint and occasional revivals
While the Cheyenne name is no longer a standard U.S. trim, it has appeared sporadically in non-U.S. markets and in limited-run configurations. Such uses are typically regional and not part of Chevrolet’s global flagship strategy for its full-size pickups.
- Sporadic regional editions outside the United States have used the Cheyenne name, distinct from the U.S. C/K/ Silverado lineup.
- In most markets and time periods since the late 1990s, Chevrolet has relied on Silverado-based branding rather than reintroducing Cheyenne as a general-trim designation.
Bottom line: the Cheyenne badge is not part of Chevrolet’s standard U.S. pickup lineup today, and its presence abroad has been limited and inconsistent.
Summary
The Cheyenne era on Chevrolet pickups effectively concluded in the early 1990s as GM streamlined its branding and replaced the traditional C/K lineup with the Silverado beginning in 1999. While the Cheyenne name occasionally appears in non-U.S. markets or in special editions, it is no longer a standard, widely offered trim in Chevrolet’s North American trucks. The move marked a shift from the familiar Cheyenne identity to a more unified Silverado naming strategy for full-size pickups.
What's special about a Chevy Cheyenne?
It was the pinnacle of the second-generation Chevrolet C/K series, which ran from 1967 to 1972. Known for its stylish design, powerful engine options, and comfortable ride, the Cheyenne Super was a truck that combined utility with luxury, making it a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts alike.
What is the Chevy Cheyenne package?
The Cheyenne came with all of the features of the Scottsdale and Custom Deluxe, but the foam cushion was upholstered with a custom-grained vinyl and could be ordered with optional bucket seats. The floor was covered in nylon carpet, and the moldings were color-keyed.
What happened to the Chevy Cheyenne?
The old Cheyenne trim for the Chevy C/K is no longer available in the US. However, the Cheyenne's had a long afterlife over in Mexico, where it's the brand name GM uses for premium Silverado trims. The General Motors factory in Silao, Guanajuato, has produced the Chevrolet Silverado and its Cheyenne trim since 2005.
Why are Silverados called Cheyenne in Mexico?
However, in the Mexican market, the name “Cheyenne” carried more weight with a reputation as a more premium, prestigious, and rugged truck. Mexican truck drivers thought of the “Silverado” as the more utilitarian, work-oriented version of a Chevy truck.
