Chevrolet Astro 1990-05

     Notes: This is a full-sized van, coming in three lengths, 4.5 meters, 4.75 meters, and 4.8 meters.  They have a tow package and can tow up to 2.72 tons.  They are truck-based vehicles that are well suited to heavy work.  The standard seating is for five (with the rest of the back devoted to cargo space), but there is optional seating for eight.  Standard features for 1990 include antilock brakes, and optional features include 4-wheel drive.  The standard engine is a 150-horsepower V-6 coupled to an automatic transmission.

     The 1991 model year brought few changes, but one of them was a more powerful 175-horsepower V-6.  In addition, all outboard seats were equipped with lap-and-shoulder safety belts.  1992 brought a new 200-horsepower V-6, as well as an optional “Dutch Door” for the rear, with the glass swinging up and the bottom opening left and right in two sections.  1993 brought electronic controls to the automatic transmission, plus the ability to start in second gear instead of Drive for increased traction in soft terrain.  The base engine gained another 15 horsepower, now developing 165 horsepower.  1994 gave the Astro a driver’s side airbag and side guard beams in the front doors and the sliding door.  1995 brought several cosmetic changes to the Astro, mostly in the nose and grille, and also made the 4.75-meter body standard, while adding a new 4.8-meter model.  The output of the base engine increased to 190 horsepower.  The 1996 model gave the Astro a passenger-side airbag, a new dashboard with easier to manipulate controls and a locking glove box, and an engine with 10 pound-feet more torque.  The new engine was also smaller, allowing more legroom in front.  The 1997 model added speed-sensitive power steering, and daylight running lamps; options included leather upholstery.  1998 brought only cosmetic changes and an improved transmission.  1999 mostly brought changes to the all-wheel drive system to improve traction and antiskid properties.  For the 2000 model year, 5-person seating was eliminated, replaced by models which all had 8-person seating, or (as an option) second row bucket seats for 7-person seating.  The engine was improved to make it quieter, and the transmission included a Tow/Haul mode which improved transmission shifting when the Astro is towing heavy loads.  The headlights turned on automatically in low-light conditions, and the fuel tank increased in size and was made of plastic instead of metal.  2001 brought a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, a CD player, remote keyless entry, power windows, power mirrors, and power locks.  2002 brought remote keyless entry to the long version as well as a rear heater.  For 2003, the antilock brakes are all-disc, and the wheels became one inch wider. 

     In 2004, the choices of engine dropped to one, a 190-horsepower V-6, with an automatic transmission.  Only one size is available, a 4.8-meter model.  It may have rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.  The standard rear doors are full-height double doors, but there are optional doors with separate-opening glass.  There are few other changes for 2004.  For 2005, there were virtually no changes; the Astro was in fact dropped for the 2006 model year.  

     The Astro is a very spacious vehicle inside.  The penalty for its brawny performance is a rough, bouncy ride with clumsy handling.  Fuel economy is likewise low.  Due to the layout of the engine and transmission, servicing the Astro isn’t very mechanic-friendly.  Entry and exit to the front seats can be difficult, since the door narrows at the bottom, and there is no running board to help people get into the front and there is a rather large step-up to the front seats.  Before 1996, the dashboard, console, and area between the seats has little space to stash items, and with a regular-length version, an 8-seat Astro has little cargo room (and the seats do not fold and cannot be removed). 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: As Chevy was pressed into the war effort, Astros beyond the 1995 model year do not exist, except for a small amount of special versions used by intelligence agencies, the police, and the military.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

150 hp V-6 4.5m Van

$6,332

G, A

1.17 tons

1.77 tons

1+5, 1+7

1

Headlights

Open

165 hp V-6 4.5m Van

$6,386

G, A

1.17 tons

1.78 tons

1+5, 1+7

1

Headlights

Open

175 hp V-6 4.5m Van

$6,452

G, A

1.17 tons

1.79 tons

1+5, 1+7

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-6 4.5m Van

$6,580

G, A

1.17 tons

1.9 tons

1+5, 1+7

1

Headlights

Open

150 hp V-6 4.75m Van

$6,484

G, A

1.25 tons

1.81 tons

1+5, 1+6, 1+7

1

Headlights

Open

165 hp V-6 4.75m Van

$6,538

G, A

1.25 tons

1.82 tons

1+5, 1+6, 1+7

1

Headlights

Open

175 hp V-6 4.75m Van

$6,604

G, A

1.25 tons

1.83 tons

1+5, 1+6, 1+7

1

Headlights

Open

190 hp V-6 4.75m Van

$6,684

G, A

1.25 tons

1.89 tons

1+5, 1+6, 1+7

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-6 4.75m Van

$6,732

G, A

1.25 tons

1.94 tons

1+5, 1+6, 1+7

1

Headlights

Open

150 hp V-6 4.8m Van

$6,516

G, A

1.26 tons

1.81 tons

1+5, 1+6, 1+7

1

Headlights

Open

165 hp V-6 4.8m Van

$6,570

G, A

1.26 tons

1.82 tons

1+5, 1+6, 1+7

1

Headlights

Open

175 hp V-6 4.8m Van

$6,636

G, A

1.26 tons

1.83 tons

1+5, 1+6, 1+7

1

Headlights

Open

190 hp V-6 4.8m Van

$6,716

G, A

1.26 tons

1.89 tons

1+5, 1+6, 1+7

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-6 4.8m Van

$6,764

G, A

1.26 tons

1.94 tons

1+5, 1+6, 1+7

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

150 hp V-6 4.5m Van

471/90

131/26

102

67

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

165 hp V-6 4.5m Van

500/96

139/26

102

73

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

175 hp V-6 4.5m Van

536/104

148/28

102

78

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-6 4.5m Van

576/111

160/31

102

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

150 hp V-6 4.75m Van

461/89

128/24

102

67

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

165 hp V-6 4.75m Van

490/94

136/26

102

73

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

175 hp V-6 4.75m Van

525/101

146/28

102

78

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

190 hp V-6 4.75m Van

553/106

154/30

102

85

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-6 4.75m Van

564/109

157/30

102

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

150 hp V-6 4.8m Van

461/89

128/24

102

67

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

165 hp V-6 4.8m Van

490/94

136/26

102

73

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

175 hp V-6 4.8m Van

525/101

146/28

102

78

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

190 hp V-6 4.8m Van

553/106

154/30

102

85

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-6 4.8m Van

564/109

157/30

102

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Chevrolet Avalanche 2002-05

     Notes: It’s pickup!  It’s an SUV!  It’s…well, essentially, what you have with the Avalanche is a four-door crew cab short-bed pickup truck with a fold-down rear panel and fold down rear seats, to increase the bed area.  In “SUV” mode, the Avalanche has a 1.62-meter bed; with the midgate panel and rear seats folded down, the cargo bed is 2.47 meters. The sides of the bed have stowage compartments and the tailgate can be locked with a key.  The 2002 Avalanche has bench seats front and back standard, but there are optional front bucket seats (this reduces the Crew rating by one).  Other options include leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats, OnStar and a power sunroof.  There are basically two models, the Avalanche 1500, and the Avalanche 2500 with beefed up cargo capacity and power.  The only engine for the 1500 is a 285-horsepower V-8, while for the 2500 it is a 340-horsepower V-8.  The Avalanche is available only with automatic transmission.  There are 2WD versions (with the rear wheels being the drive wheels) and 4WD models.  2WD versions have optional traction control, while 4WD versions have standard AutoTrac all-surface 4WD.  The 2WD version has optional rear load leveling and a Z66 package which optimizes the suspension for on-road use, while 4WD models could also have load-leveling suspension and a Z71 suspension which optimizes the suspension for off-road use.  Dual front airbags and antilock brakes are standard on all versions.  The 1500 could have the optional “North Face” trim package, basically giving it cosmetic differences based on the outdoor clothing and equipment maker of the same name. 

     In 2003, the airbags became an option instead of standard.  The dashboard was redesigned to make it clearer and more ergonomic, and there was a new option for a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, along with options for power-adjustable pedals and satellite radio.  2004 added standard antiskid control to 2WD models.  The 2005 model adds an optional navigation system.  1500 versions have optional AutoTrac 4WD, but a standard StabiliTrak antiskid/stability system.  The 2500 models may only have the AutoTrac system or 2WD with traction control.  OnStar became a standard feature, but dual front airbags are still an option.  If the Avalanche has a navigation system, the sound system is integrated with it and functions via a touchscreen.  Another new option is a chrome trim package.  The standard engine for the 1500 has been uprated to 295 horsepower, but for the 2500, power is downrated to 320 horsepower.

     Towing capacity until the 2004 model of the 1500 is 3.76 tons, while for the 2500 it is 5.44 tons.  For 2005, towing capacity for the 1500 2WD is 3.72 tons, for 1500 4WD it is 3.58 tons, and for the 2500 it is 5.4 tons.

     The Avalanche is basically a novelty vehicle, albeit a highly successful one.  The automatic transmission is of the Tow/Haul type, meaning it may be optimized for towing or cargo carrying by the driver.  The Avalanche absorbs most bumps well, though the rear end can get a bit floaty, especially when unladen.  Braking is excellent, except that the brake pedal feels spongy.  Steering can be vague, and does not have good road feel.  The interior is quiet in “SUV” mode, unless the engine is at high RPM or towing heavy loads, but when the midgate is lowered, wind, tire and engine roar are all too loud, though the interior breeze is mild and can actually be pleasant.  Not only that, but off-road driving with the midgate lowered has the potential of coating the interior with a layer of dust or dirt.  The interior is roomy, but the step up is high in front, and even higher in back. 

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew*

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

285 hp V-8 Pickup

$8.482

G, A

618 kg

2.47 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

295 hp V-8 Pickup

$8,528

G, A

618 kg

2.48 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

320 hp V-8 Pickup

$8,656

G, A

917 kg

2.54 tons

1+5

2

Headlights

Open

340 hp V-8 Pickup

$8,756

G, A

917 kg

2.55 tons

1+5

2

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov**

Com Mov**

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

285 hp V-8 Pickup

630/121

175/34

117

127

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

295 hp V-8 Pickup

646/124

179/35

117

131

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

320 hp V-8 Pickup

683/132

190/37

142

143

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

340 hp V-8 Pickup

722/139

200/39

142

152

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

*With optional front bucket seats, Crew rating is 1+4.

**For 2WD models, reduce off-road speeds by 25%, but reduce price by $125.

***With OnStar, add $1,000; with a navigation system, add $2,000, with a DVD entertainment system, add $40; with satellite radio, add $200.

