When did they stop making square body trucks?
The square-body era ended after the 1987 model year, with GM transitioning to a more rounded GMT400 design for 1988.
In automotive circles, “square-body” typically refers to GM’s full-size pickups sold as Chevrolet C/K and GMC Sierra from the early 1970s up through 1987. This piece outlines the timeline, what defined the square-body look, and what changed when GM moved to the 1988 model year.
Defining the square-body era
This section explains what constitutes the square-body styling and which model years it covers.
- 1973–1987: GM’s square-body full-size pickups (Chevrolet C/K and GMC Sierra) were produced with boxy, squared-off lines that earned the nickname among enthusiasts.
- 1987 model year: Served as the final year of the square-body design in the U.S. market.
- 1988 model year: GM introduced a new, more rounded body style on its full-size trucks, marking the end of the square-body era.
In summary, the square-body era spanned roughly 1973 to 1987, with a transition to the rounded GMT400 design beginning in 1988.
The 1988 redesign and beyond
GM’s 1988 refresh brought a new platform and styling direction for its full-size trucks and related SUVs, signaling a shift away from the traditional square look.
What changed in the new design
The 1988 redesign introduced several notable changes that distinguished the GMT400 from the previous square-body generation:
- Exterior styling shifted to more rounded fenders and smoother contours.
- New chassis and cab architecture under the GMT400 platform, improving rigidity and ride quality.
- Updated interior layout and materials, plus refreshed instrument clusters and creature comforts.
- Expanded engine options and enhancements in drivetrain choices, aligning with evolving fuel economy and performance expectations.
- Improved safety and regulatory compliance features that were harder to fit into the older square-body design.
These changes ended the square-body era for Chevrolet and GMC pickups and set the stage for subsequent generations of GM trucks and SUVs.
Summary
The term “square-body” mainly describes GM’s Chevrolet C/K and GMC Sierra pickups produced from 1973 through 1987. The transition to the rounded GMT400 design for the 1988 model year marked the end of that boxy styling era. Enthusiasts continue to celebrate the square-body era for its simplicity and rugged appeal, while GM’s newer generations focused on improved aerodynamics, safety, and technology.
