Who makes Cheyenne car?
The Cheyenne is not a standalone car brand or model. It’s a historic badge used by General Motors on Chevrolet and GMC pickup trucks.
Here’s a closer look at what Cheyenne means, where it appeared, and how the badge is viewed today within GM’s truck lineup.
Origins and purpose of the Cheyenne badge
Cheyenne originated as a trim designation used by General Motors to denote a specific equipment package on its light-duty pickups. It became associated with distinctive styling cues and features, and it signaled a mid- to upper-tier trim level rather than a separate vehicle offering. It was not a standalone car brand, but a badge that GM placed on its Chevrolet and GMC trucks.
Below are the main ways the Cheyenne badge appeared across GM's truck lineup.
- Chevrolet C/K trucks: Cheyenne and Cheyenne Super packages were offered on base and higher-level trims, widely recognized in the 1970s–1980s.
- GMC trucks: The Cheyenne name was used on GMC variants of the pickup line, often as a mid- to upper-level trim with unique exterior and interior cues.
- Later generations: The Cheyenne name appeared intermittently on various GM pickups, typically as a heritage or limited-edition badge rather than a lasting model name.
In short, the Cheyenne badge reflects GM’s strategy of differentiating equipment packages on its two truck brands, Chevrolet and GMC, rather than introducing a separate line of cars under the Cheyenne name.
Current status and common questions
As of 2025, there is no active GM vehicle marketed simply as “Cheyenne.” The badge survives primarily in vintage and enthusiast contexts, with classic Chevrolet C/K and GMC trucks from the 1970s–1990s often cited in discussions of the Cheyenne era. For buyers today, a Cheyenne-branded vehicle would be a collector’s item or a restored classic rather than a current production model.
Collectors and restorers often seek out authentic Cheyenne-era trucks, and some parts or decals are available from specialists who focus on GM trucks. The Cheyenne name continues to be part of the trucks’ history rather than a contemporary model line.
Why the Cheyenne name endures in memory
The Cheyenne badge represents GM’s historical approach to trim differentiation, helping buyers identify packages that included specific styling and equipment. Its longevity in truck culture reflects how such badges can become a recognizable shorthand for a certain era of GM pickups.
Summary
The Cheyenne car is not a standalone vehicle produced by a single company. It is a historical trim badge used by General Motors on Chevrolet and GMC pickup trucks, most prominently during the 1970s through the 1990s. Today, it persists mainly in classic-truck lore rather than as an active, current model.
Is a Cheyenne a GMC or Chevy?
In 1971, Chevrolet introduced a trim level for second-generation C/K series trucks called the Chevy Cheyenne.
What happened to the Chevy Cheyenne?
The history of the Cheyenne name on Chevy trucks goes back to 1971 when it was first introduced as a higher-end trim level of the C/K Series pickup trucks. It was absent from the U.S. market when the Chevy Silverado became its own model in 1999, but GM has been trying to hold on to the trademark on and off ever since.
Who makes Cheyenne cars?
Chevrolet Cheyenne. Chevrolet Cheyenne may refer to: Chevrolet C/K (a trim package for this truck line) Chevrolet Silverado (post-C/K Silverado marketed in Mexico)
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.