 

Chevrolet Aveo 2004-05

     Notes: The Aveo is an entry-level subcompact designed for first-time car owners and others who need inexpensive, basic transportation.  It is a design acquired from Daewoo Industries of South Korea after the bankruptcy of Daewoo’s auto division, and is basically unchanged from the Daewoo design except for re-badging and some restyling.  The Aveo comes in a 4-door hatchback and a 4-door sedan version.  Both are some of the smallest American cars built.  The 2004 version uses 103-horsepower I-4 engine; manual transmission is standard, but there is an option for automatic transmission.  Trim levels are SVM (Super Value Model), basic, and LS.  All have a standard tilt steering wheel, height-adjustable driver’s seat, dual front airbags, daylight running lamps, an interior trunk emergency release for the sedan, and a split folding rear seat.  The base model adds an air conditioner.  LS-only features include air conditioning and an AM/FM/CD, and optional power windows and locks, antilock brakes, heated power side mirrors, and keyless remote entry.

     For 2005, an LT trim level was added to the Aveo line.  Standard to the LT trim level are alloy wheels, power windows, locks, and side heated mirrors, remote keyless entry, and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player.  Optional for the LT is a sunroof and a rear spoiler for the hatchback version. There are also styling improvements.

     Of course, the Aveo has a relatively weak engine, but the light weight of the car helps mitigate what would otherwise be underpowering.  It does, however, work hard to pass or do quick merges onto freeways and suchlike, especially with the air conditioning on.  The engine sound is fairly smooth however, and the automatic transmission actually improves performance.  Manual shifting tends to be rubbery.  The suspension is surprisingly effective at absorbing bumps and dips.  Of course, such a small car is quite nimble in maneuvering, but quick stops can produce nosedive, and the brake pedal takes a long push and can feel mushy, especially with antilock brakes.  The interior is also surprisingly quiet.  The dashboard gauges are well-placed and easy to read, but the audio controls are a bit low and difficult for the driver to manipulate.  Headroom is good in the front, and legroom in front is also good except for the tall.  Rear legroom is good for adults unless the front seats are more than halfway back or the adult is tall. 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The Aveo does not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

103 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,314

G, A

305 kg

1.08 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

103 hp I-4 Hatchback

$5,414

G, A

700 kg

1.07 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

103 hp I-4 Sedan

525/51

146/14

45

46

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

103 hp I-4 Hatchback

530/51

147/14

45

46

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Chevrolet Beretta 1990-96

     Notes: This is a sports coupe member of the Chevy line.  It comes with a choice of two 4-cylinder and one 6-cylinder engine, and manual and automatic transmissions.  It was a hot seller, and is a decent sports coupe for those who were looking for a reasonable level of luxury, but couldn’t afford a more expensive car like a Cadillac Catera.  By 1990, most of the weaker engines which were once put into Berettas were deleted in favor of more powerful engines.  1990 did not have many features which have a game relevance, but in 1991, the Beretta gained a driver’s side airbag, a new steering wheel which was easier to grip and made it easier to see the dashboard instruments, and redesigned gauges and controls.

     1992 brought antilock brakes, as well as 15 more horsepower to the base engine.  The V-6 became an option on the high-end GTZ model, though the Quad 4 engine was still the standard engine.  (The V-6 was standard on the mid-level GT, however.)  In the 1993 model year, that V-6 became an option for all Berettas.  The Quad 4’s horsepower dropped by 5 horsepower, due to stricter emission standards.  In 1994, even more engine options arrived, including a new Quad 4 for the GTZ and GT (now only 170 horsepower, but more emission-friendly), and a new 4-speed automatic transmission replaced the 3-speed automatic transmission option.  The base engine gained 10 horsepower, and the V-6 gained 20.  Automatic transmission became the only choice for Berettas equipped with a V-6 engine.  In 1995, daylight running lamps were added, and the Quad 4 engine, which sold less and less well as it dropped in horsepower, was deleted.  The Beretta was now equipped with long-life automatic transmission fluid and sparkplugs.  1996, unfortunately, brought only small cosmetic changes.

     The Beretta uses a sport suspension, but even it gets a little unstable at high speeds, but at highway speeds it is firm, though it can lose traction on twisty roads and tight turns.  The front bucket seats are uncomfortable, and the engines can be a bit noisy.  The Quad 4 180-horsepower engine is especially noisy, and demands premium gasoline.  Rear seats are adequate for adults for short rides, but getting in and out can be a challenge, the opening being so small.  Gauges are clearly marked and of good size, but controls are a bit clumsy.  Climate controls especially are mounted too low for easy operation while driving.  There is more interior and cargo space than most sport coupes, however.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: This vehicle was not built after the 1995 model year.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

95 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,404

G, A

290 kg

1.25 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

110 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,476

G, A

290 kg

1.26 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

120 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,524

G, A

290 kg

1.27 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

135 hp V-6 Coupe

$5,604

G, A

290 kg

1.33 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

155 hp V-6 Coupe

$5,704

G, A

290 kg

1.34 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

160 hp V-6 Coupe

$5,724

G, A

290 kg

1.34 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

170 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,776

G, A

290 kg

1.35 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

175 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,796

G, A

290 kg

1.35 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

180 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,816

G, A

290 kg

1.35 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

95 hp I-4 Coupe

426/41

118/11

58

42

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

110 hp I-4 Coupe

483/47

135/13

58

49

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

120 hp I-4 Coupe

578/50

144/14

58

53

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

135 hp V-6 Coupe

558/54

155/15

58

60

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

155 hp V-6 Coupe

632/61

176/17

58

69

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

160 hp V-6 Coupe

647/62

179/17

58

71

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

170 hp I-4 Coupe

683/66

189/18

58

76

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

175 hp I-4 Coupe

698/67

194/19

58

78

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

180 hp I-4 Coupe

717/69

199/19

58

81

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Chevrolet Blazer 1995-05

     Notes: The Chevy Blazer was a typical sort of American SUV sold in the 1990s.  The Blazer is an old design, but it was extensively re-designed for the 1995 model year, basing it on the S10 pickup truck.  The Blazer comes in 2 or 4-door body styles and with 2-wheel-drive or on-demand 4-wheel drive for off-road use (4WD is not recommended for smooth pavement use in this version), though permanent 4WD became an option midway through the 1995 model year.  There are three luxury levels; the base model, the somewhat better-appointed LS, and the well-appointed LT (4 doors only).  A variety of suspension packages are available, depending on what you want to do with the vehicle, ranging from a street suspension that offers a soft, car-like ride to a firm off-road suspension.  The Blazer is equipped with a tow package, and is able to tow 2.27 tons.

     The 1995 model year had a driver’s side airbag and antilock brakes, and only automatic transmission was available.  For 1996, the Blazer’s engine was replaced with a Vortec engine, but it had 5 fewer horsepower (though was somewhat more economical, and had much better emissions).  Later in the model year, daylight running lamps also became standard, and a manual transmission became an option on 2-door blazers.  1997 brought a one-piece liftgate, a gearshift mounted on the floor instead of the column (automatic transmission versions with bucket front seats only), and an optional sunroof.  The permanent 4WD option gained 4-wheel disc brakes, and a special 2WD off-road version of the base and LS models became available, the Wide-Stance Sport Performance Package, which offered higher ground clearance, firmer shocks, a wider wheelbase, and larger tires.  1998 brought a passenger-side airbag and 4-wheel antilock brakes as well as some cosmetic changes.  1999 brought Autotrac, a full-time 4WD system which could be used on any surface.  It also brought the TrailBlazer model, which is largely a cosmetic change, including gold-accented trim and leather upholstery, as well as having Autotrac as a standard feature.  For 2000, the base model was dropped, leaving the LS as the new base model and the TrailBlazer as the new top-of-the-line.  Internal changes made the interior quieter and the ride smoother.  Premium Ride, a standard feature, also helped smooth the ride, particularly over rough surfaces.  Options included the Smooth Ride feature, with gas-filled shock absorbers, offering a more car-like ride; and the Solid Smooth Ride option for 2-door models only, which offered an even more car-like ride.  A CD player was also added.  For 2001, the Xtreme model was added to the line, with a lower ride, alloy wheels, and special cosmetic features, was added.  It was a 2WD model not intended for off-road use.  2002 brought only minor cosmetic changes, but 2003, the rear-wheel brakes were changed to drum brakes in a cost-cutting move.

     2004 Blazers come only in two or four-door models in LS trim or a two-door 2WD Xtreme model.  All use only a 190-horsepower V-6; the two-door models have optional manual transmission, while the 4-door models are strictly automatic transmission vehicles.  Two-door LSs have rear-wheel drive, while four-door models have on-demand four-wheel drive which must be disengaged for proper traction on dry pavement.  The four-door models may also have optional AutoTrac 4WD, which may be left engaged all the time.  The ZR2 package was also offered, which gives the Blazer a special off-road suspension with high ground clearance and larger tires and wheels.

     In 2005, 4-door Blazers were sold exclusively to commercial, military, government, and police concerns; only the 2-door models were sold to the public at large.  It is otherwise unchanged from 2004. 

     Despite driver-side airbags, antilock brakes, and large size, the Blazer does not do well in crash tests, sustaining large amounts of body and engine compartment damage as well as transmitting injuries to the driver and especially, the passengers.  Steering and handling are excellent, behaving more like a midsize sedan than an SUV.  The brakes tend to feel a bit mushy and must be stomped hard for quick stops.  The 2-door version has little room for passengers and cargo, while the 4-door version has more room for both, but is 16.5 centimeters longer and a great deal heavier.  Instruments and controls are clearly marked, easy to read, and ergonomically sound.  A major oversight is the lack of airbags on late models.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: Blazers beyond the 1995 model year are not available, though military versions were built as CUCVs for the US Army, Air Force, and Navy (these are basically stripped, militarized models, but have similar performance). 

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

190 hp V-6 2-Door SUV

$6,656

G, A

815 kg

1.75 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

195 hp V-6 2-Door SUV

$6,676

G, A

815 kg

1.75 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

190 hp V-6 4-Door SUV

$6,756

G, A

880 kg

1.85 tons

1+5*

1

Headlights

Open

195 hp V-6 4-Door SUV

$6,776

G, A

880 kg

1.85 tons

1+5*

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov**

Com Mov**

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

190 hp V-6 2-Door SUV

594/114

166/32

76

85

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

195 hp V-6 2-Door SUV

606/117

168/33

76

87

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

190 hp V-6 4-Door SUV

564/109

157/30

76

85

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

195 hp V-6 4-Door SUV

576/111

160/31

76

87

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

*Crew Rating is 1+4 with front bucket seats.

**For 2WD models, reduce off-road speeds by 25%, but reduce price by $125.

 

Chevrolet Blazer/Tahoe 1992-00

    Notes: These two vehicles are identical except for styling differences and the engine used to power them, as well as several other improvements.  All have a tow package, with the 210 horsepower V-8 able to tow 2.7 tons, the V-8 255 horsepower engine able to tow 2.92 tons, and the turbodiesel engine able to tow 3.14 tons. 

     The 1992 Blazer is a 2-door, 2 or 4-wheel drive model with a tailgate at the rear which opens in a clamshell pattern, with the liftgate opening down and the glass hinging upwards.  The 1992 Blazer has antilock brakes on all four wheels.  The only engine available for this model year is a 210-horsepower V-8 gasoline engine.  The transmission is either a manual 5-speed or an automatic 4-speed.  4-wheel-drive versions were equipped with InstaTrac, which improved handling, especially over uneven surfaces.  The 1993 Blazer had an electronically-controlled automatic transmission, greatly improving the shifting smoothness.  The 1994 Blazer has a 180-horsepower turbodiesel engine as an option, offering less raw power but more torque and better fuel economy.  Side door beams were added, offering greater protection in a rollover.  In 1995, the Blazer name was changed to Tahoe, and accompanying this name change was a 4-door model with a longer wheelbase.  A driver’s side airbag was installed, but the standard engine was a 200-horsepower V-8 (ten less than the year before), with the turbodiesel as an option.  1996 brought several improvements to the Tahoe, the most notable being a jump to a 250-horsepower V-8 gasoline engine (with the turbodiesel still being an option).  Daylight running lamps were installed; however, the manual transmission option was deleted.  2WD and 4WD were now available on both the 2-door and 4-door models.  On the 4WD models, the Tahoe could be switched between 2 and 4WD merely by pushing a button on the dashboard.  The 1997 model year saw an increase of 5 horsepower to the gasoline engine.  A bucket front seat option was added, with a center console for the bucket seats containing (amongst other things) a fold-out writing surface).  1998 brought full-time 4WD, with a new system called Autotrac allowing the 4WD to ride smoothly on any surface.  1999 brought only minor cosmetic changes, but the 2000 Tahoe brought new gasoline engines (though still rated at 255 horsepower).  There was also a Z71 version, optimized for off-roading, and a Limited, which was luxury-oriented. 

     These vehicles can tend to slide in the tail when unladen, and the power steering is a bit overassisted.  The vehicle is quiet, and absorbs bumps well.  Body lean is quite noticeable, particularly in tight turns or when off-roading on very uneven surfaces.  On the road, the Blazer, and especially the Tahoe, are very quiet.  The headroom and legroom in the interior is excellent, seemingly designed for tall and large occupants.  The gauges and controls are easy to read and reach.  Cargo space benefits from the under-chassis storage of the spare tire in 4-door models; however, 2-door models still carry their spares inside the cargo area. 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: Chevrolet largely turned to wartime production in 1995; civilian versions of the Tahoe are not available after this model year.  However, production of the Tahoe did continue after this point; these were “stripped,” militarized versions which were mostly equipped with diesel engines and did not have a bucket front seat option.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

2-door 180 hp V-8D SUV

$6,618

D, A

1.09 tons

2.15 tons

1+6*

1

Headlights

Open

2-door 200 hp V-8 SUV

$6,718

G, A

1.09 tons

2.16 tons

1+6*

1

Headlights

Open

2-door 210 hp V-8 SUV

$6,770

G, A

1.09 tons

2.16 tons

1+6*

1

Headlights

Open

2-door 250 hp V-8 SUV

$6,964

G, A

1.09 tons

2.24 tons

1+6*

1

Headlights

Open

2-door 255 hp V-8 SUV

$6,990

G, A

1.09 tons

2.24 tons

1+6*

1

Headlights

Open

4-door 180 hp V-8D SUV

$6,718

D, A

1.27 tons

2.33 tons

1+6*

1

Headlights

Open

4-door 200 hp V-8 SUV

$6,818

G, A

1.27 tons

2.34 tons

1+6*

1

Headlights

Open

4-door 250 hp V-8 SUV

$7,064

G, A

1.27 tons

2.43 tons

1+6*

1

Headlights

Open

4-door 255 hp V-8 SUV

$7,090

G, A

1.27 tons

2.43 tons

1+6*

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov**

Com Mov**

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

2-door 180 hp V-8D SUV

465/90

129/25

114

53

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

2-door 200 hp V-8 SUV

511/98

142/27

114

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

2-door 210 hp V-8 SUV

536/103

149/29

114

94

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

2-door 250 hp V-8 SUV

608/117

169/33

114

111

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

2-door 255 hp V-8 SUV

620/119

172/33

114

114

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

4-door 180 hp V-8D SUV

432/83

120/23

114

53

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

4-door 200 hp V-8 SUV

475/91

132/25

114

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

4-door 250 hp V-8 SUV

563/108

157/30

114

111

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

4-door 255 hp V-8 SUV

574/111

159/31

114

114

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

*With bucket front seating, Crew rating is 1+5.

**For 2WD models, reduce off-road speeds by 25%, but reduce price by $125.

 

Chevrolet Camaro 1990-92

     Notes: This is one of America's premier muscle cars, delivering fast speed, tight turns, and excellent handling.  The 1990 model came in both base and IROC-Z versions, with the IROC-Z being more performance oriented with more powerful engine choices, a limited-slip differential, and 16-inch alloy wheels and special trim.  Standard features common to both models include a driver’s side airbag, tilt steering wheel, tinted glass, and halogen headlights. 

     In 1991, the Z28 version, missing from the lineup since 1988, came back; however, the IROC-Z disappeared.  The Z28 basically took the place of the IROC-Z, having the more powerful engines, better suspension, and special trim, including a spoiler and cosmetic hood bulges.  1993 brought a luxurious “Heritage Appearance” edition, but otherwise, changes were minimal.

     The handling is enhanced at the cost of ride, which can be very bumpy and full of vibration, especially on uneven surfaces.  The interior is snug, not particularly suited to large or tall people.  The rear seats are not comfortable at all for adults, being better suited to children.  The Camaro is also plagued by poor wet weather traction, being very unpredictable on slippery surfaces.  Convertibles tend to suffer from a lot of rattles and clanks.  The Camaro is not a RL cheap car, but for those who want raw performance, this is the car for them.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

140 hp V-6 Hatchback

$5,694

G, A

240 kg

1.41 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

170 hp V-8 Hatchback

$5,846

G, A

240 kg

1.43 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

220 hp V-8 Hatchback

$6,094

G, A

240 kg

1.51 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

230 hp V-8 Hatchback

$6,146

G, A

240 kg

1.51 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

245 hp V-8 Hatchback

$6,220

G, A

240 kg

1.52 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

140 hp V-6 Convertible

$5,794

G, A

191 kg

1.45 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

170 hp V-8 Convertible

$5,946

G, A

191 kg

1.47 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

220 hp V-8 Convertible

$6,194

G, A

191 kg

1.55 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

230 hp V-8 Convertible

$6,246

G, A

191 kg

1.55 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

245 hp V-8 Convertible

$6,320

G, A

191 kg

1.56 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

140 hp V-6 Hatchback

543/52

151/15

59

62

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

170 hp V-8 Hatchback

647/62

179/17

59

76

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

220 hp V-8 Hatchback

784/75

217/21

59

98

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

230 hp V-8 Hatchback

820/79

228/22

59

103

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

245 hp V-8 Hatchback

865/83

240/23

59

109

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

140 hp V-6 Convertible

530/51

147/14

59

62

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

170 hp V-8 Convertible

631/61

175/17

59

76

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

220 hp V-8 Convertible

764/74

212/20

59

98

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

230 hp V-8 Convertible

799/77

222/21

59

103

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

245 hp V-8 Convertible

843/81

234/22

59

109

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Chevrolet Camaro 1993-02

     Notes: This update of the Camaro began as a hatchback only, with an almost total body and interior restyling.  The body is more aerodynamic, and made largely of dent-resistant composites which also allow for crumple zones in a crash.  The Camaro again came in a base model powered by a V-6 and a Z28 model powered by a V-8.  The dimensions are virtually the same as the previous edition of the Camaro, but weight is somewhat increased, mostly by the engine and new accessories.  Dual airbags and antilock brakes are standard.

     The 1994 model brought a convertible Camaro back to the market, with a glass back window and power-operated roof.  The transmission includes Computer-Aided Gear Selection, which forces a gear change from 1st to 4th gear when taking off fast or accelerating quickly.  The 1995 model brought Traction Control (which could be switched off) to Z28s as an option.  A more powerful V-6 also became an option in base model Camaros.  1996 made that more powerful V-6 standard in base Camaros; the Z28s engine gained 10 horsepower.  An “RS” package became an option for both versions, which added more aerodynamic trim and a spoiler.  An “SS” package became available for the Z28, which gives the Z28 wider wheels and tires, an improved suspension, a hood air scoop, and a powerful 305 horsepower engine, as well as some styling changes.  1997 model changes were largely cosmetic, but the dashboard was redesigned for easier reading and view, daylight running lamps were added, and the center console in the interior has more storage space.  1998 gave the Camaro a redesigned nose for even better aerodynamics, composite headlights, and redesigned fenders and hood.  A new V-8 (also 305 horsepower) became the base engine for the Z28, and the engine for the SS version of the Z28 was boosted to 320 horsepower.  The 1999 model brought traction control as an option to base Camaros and the fuel tank grew in size for all models.  2000 models had few changes, but steering-wheel audio controls were added, low-emission engines were available in states and cities which required them, and the wheels were redesigned for better traction.  2001 brought a redesigned Z28 SS (cosmetically), but the V-8 engines grew in power by only 5 horsepower.  Shocks were retuned in all models to improve ride.  2002 brought a 35th Anniversary Z28 SS version, which differed only cosmetically from the standard SS.  The cassette player was replaced by a CD player.

     Ride quality has been improved, but is still a bit bumpy.  Gauges are easy to see, and controls have been moved to make it more ergonomically sound.  Climbing in can be difficult because the car is so low-slung, and there is a large hump on the floor of the passenger side that can interfere with legroom.  Rear headroom is a little better, but the seat is still best suited for children.  The front seats are low and can hinder visibility. Poor wet-weather traction is still a problem, but improves somewhat on 1995 or later models, which are equipped with traction control. 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: Like most of Chevrolet’s purely civilian designs, the Camaro was not built after the 1995 model year.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

160 hp V-6 Hatchback

$6,414

G, A

260 kg

1.5 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-6 Hatchback

$6,614

G, A

260 kg

1.57 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

275 hp V-8 Hatchback

$6,986

G, A

260 kg

1.71 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

285 hp V-8 Hatchback

$7,020

G, A

260 kg

1.71 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

305 hp V-8 Hatchback

$7,114

G, A

260 kg

1.71 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

310 hp V-8 Hatchback

$7,140

G, A

260 kg

1.71 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

320 hp V-8 Hatchback

$7,194

G, A

260 kg

1.77 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

325 hp V-8 Hatchback

$7,234

G, A

260 kg

1.77 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

160 hp V-6 Convertible

$6,514

G, A

207 kg

1.56 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-6 Convertible

$6,714

G, A

207 kg

1.63 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

275 hp V-8 Convertible

$7,086

G, A

207 kg

1.78 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

285 hp V-8 Convertible

$7,120

G, A

207 kg

1.78 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

305 hp V-8 Convertible

$7,214

G, A

207 kg

1.78 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

310 hp V-8 Convertible

$7,240

G, A

207 kg

1.78 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

320 hp V-8 Convertible

$7,294

G, A

207 kg

1.84 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

325 hp V-8 Convertible

$7,334

G, A

207 kg

1.84 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap*

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

160 hp V-6 Hatchback

581/56

162/16

59

71

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-6 Hatchback

689/66

191/18

59

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

275 hp V-8 Hatchback

861/83

239/23

59

123

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

285 hp V-8 Hatchback

894/86

248/24

59

127

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

305 hp V-8 Hatchback

949/91

264/25

59

136

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

310 hp V-8 Hatchback

966/93

268/26

59

138

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

320 hp V-8 Hatchback

966/93

268/26

59

143

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

325 hp V-8 Hatchback

977/94

272/26

59

145

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

160 hp V-6 Convertible

561/54

156/15

59

71

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-6 Convertible

666/64

185/17

59

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

275 hp V-8 Convertible

832/80

231/22

59

123

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

285 hp V-8 Convertible

864/83

240/23

59

127

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

305 hp V-8 Convertible

917/88

255/24

59

136

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

310 hp V-8 Convertible

933/90

259/25

59

138

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

320 hp V-8 Convertible

933/90

259/25

59

143

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

325 hp V-8 Convertible

944/91

263/25

59

145

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

*Fuel Cap grew to 64 liters in 1999.

 

Chevrolet Caprice/Impala SS 1991-96

     Notes: These are full sized sedans, so spacious and well-appointed they are described as "living rooms on wheels." This particular line was introduced in 1991, with the Caprice being the more luxurious model, and the Impala SS (which came later) being more performance-oriented.  The chassis is an old design, but starting in 1991, both cars had a more aerodynamic and attractive body atop the chassis.  The sedan version came out in the beginning of the 1991 model year, in base and Custom trims, followed later in the model year by a wagon version of the Caprice and a even sportier-version of the Impala SS known as the LTZ.  All of these cars have antilock brakes and a driver’s side airbag.  The Wagons have standard 6-passenger seating, with an optional rear-facing seat for two more.  The Wagons also have a standard roof cargo rack, rear window washer/wipers, and a tailgate which could swing out or down depending on how one operates the handle. 

     1992 brought a more powerful V-8 engine, with speedometers to match (they now read up to 100 mph/160 kph).  A tilt steering wheel also became standard.  1993 brought a small cosmetic change to Caprice sedans; they lost their rear-wheel fender skirts.  The taillights and headlights were also redesigned, and the rear wheel track grew somewhat, giving surer footing.  Both Caprice sedan models were now known as the Caprice Classic, coming in either base or LS trim.  An even more powerful V-8 became available for the LTZ, and was also an option for the wagon version.  The 1994 model year brought the new Impala SS, a high-performance version of the Caprice, sporting a toned-down version of one of the Camaro’s V-8s and a police-type suspension.  That engine was also an option for the Caprice, as well as another new V-8.  Caprices got a new dashboard with digital instruments, and the automatic transmission was now electronically instead of hydraulically-controlled.  A passenger-side airbag was added.   1995 brought primarily cosmetic changes, but a rear roof pillar offering increased visibility replaced the old one on Caprice sedans (the Impala SS already had that type of roof pillar), the seats were reshaped for greater comfort, the side mirrors folded, and new colors were added.  1996 Impalas had the gearshift handle moved from the column to the floor, and on all models, the digital instruments were again replaced by analog ones (including a tachometer, which is really almost superfluous in automatic transmission cars). 

     The Caprice's ride is very bouncy and floaty over bumps and other road hazards, leans heavily in turns, and wallows over wavy roads, though these tendencies are not as marked on the LTZ or the Impala SS.  Worse still, the steering is loose and imprecise, often leading to understeering or oversteering (which is again, better on the LTZ and Impala SS).  The Impala version is equipped with a stiffer suspension with far better handling, cornering, maneuvering, and steering.  Engines are powerful, all V-8s with high performance.  Fuel economy is mediocre, however.  Mechanical running noise is low, but wind noise is quite loud. The transmission tunnel is large, taking legroom away from center passengers.  The Caprice and Impala have tow packages, able to tow 1.06 tons with 200 horsepower, 1.11 tons with the 170 horsepower, 1.3 tons with the 180 horsepower, and 1.43 tons with the 260-horsepower engine.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The 1995 model year was the last model year built.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

170 hp V-8 Sedan

$6,290

G, A

440 kg

1.84 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

180 hp V-8 Sedan

$6,338

G, A

440 kg

1.9 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-8 Sedan

$6,438

G, A

440 kg

1.91 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

260 hp V-8 Sedan

$6,588

G, A

440 kg

1.99 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

170 hp V-8 Wagon

$6,632

G, A

740 kg

2.03 tons

1+7*

1

Headlights

Open

180 hp V-8 Wagon

$6,680

G, A

740 kg

2.1 tons

1+7*

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-8 Wagon

$6,780

G, A

740 kg

2.11 tons

1+7*

1

Headlights

Open

260 hp V-8 Wagon

$6,930

G, A

740 kg

2.2 tons

1+7*

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

170 hp V-8 Sedan

511/49

142/14

87

76

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

180 hp V-8 Sedan

521/50

145/14

87

80

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-8 Sedan

573/55

159/15

87

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

260 hp V-8 Sedan

707/68

197/19

87

116

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

170 hp V-8 Wagon

467/45

129/13

80

76

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

180 hp V-8 Wagon

476/46

133/13

80

80

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-8 Wagon

524/50

145/14

80

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

260 hp V-8 Wagon

646/62

180/17

80

116

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Chevrolet Cavalier 1990-94

     Notes: This is an economy subcompact sedan for the everyman, roughly equivalent to the Ford Escort.  The vehicle comes with 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines, and unlike most cars of its class, comes in 2-door coupe and 2-door convertible models as well as the more normal 4-door sedan and wagon configurations.

     For the 1990 model year, the Cavalier came in four versions:  a 2-door coupe, a 4-door sedan, a 4-door wagon, and the sporty Z24 coupe, a version of the coupe with a more powerful engine and different styling and sports suspension.  The seats were said to be quite comfortable, but had passive seatbelts which could tangle the occupant when getting out of the car.  The exhaust system was of stainless steel.  For 1991, there were cosmetic changes inside and out, but the big news was the return of a convertible Cavalier to the line (the RS).  The Z24 also got aero panels and a spoiler.  Tires on most models grew from 13 to 14 inches, while on the Z-24, they went to 15 inches.  The interior controls for the audio and climate control were changed from buttons to rotary knobs.  More stowage compartments were added, and a sunroof was an option.  In 1992, antilock brakes became standard across the line, and the 4-cylinder engine gained 15 horsepower.  A convertible version of the Z24 was added to the line.  1993 saw convertibles gain glass instead of the former plastic in their rear windows, along with an optional rear defogger.  The V-6 engine, which was previously only available in wagons, was now an option on the RS.  In 1994, the base engine grew in power to 120 horsepower, but wagons dropped to just one trim level.

     Gas mileage is good, best with the 4-cylinder, but still pretty good with the 6-cylinder.  Ride is reasonably comfortable, and even better with the optional sport suspension.  Gauges and controls are easy to see and use, with the exception of the turn signal lever, which is too short for easy use.  The Cavalier is built very strong and occupants are well-protected in case of a crash, often walking away with only minor injuries. 

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

95 hp I-4 Coupe

$4,854

G, A

275 kg

1.14 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

110 hp I-4 Coupe

$4,926

G, A

275 kg

1.14 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

120 hp I-4 Coupe

$4,974

G, A

275 kg

1.14 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

135 hp V-6 Coupe

$5,054

G, A

275 kg

1.2 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

140 hp V-6 Coupe

$5,074

G, A

275 kg

1.2 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

95 hp I-4 Convertible

$4,954

G, A

223 kg

1.21 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

110 hp I-4 Convertible

$5,026

G, A

223 kg

1.21 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

120 hp I-4 Convertible

$5,074

G, A

223 kg

1.21 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

135 hp V-6 Convertible

$5,154

G, A

223 kg

1.27 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

140 hp V-6 Convertible

$5,174

G, A

223 kg

1.27 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

95 hp I-4 Sedan

$4,754

G, A

271 kg

1.14 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

110 hp I-4 Sedan

$4,826

G, A

271 kg

1.14 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

120 hp I-4 Sedan

$4,874

G, A

271 kg

1.14 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

95 hp I-4 Wagon

$4,854

G, A

808 kg

1.19 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

110 hp I-4 Wagon

$4,926

G, A

808 kg

1.19 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

120 hp I-4 Wagon

$4,974

G, A

808 kg

1.19 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

135 hp V-6 Wagon

$5,054

G, A

808 kg

1.25 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

140 hp V-6 Wagon

$5,074

G, A

808 kg

1.25 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

95 hp I-4 Coupe

464/45

129/12

58

42

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

110 hp I-4 Coupe

530/51

147/14

58

49

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

120 hp I-4 Coupe

572/55

159/15

58

53

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

135 hp V-6 Coupe

614/59

171/16

58

60

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

140 hp V-6 Coupe

632/61

176/17

58

62

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

95 hp I-4 Convertible

440/42

122/12

58

42

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

110 hp I-4 Convertible

502/48

139/13

58

49

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

120 hp I-4 Convertible

542/52

151/14

58

53

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

135 hp V-6 Convertible

582/56

162/15

58

60

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

140 hp V-6 Convertible

599/58

167/16

58

62

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

95 hp I-4 Sedan

464/45

129/12

58

42

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

110 hp I-4 Sedan

530/51

147/14

58

49

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

120 hp I-4 Sedan

572/55

159/15

58

53

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

95 hp I-4 Wagon

446/43

124/12

58

42

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

110 hp I-4 Wagon

509/49

141/13

58

49

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

120 hp I-4 Wagon

550/53

153/14

58

53

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

135 hp V-6 Wagon

590/57

164/15

58

60

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

140 hp V-6 Wagon

607/59

169/16

58

62

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Chevrolet Cavalier 1995-05

     Notes: This is an updated version of the Cavalier, the first redesign of the Cavalier in 13 years.  The body shape is much more aerodynamic and modern.  The Cavalier increased in size so that it is no longer a subcompact car, but is now a compact.  The initial 1995 model included a base coupe and sedan, and an LS sedan.  In the middle of the 1995 model year, a convertible and a Z24 coupe were also added to the Cavalier line.  The wheelbase of all these models is longer than their predecessors, but the car itself is actually slightly shorter (though it is wider and taller).  They included standard dual front airbags and antilock brakes.

     The 1996 model year brought traction control to the LS sedans and convertibles, but only to those with automatic transmission.  The Z24 was given a 150-horsepower I-4 engine as standard, and was also an option in the LS sedan.  All Cavaliers were equipped with daylight running lamps, which automatically turn on when the car is started.   1997 saw the addition of the Cavalier RS (Rally Sport) coupe; this is basically a Z24 with cosmetic changes such as a spoiler, new body side moldings, decals, and other such features.  In the 1998 model year, the base engine was made smoother and quieter, but it also lost 5 horsepower in the process.  The convertible model was no longer offered in LS-style trim, being offered only in Z24 trim instead.  1999 saw the addition of remote keyless entry as the only change of note.  There were numerous cosmetic changes for 2000, such as a revised front end and rear end, and a spoiler for the Z24.  The interior was also restyled and revised, with a better layout of instruments and controls, an RDS (Radio Display System) added to the upper-end stereo systems (this offers information on the radio station, song/program being played, singer or announcer, and also gives traffic and emergency bulletins).  The rear seats were equipped with three sets of anchors for child seats.  Air conditioning and a rear defroster, options in the past, were now standard on all models.  In 2001, the convertible was dropped, but a Z24 version of the sedan became available (though this was actually considered an early 2002 model).  In 2002 the Z24 sedan was replaced by the LS Sport sedan; this had a less powerful engine, but sort of blended the Z24’s sportiness and the LS’s level of comfort.  New standard features included a tilt steering wheel, CD player, tachometer, and power trunk release.  The 2003 model brought revised front and rear end styling, and a number of new options including side airbags, XM satellite radio, and On-Star.  The 140-horsepower engine became the base engine.

     Though aging, the Cavalier continued to be produced in 2004.  A low-end coupe (the 1SV) was added for 2004, and other versions of the 2004 Cavalier included the base version, LS, and the LS Sport models.  Dual front airbags were standard on all models, but the 1SV did not have the head-protecting side airbags that other models had as options.  Torso airbags were also options on all models except the 1SV.  The LS and LS Sport also had optional OnStar assistance and satellite radio.  The LS’s primary difference is in the trim levels and internal appointments, but the LS Sport also had a firmer sport suspension, lower body flares, and a spoiler, as well as larger wells of alloy instead of steel.  All versions except the 1SV have as an option a CD player that also reads MP3 files.  The 1SV does have a CD player, but no options of any sort are available for it.  For all versions, the only engine available is a 140-horsepower I-4. 

     2005 was the final model year for the Cavalier; it was replaced by the new Cobalt.  A manual transmission is optional except on the 1SV, but the 2005 model holds few other significant changes.

     The new Cavalier features an improved suspension and a longer wheelbase to produce a stiffer but more stable ride, one which does not wallow in turns or bounce over bumps.  However, it leans considerably in turns, and the steering wheel and wheels do not communicate very well.  (This is not nearly such a problem in Z24 and LS Sport models.)  Acceleration is adequate, but vibration increases as power increases in early models of the base engine.  All engines tend to be a bit underpowered.  Front headroom and legroom are good, but the rear seat is only comfortable for shorter persons.  In the coupe, getting in and out of the back seat can be difficult for adults and even older teenagers.  The trunk is good-sized, but the opening is small and this can make loading difficult.  However, the rear seat folds to increase cargo space if needed.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: Like most Chevrolet civilian vehicles, production of the Cavalier stopped after the 1995 model year to concentrate on military equipment instead.

Vehicle

Price*

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

115 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,214

G, A

290 kg

1.19 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

120 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,234

G, A

290 kg

1.19 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

140 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,334

G, A

290 kg

1.25 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

150 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,386

G, A

290 kg

1.26 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

115 hp I-4 Convertible

$5,314

G, A

290 kg

1.29 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

120 hp I-4 Convertible

$5,334

G, A

290 kg

1.29 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

140 hp I-4 Convertible

$5,434

G, A

290 kg

1.36 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

150 hp I-4 Convertible

$5,486

G, A

290 kg

1.37 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

115 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,214

G, A

290 kg

1.21 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

120 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,234

G, A

290 kg

1.21 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

140 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,334

G, A

290 kg

1.27 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

150 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,386

G, A

290 kg

1.28 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

115 hp I-4 Coupe

533/51

148/14

58

51

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

120 hp I-4 Coupe

550/53

153/15

58

53

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

140 hp I-4 Coupe

608/59

169/16

58

62

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

150 hp I-4 Coupe

647/62

180/17

58

67

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

115 hp I-4 Convertible

494/48

137/13

58

51

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

120 hp I-4 Convertible

510/49

142/14

58

53

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

140 hp I-4 Convertible

564/55

157/15

58

62

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

150 hp I-4 Convertible

600/57

167/16

58

67

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

115 hp I-4 Sedan

524/50

146/14

58

51

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

120 hp I-4 Sedan

541/52

150/15

58

53

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

140 hp I-4 Sedan

598/58

166/16

58

62

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

150 hp I-4 Sedan

636/61

177/17

58

67

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

*Add $1,000 for OnStar; add $200 for Satellite Radio; add $175 for RDS.

 

Chevrolet C/K Pickup 1990-98

     Notes: This is called by Chevrolet a "work truck."  The C/K comes in extended or regular cab, and in both short bed and long bed versions, with the long bed version being over 47 centimeters longer than the short bed.  C-series pickups in this line are 2WD vehicles; K-series vehicles in this line are 4WD pickups.  For 1990, antilock brakes are standard, but these antilock brakes are only on the two rear wheels.  The base engine is a 160-horsepower gasoline V-6, but 175-horsepower, 215-horsepower gasoline, and 230-horsepower V-8’s are an option, as are 140-horsepower or 150-horsepower V-8 diesels.  They may have manual or automatic transmissions.  Short-bed trucks were known as Sportsides, and had flared rear bumpers; the long-bed trucks were known as Fleetsides, and had regular fenders.  Also available was a short-bed muscle truck known as the 454SS; this truck had a 230-horsepower V-8 gasoline engine as standard and a sports suspension.

     In 1991, the 230-horsepower gasoline engine’s output jumped to 255 horsepower in the 454SS.  This engine, previously coupled only to a manual transmission, could now have an automatic transmission as an option.  In 1992, the Sportsides trucks gained an optional extended cab and a new optional cargo box.  The interior was revised with new styling and seats.  Manual transmissions disappeared.  A new turbocharged diesel engine, developing 190 horsepower, was introduced.  1993 brought electronic controls to the automatic transmission for smoother shifts, and a sports package was available for the Sportsides trucks.  In 1994, the 150-horsepower diesel improved to 155 horsepower, and a 180-horsepower version of the same engine was an option.  1995 brought a driver’s side airbag and (finally) 4-wheel antilock braking. 1996 saw a sharp increase in engine power, with Vortec gasoline engines of 180, 200, 220, 245, 250, and 290 horsepower, and diesel engines of 143 and 180 horsepower.  On the top-of the line C/K1500 Silverado model, a passenger side rear door was added to the extended-cab version.   In 1997, a passenger-side airbag became standard; this could be deactivated with a dashboard switch (if, for example, you have a standard cab and you have a child seat in the passenger seat).  The 220-horsepower engine got 10 more horsepower, while the 250-horsepower engine got 5 more horsepower.  The third door became an option on any extended-cab model instead of just on the Silverado.  1998 brought little but minor cosmetic changes.

     Earlier versions with rear-wheel-only antilock brakes can fishtail when the truck is unladen.  Acceleration with one of the available V-6 engines is acceptable, but using one of the 4 available V-8 engines, acceleration becomes impressive, as does towing capacity.  Towing with the 165 hp V-6 is 2.39 tons, with the 200 hp V-6 2.59 tons, with the 230 hp V-8 2.89 tons, with the 255 hp V-8 3.4 tons, and with the 290 hp V-8 4.16 tons.  For diesel engines, the 143 hp V-8 allows towing of 2.59 tons, and the 180 hp 3.66 tons.  Fuel economy is OK for a truck of this size in diesel power, but gets progressively worse with increases in power of gasoline engines.  The cab is spacious in the front and adequate in the rear seat of extended cab versions.  Visibility is excellent.  Gauges can be hard to read in sunlight, and the electronic climate controls can be difficult to use.  The glove box is tiny.  Ride quality is good when laden and can be harsh when unladen. 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: These were some of the few vehicles which were still available to civilians after the 1995 model year – at least until the November Nuclear Strikes.  Others were produced for military and police use, usually “stripped” of civilian accouterments and with added equipment.  This type of vehicle is also a prime candidate for making into armored “technical” type vehicles – ad hoc armored vehicles with heavy machineguns, light autocannons, grenade launchers, or missile or rocket launchers in the bed and some armor plate slapped on.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

160 hp V-6 Regular Cab Short Bed

$5,836

G, A

1.09 tons

1.75 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

165 hp V-6 Regular Cab Short Bed

$5,862

G, A

1.09 tons

1.75 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

175 hp V-6 Regular Cab Short Bed

$5,908

G, A

1.09 tons

1.76 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

180 hp V-6 Regular Cab Short Bed

$5,944

G, A

1.09 tons

1.76 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-6 Regular Cab Short Bed

$6,008

G, A

1.09 tons

1.76 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

215 hp V-8 Regular Cab Short Bed

$6,080

G, A

1.09 tons

1.76 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

220 hp V-8 Regular Cab Short Bed

$6,108

G, A

1.09 tons

1.76 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

230 hp V-8 Regular Cab Short Bed

$6,160

G, A

1.09 tons

1.76 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

245 hp V-8 Regular Cab Short Bed

$6,234

G, A

1.09 tons

1.77 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

250 hp V-8 Regular Cab Short Bed

$6,254

G, A

1.09 tons

1.77 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

255 hp V-8 Regular Cab Short Bed

$6,280

G, A

1.09 tons

1.77 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

290 hp V-8 Regular Cab Short Bed

$6,454

G, A

1.09 tons

1.84 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

140 hp V-8D Regular Cab Short Bed

$5,736

D, A

1.09 tons

1.61 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

143 hp V-8D Regular Cab Short Bed

$5,756

D, A

1.09 tons

1.61 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

150 hp V-8D Regular Cab Short Bed

$5,788

D, A

1.09 tons

1.61 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

155 hp V-8D Regular Cab Short Bed

$5,816

D, A

1.09 tons

1.61 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

180 hp V-8D Regular Cab Short Bed

$5,936

D, A

1.09 tons

1.61 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

190 hp V-8D Regular Cab Short Bed

$5,988

D, A

1.09 tons

1.62 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

160 hp V-6 Regular Cab Long Bed

$6,042

G, A

2.44 tons

1.81 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

165 hp V-6 Regular Cab Long Bed

$6,068

G, A

2.44 tons

1.81 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

175 hp V-6 Regular Cab Long Bed

$6,114

G, A

2.44 tons

1.82 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

180 hp V-6 Regular Cab Long Bed

$6,150

G, A

2.44 tons

1.82 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-6 Regular Cab Long Bed

$6,214

G, A

2.44 tons

1.82 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

215 hp V-8 Regular Cab Long Bed

$6,286

G, A

2.44 tons

1.82 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

220 hp V-8 Regular Cab Long Bed

$6,314

G, A

2.44 tons

1.82 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

230 hp V-8 Regular Cab Long Bed

$6,366

G, A

2.44 tons

1.82 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

245 hp V-8 Regular Cab Long Bed

$6,440

G, A

2.44 tons

1.83 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

250 hp V-8 Regular Cab Long Bed

$6,460

G, A

2.44 tons

1.83 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

255 hp V-8 Regular Cab Long Bed

$6,486

G, A

2.44 tons

1.83 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

290 hp V-8 Regular Cab Long Bed

$6,660

G, A

2.44 tons

1.9 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

140 hp V-8D Regular Cab Long Bed

$5,942

D, A

2.44 tons

1.66 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

143 hp V-8D Regular Cab Long Bed

$5,962

D, A

2.44 tons

1.66 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

150 hp V-8D Regular Cab Long Bed

$5,996

D, A

2.44 tons

1.66 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

155 hp V-8D Regular Cab Long Bed

$6,022

D, A

2.44 tons

1.66 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

180 hp V-8D Regular Cab Long Bed

$6,142

D, A

2.44 tons

1.66 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

190 hp V-8D Regular Cab Long Bed

$6,194

D, A

2.44 tons

1.67 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

160 hp V-6 Extended Cab Short Bed

$6,400

G, A

1.48 tons

1.88 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

165 hp V-6 Extended Cab Short Bed

$6,426

G, A

1.48 tons

1.88 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

175 hp V-6 Extended Cab Short Bed

$6,472

G, A

1.48 tons

1.89 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

180 hp V-6 Extended Cab Short Bed

$6,508

G, A

1.48 tons

1.89 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-6 Extended Cab Short Bed

$6,572

G, A

1.48 tons

1.89 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

215 hp V-8 Extended Cab Short Bed

$6,644

G, A

1.48 tons

1.89 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

220 hp V-8 Extended Cab Short Bed

$6,672

G, A

1.48 tons

1.89 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

230 hp V-8 Extended Cab Short Bed

$6,724

G, A

1.48 tons

1.89 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

245 hp V-8 Extended Cab Short Bed

$6,798

G, A

1.48 tons

1.9 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

250 hp V-8 Extended Cab Short Bed

$6,818

G, A

1.48 tons

1.9 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

255 hp V-8 Extended Cab Short Bed

$6,844

G, A

1.48 tons

1.9 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

290 hp V-8 Extended Cab Short Bed

$7,018

G, A

1.48 tons

1.97 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

140 hp V-8D Extended Cab Short Bed

$6,300

D, A

1.48 tons

1.72 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

143 hp V-8D Extended Cab Short Bed

$6,320

D, A

1.48 tons

1.72 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

150 hp V-8D Extended Cab Short Bed

$6,354

D, A

1.48 tons

1.72 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

155 hp V-8D Extended Cab Short Bed

$6,380

D, A

1.48 tons

1.72 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

180 hp V-8D Extended Cab Short Bed

$6,500

D, A

1.48 tons

1.72 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

190 hp V-8D Extended Cab Short Bed

$6,552

D, A

1.48 tons

1.73 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

160 hp V-6 Extended Cab Long Bed

$6,674

G, A

2.29 tons

1.99 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

165 hp V-6 Extended Cab Long Bed

$6,700

G, A

2.29 tons

1.99 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

175 hp V-6 Extended Cab Long Bed

$6,746

G, A

2.29 tons

2 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

180 hp V-6 Extended Cab Long Bed

$6,782

G, A

2.29 tons

2 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-6 Extended Cab Long Bed

$6,846

G, A

2.29 tons

2 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

215 hp V-8 Extended Cab Long Bed

$6,918

G, A

2.29 tons

2 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

220 hp V-8 Extended Cab Long Bed

$6,946

G, A

2.29 tons

2 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

230 hp V-8 Extended Cab Long Bed

$6,998

G, A

2.29 tons

2 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

245 hp V-8 Extended Cab Long Bed

$7,072

G, A

2.29 tons

2.01 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

250 hp V-8 Extended Cab Long Bed

$7,092

G, A

2.29 tons

2.01 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

255 hp V-8 Extended Cab Long Bed

$7,118

G, A

2.29 tons

2.01 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

290 hp V-8 Extended Cab Long Bed

$7,292

G, A

2.29 tons

2.08 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

140 hp V-8D Extended Cab Long Bed

$6,574

D, A

2.29 tons

1.82 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

143 hp V-8D Extended Cab Long Bed

$6,594

D, A

2.29 tons

1.82 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

150 hp V-8D Extended Cab Long Bed

$6,628

D, A

2.29 tons

1.82 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

155 hp V-8D Extended Cab Long Bed

$6,654

D, A

2.29 tons

1.82 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

180 hp V-8D Extended Cab Long Bed

$6,774

D, A

2.29 tons

1.82 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

190 hp V-8D Extended Cab Long Bed

$6,826

D, A

2.29 tons

1.83 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov*

Com Mov*

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

160 hp V-6 Regular Cab Short Bed

503/97

140/27

95

71

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

165 hp V-6 Regular Cab Short Bed

520/100

145/28

95

73

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

175 hp V-6 Regular Cab Short Bed

544/105

151/29

95

76

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

180 hp V-6 Regular Cab Short Bed

560/108

156/30

95

80

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-6 Regular Cab Short Bed

618/119

172/33

95

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

215 hp V-8 Regular Cab Short Bed

662/127

184/35

95

96

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

220 hp V-8 Regular Cab Short Bed

677/130

188/36

95

98

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

230 hp V-8 Regular Cab Short Bed

708/136

197/38

95

103

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

245 hp V-8 Regular Cab Short Bed

747/144

207/40

95

109

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

250 hp V-8 Regular Cab Short Bed

759/146

211/41

95

111

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

255 hp V-8 Regular Cab Short Bed

774/149

215/41

95

114

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

290 hp V-8 Regular Cab Short Bed

844/162

234/45

95

129

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

140 hp V-8D Regular Cab Short Bed

480/92

134/26

95

41

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

143 hp V-8D Regular Cab Short Bed

493/95

137/26

95

43

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

150 hp V-8D Regular Cab Short Bed

515/99

143/28

95

45

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

155 hp V-8D Regular Cab Short Bed

531/102

147/29

95

46

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

180 hp V-8D Regular Cab Short Bed

608/117

169/33

95

53

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

190 hp V-8D Regular Cab Short Bed

639/123

177/34

95

57

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

160 hp V-6 Regular Cab Long Bed

497/95

137/26

129

71

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

165 hp V-6 Regular Cab Long Bed

512/98

142/28

129

73

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

175 hp V-6 Regular Cab Long Bed

534/102

148/29

129

76

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

180 hp V-6 Regular Cab Long Bed

549/105

154/30

129

80

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-6 Regular Cab Long Bed

604/116

160/32

129

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

215 hp V-8 Regular Cab Long Bed

654/125

182/35

129

96

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

220 hp V-8 Regular Cab Long Bed

669/128

186/36

129

98

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

230 hp V-8 Regular Cab Long Bed

700/134

195/38

129

103

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

245 hp V-8 Regular Cab Long Bed

738/142

205/40

129

109

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

250 hp V-8 Regular Cab Long Bed

750/144

208/41

129

111

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

255 hp V-8 Regular Cab Long Bed

765/147

212/41

129

114

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

290 hp V-8 Regular Cab Long Bed

834/160

231/44

129

129

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

140 hp V-8D Regular Cab Long Bed

467/90

129/25

129

41

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

143 hp V-8D Regular Cab Long Bed

480/92

133/25

129

43

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

150 hp V-8D Regular Cab Long Bed

501/95

139/28

129

45

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

155 hp V-8D Regular Cab Long Bed

517/99

143/28

129

46

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

180 hp V-8D Regular Cab Long Bed

592/114

164/32

129

53

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

190 hp V-8D Regular Cab Long Bed

622/120

172/33

129

57

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

160 hp V-6 Extended Cab Short Bed

471/91

131/25

129

71

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

165 hp V-6 Extended Cab Short Bed

485/93

135/27

129

73

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

175 hp V-6 Extended Cab Short Bed

506/97

140/27

129

76

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

180 hp V-6 Extended Cab Short Bed

520/100

146/28

129

80

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-6 Extended Cab Short Bed

573/110

152/30

129

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

215 hp V-8 Extended Cab Short Bed

620/119

173/33

129

96

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

220 hp V-8 Extended Cab Short Bed

634/121

176/34

129

98

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

230 hp V-8 Extended Cab Short Bed

664/127

185/36

129

103

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

245 hp V-8 Extended Cab Short Bed

700/130

194/38

129

109

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

250 hp V-8 Extended Cab Short Bed

711/137

197/39

129

111

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

255 hp V-8 Extended Cab Short Bed

725/139

201/39

129

114

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

290 hp V-8 Extended Cab Short Bed

791/152

219/40

129

129

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

140 hp V-8D Extended Cab Short Bed

451/87

126/24

129

41

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

143 hp V-8D Extended Cab Short Bed

466/89

128/24

129

43

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

150 hp V-8D Extended Cab Short Bed

484/92

134/27

129

45

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

155 hp V-8D Extended Cab Short Bed

499/96

138/27

129

46

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

180 hp V-8D Extended Cab Short Bed

572/110

158/31

129

53

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

190 hp V-8D Extended Cab Short Bed

601/116

166/32

129

57

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

160 hp V-6 Extended Cab Long Bed

447/86

124/24

129

71

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

165 hp V-6 Extended Cab Long Bed

460/88

128/26

129

73

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

175 hp V-6 Extended Cab Long Bed

480/92

133/26

129

76

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

180 hp V-6 Extended Cab Long Bed

493/95

139/27

129

80

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-6 Extended Cab Long Bed

544/104

144/28

129

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

215 hp V-8 Extended Cab Long Bed

588/113

164/31

129

96

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

220 hp V-8 Extended Cab Long Bed

602/115

167/32

129

98

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

230 hp V-8 Extended Cab Long Bed

630/121

176/34

129

103

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

245 hp V-8 Extended Cab Long Bed

664/123

184/36

129

109

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

250 hp V-8 Extended Cab Long Bed

675/130

187/37

129

111

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

255 hp V-8 Extended Cab Long Bed

688/132

191/37

129

114

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

290 hp V-8 Extended Cab Long Bed

751/144

208/38

129

129

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

140 hp V-8D Extended Cab Long Bed

429/83

119/23

129

41

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

143 hp V-8D Extended Cab Long Bed

443/85

122/23

129

43

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

150 hp V-8D Extended Cab Long Bed

460/87

127/26

129

45

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

155 hp V-8D Extended Cab Long Bed

475/91

131/26

129

46

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

180 hp V-8D Extended Cab Long Bed

544/105

150/29

129

53

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

190 hp V-8D Extended Cab Long Bed

572/110

158/30

129

57

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

*For 2WD models, reduce off-road speeds by 25%, but reduce price by $125.

 

Chevrolet Cobalt 05

     Notes: Replacing the Cavalier, the Cobalt became Chevy’s new standard compact car.  The Cobalt shares a chassis with the Saturn Ion.  The Cobalt comes in a 4-door sedan and a 2-door coupe, with trim levels for the sedan being base, LS, and LT, and trim levels for the coupe being LS and SS.  All except the SS have 145-horsepower I-4 engines; the SS has a supercharged I-4 with 205 horsepower.  The base and LS have standard manual transmissions and optional automatic transmissions; the LT has a standard automatic transmission and an optional manual transmission; the SS uses only a manual transmission.  Wheels get larger down the line, from the 15-inch wheels of the base and LS to the 18-inchers of the SS.  Standard equipment includes air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, an AM/FM/CD, dual front airbags, automatic headlights, a thermometer to indicate the temperature outside the car, and a split folding rear seat.  All except the base model have standard antilock brakes; on the base model, they are options. The LS adds cruise control, driver’s seat lumbar adjustment, power door locks and windows, and remote keyless entry.  The LT adds to the LS package optional leather upholstery, heated front seats, a premium sound system, and audio controls on the steering wheel. The SS adds to the LT package an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player and fog lights, but there are no heated front seats.   LT and SS models have standard traction control; on the base and LS, they are optional.  The SS has a sports suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes, and a special trim package.  Other options available on all models include head-protecting and separate side-protecting airbags, a sunroof, OnStar, and satellite radio.

     Chevy calls the Cobalt a “premium subcompact,” though it is really compact in size.  The 145-horsepower is adequate due to the low weight of the Cobalt, but the 205-horsepower engine really gives it power.  Most bumps and dips are absorbed enough to keep the ride comfortable, but there is a decent amount of vibration on coarse pavement.  The SS model’s sport suspension makes the ride somewhat harsh, but improves handling, reducing body lean and making tight turns easier.  It can also minimize the tendency of the Cobalt to be blown around the road in high winds.  Steering response is good.  Braking is sure, but the brake pedal feels a bit spongy.  The interior is surprisingly quiet, except for tire roar in the SS.  The dashboard is well laid out, but the gauges are a bit small; the audio and climate controls are simple, but the climate controls are too low for easy manipulation by the driver.  The seat cushions can be a bit short for taller occupants, except for the front seats in the SS.  The trunk has a good amount of room, but the opening is too small for large cargoes.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The Cobalt does not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

145 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,160

G, A

331 kg

1.3 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

145 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,260

G, A

322 kg

1.27 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

205 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,560

G, A

322 kg

1.35 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

145 hp I-4 Sedan

607/58

168/16

50

64

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

145 hp I-4 Coupe

621/60

172/17

50

64

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

205 hp I-4 Coupe

815/78

227/22

50

91

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Chevrolet Colorado 2004-05

     Notes: The Colorado marks the beginning of a new line of small pickup trucks to replace earlier models like the S-10 and S-series.  It is slightly larger than the S-10, and comes in regular cab, extended cab, and crew cab versions.  The base engine is a 175-horsepower I-4, but a 220-horsepower I-5 is optional.  Manual or automatic transmission can be had with either engine.  The Colorado may have 2WD with the drive wheels in the rear, or a 4WD version where the 4WD feature must be disengaged on dry pavement.  The extended cab model has two rear doors which open to the rear; the crew cab also has four doors, but they open normally and the rear seat is larger.  Regular cab and extended cab models have a 1.83-meter-long bed, while the crew cab has a 1.52-meter bed.  Standard features for 2004 include antilock brakes, a split folding front seat, automatic headlights, daylight running lamps, and dual front airbags.  The ZQ8 package adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, full-sized spare tire, and fog lamps. The Z71 package adds a limited-slip differential, leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lamps, front tow hooks, a full-sized spare tire, and alloy wheels.  The LS trim level adds a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, AM/FM/CD, rear privacy glass (for the extended cab and crew cab versions), and alloy wheels.  Options are many, including traction control for 2WD models, side curtain airbags protecting both the front and back seats, a Z71 off-road package, a ZQ-8 2WD sports package, locking rear differential, leather upholstery for the crew cab, OnStar, and satellite radio.  Bucket front seats are an option for the extended cab and crew cab versions with the LS trim package. 

     The 2005 model is little changed from the 2004 model, but an Xtreme appearance package was added.  The Xtreme package uses the ZQ8 2WD sports package, but with 18-inch wheels, body side cladding, new front and rear styling, and special exterior trim. 

     Towing ability is 861 kg with the 4-cylinder engine and 1.81 tons with the 5-cylinder engine.

     The 4-cylinder engine is basically underpowered and gutless, especially in combination with 4WD and automatic transmission.  The 5-cylinder engine is quick for most purposes.  The Colorado can get bouncy over bumps and dips, and actually jitter on poor roads.  The base suspension gives the best ride, while the ZQ8 suspension gives the best maneuverability; however, both the ZQ8 and Z71 suspensions will exhaust the occupants on long trips.  Though the Colorado corners well, it is slow to react to the steering wheel.  4WD versions have a larger turning radius than 2WD models.  The brakes, however, provide sure stopping power, with good pedal feel.  Though the Colorado has less interior noise than most pickups, wind rush can get loud around extended and crew cab versions.  While the 4-cylinder engine is pretty quiet, the 5-cylinder can get loud when pressed, much louder than comparable V-6 engines.  The instruments are well-laid out, but some of them are digital and they can get washed out in bright sunlight.  The audio and climate controls are simple and easy to manipulate.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The Colorado does not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

175 hp I-4 Regular Cab Pickup

$5,256

G, A

682 kg

1.41 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

220 hp I-4 Regular Cab Pickup

$5,484

G, A

682 kg

1.49 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

175 hp I-4 Ext Cab Pickup

$5,708

G, A

648 kg

1.52 tons

1+4*

1

Headlights

Open

220 hp I-5 Ext Cab Pickup

$5,936

G, A

648 kg

1.61 tons

1+4*

1

Headlights

Open

175 hp I-4 Crew Cab Pickup

$5,840

G, A

591 kg

1.72 tons

1+5*

1

Headlights

Open

220 hp I-5 Crew Cab Pickup

$6,068

G, A

591 kg

1.82 tons

1+5*

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov**

Com Mov**

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

175 hp I-4 Regular Cab Pickup

670/129

187/36

74

78

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

220 hp I-4 Regular Cab Pickup

794/153

220/42

74

98

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

175 hp I-4 Ext Cab Pickup

624/120

174/33

74

78

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

220 hp I-5 Ext Cab Pickup

737/142

205/39

74

98

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

175 hp I-4 Crew Cab Pickup

556/107

155/30

74

78

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

220 hp I-5 Crew Cab Pickup

656/126

182/35

74

98

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

*With optional front bucket seats, reduce Crew rating by one.

**For 2WD models, reduce off-road speeds by 25%, but reduce price by $125.

***With OnStar, add $1,000; with satellite radio, add $200.

 

Chevrolet Corsica 1990-96

     Notes: This was perhaps Chevrolet's RL cheapest car, and one of the most RL inexpensive cars available.  It is a basic vehicle for those whose needs in a motor vehicle are not high, and is basically a scaled-down Beretta.  The 1990 model is a compact car in a sedan or a hatchback configuration.  An LTZ version is available, a sports version with a stronger engine, gas-pressurized shocks, bucket front seats, stabilizer bars, larger tires, and quick-ratio power steering.

     The 1991 model gained a driver’s side airbag.  The sporty LTZ model was dropped from the Corsica line, but in its place was the Z52 sport package.  The Corsica also had a new dashboard with a more logical layout or instruments and controls, rotary dials instead of buttons, and levers for the headlights and wipers.  1992 gave the Corsica antilock brakes, but the hatchback version disappeared.  Improved fuel injection booted the base engine from 95 to 110 horsepower, and the V-6 from 135 to 140 horsepower.  Manual transmission disappeared from Corsicas with V-6 engines.  1993 primarily brought a new shift interlock and an oil pressure low light.  1994 saw the I-4 engine bumped up to 120 horsepower, and the V-6 from 140 to 160 horsepower.  Manual transmission disappeared completely from the Corsica line.  The V-6, in fact, had a new electrically-controlled automatic transmission.  New front-seat automatic seatbelts, which could even be left buckled when the occupants got out of the car, were installed.  The 1995 model year saw the addition of daylight running lamps, a revised rear suspension for better handling, and long-life transmission fluid.  The tires also grew slightly in size, again for better traction and handling.  Ride quality was also improved with new positioning of the rear coil springs. Unfortunately, new emission controls cost the V-6 five horsepower. 1996, the last year for the Corsica, brought only minor cosmetic changes.

     The 4-cylinder standard engine is underpowered, an optional 6-cylinder engine gives better performance, but at a cost to fuel economy.  The 4-cylinder engines are also noisy.  With the base suspension and tires, even moderately aggressive driving is not recommended.  The LTZ and Z52 versions greatly increased maneuverability, but at a heavy cost to ride comfort.  Another optional sports suspension is available which brings the increased maneuverability without the cost of ride comfort, but is limited to V-6-engine models.  Front space is ample, but the rear seats are recommended only for small people.  The back seats can be folded down to carry larger items.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The 1996 model year Corsica was never built.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

95 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,084

G, A

290 kg

1.2 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

110 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,156

G, A

290 kg

1.2 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

120 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,204

G, A

290 kg

1.2 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

135 hp V-6 Sedan

$5,284

G, A

290 kg

1.26 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

140 hp V-6 Sedan

$5,304

G, A

290 kg

1.26 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

160 hp V-6 Sedan

$5,404

G, A

290 kg

1.26 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

95 hp I-4 Hatchback

$5,184

G, A

405 kg

1.23 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

135 hp V-6 Hatchback

$5,384

G, A

405 kg

1.3 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

95 hp I-4 Sedan

442/43

123/12

59

42

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

110 hp I-4 Sedan

505/49

140/14

59

49

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

120 hp I-4 Sedan

564/53

152/15

59

53

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

135 hp V-6 Sedan

587/57

163/16

59

60

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

140 hp V-6 Sedan

603/58

167/16

59

62

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

160 hp V-6 Sedan

685/66

190/18

59

71

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

95 hp I-4 Hatchback

432/42

120/12

59

42

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

135 hp V-6 Hatchback

570/55

158/15

59

60

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Chevrolet Corvette 1991-96

     Notes: This is a car for those who essentially want a street-legal racecar, and are willing to sacrifice almost everything else to get speed and handling.  The 1991 model was the first major redesign of the Corvette since 1984, and it became a low, wedge-shaped car with a convex tail and square headlights.  The 1991 model also had a cooler for the power steering fluid (which could heat up rapidly with a lot of heavy handling), and a driver’s side airbag.  The Corvette for 1991 is primarily a manual-transmission car, since only the lowest-end base model offered an optional automatic transmission.  The top end for the Corvette of 1991 is the ZR-1, with a 375-horsepower V-8; the base model has a 245-horsepower V-8 engine.

     In 1992, the base LT1 model’s engine was replaced with a new one developing an astonishing 55 horsepower more than the previous base engine.  The cost of this engine replacement was a little torque.  All Corvettes gained standard traction control, which could be switched off if desired from the dashboard, and Acceleration Slip Control.  The ZR-1 model had a slight cosmetic change, gaining badges which said “ZR-1.”  1993 brought a power boost to the ZR-1, up to 405 horsepower.  Base models got narrower front tires and wider rear ends, further accentuating the wedge shape.  A 40th Anniversary Corvette was introduced for this year only, with Ruby Red paint, leather sport bucket seats, and embroidered headrests.  In 1994, a passenger-side airbag was made standard.  The automatic transmission gained electronic shift controls and an interlock, and convertible Corvettes gained a heated glass rear window.  The interior was revised, with a knee bolster and leather upholstery, and the ZR-1 gained 5-spoke alloy wheels.  1995 brought the ZRR-1’s heavy-duty brakes to the base model.  Automatic transmission versions gained a transmission fluid temperature gauge.  In the spring of 1995, the ZR-1 was discontinued, replaced with the Grand Sport version with a relatively disappointing 300-horsepower V-8.  In 1996, the Grand Sport’s engine output was raised to a still relatively-disappointing 330 horsepower, and wider tires and fender flares were added to the Grand Sport.  A Collector’s Edition version was also introduced, which differed primarily in styling differences.

     The Corvette has a pronounced amount of squeaks and rattles, especially as speed increases.  Ride can be bumpy.  Getting in and out of the car can be difficult due to the low suspension and deep bucket seats, and there is no rear seat.  Cargo space is tiny, and the exhaust is loud, as are wind and road noises.  The main attraction of the Corvette are speed, acceleration, and handling, as well as the sheer mystique of owning a Corvette, but cost of ownership is high, in spare parts and fluids as well as the large amounts of premium fuel required to power the hungry engines. 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The 1996 model year Corvette was never built.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

245 hp V-8 Coupe

$5,100

G, A

250 kg

1.5 tons

1+1

2

Headlights

Open

300 hp V-8 Coupe

$5,374

G, A

250 kg

1.58 tons

1+1

2

Headlights

Open

330 hp V-8 Coupe

$5,520

G, A

250 kg

1.58 tons

1+1

2

Headlights

Open

375 hp V-8 Coupe

$5,746

G, A

250 kg

1.66 tons

1+1

2

Headlights

Open

405 hp V-8 Coupe

$5,894

G, A

250 kg

1.66 tons

1+1

2

Headlights

Open

245 hp V-8 Convertible

$7,620

G, A

131 kg

1.52 tons

1+1

2

Headlights

Open

300 hp V-8 Convertible

$8,020

G, A

131 kg

1.6 tons

1+1

2

Headlights

Open

330 hp V-8 Convertible

$8,420

G, A

131 kg

1.6 tons

1+1

2

Headlights

Open

375 hp V-8 Convertible

$8,820

G, A

131 kg

1.68 tons

1+1

2

Headlights

Open

405 hp V-8 Convertible

$8,820

G, A

131 kg

1.68 tons

1+1

2

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

245 hp V-8 Coupe

875/84

243/24

76

109

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

300 hp V-8 Coupe

1012/97

281/27

76

134

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

330 hp V-8 Coupe

1107/107

308/30

76

147

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

375 hp V-8 Coupe

1197/115

332/32

76

168

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

405 hp V-8 Coupe

1287/124

358/34

76

181

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

245 hp V-8 Convertible

865/83

240/23

76

109

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

300 hp V-8 Convertible

1001/96

278/27

76

134

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

330 hp V-8 Convertible

1095/106

305/30

76

147

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

375 hp V-8 Convertible

1184/114

328/32

76

168

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

405 hp V-8 Convertible

1273/123

354/34

76

181

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Chevrolet Corvette 1997-04

     Notes: This version of the Corvette was long-awaited by fans, but somewhat of a disappointment when it arrived.  The 1997 Corvette had a fiberglass body, is slightly longer, and had a much longer wheelbase.  The Corvette of this period is more rounded than its predecessor and less wedge-shaped.  The transmission was moved from the front to the rear axle to improve the balance of the car and to allow a fuller interior package.  The only version of the Corvette available for 1997 was a coupe, but this coupe had a removable hard top to make it into a sort of convertible.  The dashboard gauges went completely analog (the previous models had a mix of analog and digital gauges).  The 1997 Corvette has no spare tire, due to lack of space, but the new tires were run-flat for up to 200 miles at half speed.  A single engine, a 345-horsepower V-8, was available, coupled to an automatic transmission, with a manual transmission as an option.  Traction control was standard. 

     1998 brought a true convertible to the Corvette line; however, the folding ragtop was manual instead of power-operated.  It did have a glass rear window with a defroster.  A conventional trunk was installed.  The Corvette got magnesium wheels as an option, and all versions got a quieter fuel pump as standard.  The 1998 Corvette also got a special transmission which could start in second gear to allow for high-acceleration takeoffs.  The 1999 model brought a true hardtop model (non-removable).  These hardtops also had a trunk and a Z51 high-performance suspension.  Other Corvettes had either a standard suspension or an adjustable one with soft, medium, and firm settings. An available option on every model except the hardtop was a HUD (heads-up display) and a power-telescoping steering wheel.  An option for all models was Active Handling, which is sort of a high-performance version of traction control.  2000 brought some cosmetic changes to the hardtop, such as visor mirrors and a remote trunk release in the interior.  The HUD became an option in the hardtop, as well as dual climate controls, fog lamps, and magnesium wheels.  2001 brought an extreme-performance model with a highly-tuned and improved suspension, and a more powerful engine.  This version was known as the Z06, and also had larger high-performance antilock brakes.   The 2002 Z06 had an even more powerful version of the same engine, and had a standard HUD and revisions to its chassis to make it even more maneuverable and sure-footed.  The magnesium wheel option was deleted from all other Corvette models, but a CD player replaced the cassette player on all models.  2003 Corvettes all wore 50th anniversary badges.  There was also a 50th Anniversary Special Edition Package (the 1SC model), with special paint, trim, and badges.  This package was available for the hatchback and convertible versions, and also included Magnetic Selective Ride Control for more sure-footedness.

     New trim packages commemorating racing were the main additions for 2004.  Most of the Corvettes of 2004 use a 350-horsepower V-8, but the Z06 still had a 405-horsepower V-8, coupled only to a manual transmission.  Antilock brakes and traction control are standard on all versions.  The convertible and the hatchback have optional Magnetic Ride Control, which adjusts the shock absorber firmness to the road surface and driving style.  The Racing Commemorative Edition has special Le Mans-blue paint, badges, and polished wheels; the Racing Commemorative Z06 Edition adds racing stripes and has a hood made from carbon fiber. 

     The earlier problem with Corvette handling, where the car could fishtail if it encountered a bump of sufficient size during a turn, has been corrected with a stiffer frame and suspension.  However, the car also has softer springs to produce a more comfortable ride than earlier models, with the exception of the very high-performance models such as the Z51.  Like all Corvettes, this version is not a quiet car, as it has prominent engine and exhaust noise.  However, it does maneuver like a race car, and acceleration is superb with any engine.  All Corvettes have optional Continuous Real Time Dampening, but this generally produces a ride which is too soft or too harsh.  Getting in and out of the Corvette is easier in this generation, but still somewhat difficult.  However, interior space is generous.  Thick roof pillars impair visibility in all four corners.  The glove box is tiny and the center console storage even smaller. 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: This generation of the Corvette was never built.

Vehicle

Price*

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

345 hp V-8 Coupe

$5,994

G, A

275 kg

1.47 tons

1+1

1

Headlights

Open

350 hp V-8 Coupe

$6,020

G, A

275 kg

1.47 tons

1+1

1

Headlights

Open

385 hp V-8 Coupe

$6,194

G, A

275 kg

1.54 tons

1+1

1

Headlights

Open

405 hp V-8 Coupe

$6,244

G, A

275 kg

1.54 tons

1+1

1

Headlights

Open

345 hp V-8 Convertible

$6,194

G, A

154 kg

1.47 tons

1+1

1

Headlights

Open

350 hp V-8 Convertible

$6,220

G, A

154 kg

1.47 tons

1+1

1

Headlights

Open

385 hp V-8 Convertible

$6,394

G, A

154 kg

1.54 tons

1+1

1

Headlights

Open

405 hp V-8 Convertible

$6,444

G, A

154 kg

1.54 tons

1+1

1

Headlights

Open

345 hp V-8 Hatchback

$6,094

G, A

275 kg

1.46 tons

1+1

1

Headlights

Open

350 hp V-8 Hatchback

$6,120

G, A

275 kg

1.46 tons

1+1

1

Headlights

Open

385 hp V-8 Hatchback

$6,294

G, A

275 kg

1.53 tons

1+1

1

Headlights

Open

405 hp V-8 Hatchback

$6,344

G, A

275 kg

1.53 tons

1+1

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

345 hp V-8 Coupe

1239/119

344/33

72

154

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

350 hp V-8 Coupe

1258/121

349/34

72

156

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

385 hp V-8 Coupe

1319/127

366/35

72

172

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

405 hp V-8 Coupe

1385/133

385/37

72

181

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

345 hp V-8 Convertible

1239/119

344/33

72

154

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

350 hp V-8 Convertible

1258/121

349/34

72

156

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

385 hp V-8 Convertible

1319/127

366/35

72

172

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

405 hp V-8 Convertible

1385/133

385/37

72

181

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

345 hp V-8 Hatchback

1247/120

347/33

72

154

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

350 hp V-8 Hatchback

1265/122

351/34

72

156

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

385 hp V-8 Hatchback

1327/128

368/35

72

172

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

405 hp V-8 Hatchback

1393/134

387/37

72

181

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

*Add $1,000 for a HUD

 

Chevrolet Corvette 05

     Notes: This version of the Corvette, also called the Corvette C6 to designate it as the 6th generation of the Corvette since its inception, is revamped from the previous edition with more power, a revised and more aerodynamic body design, and some new features.  The Corvette C6 comes in a hatchback coupe with a lift-off solid roof panel or a convertible with a power ragtop and a heated rear window.  The wheelbase is slightly longer, but the overall length is nearly 13 centimeters shorter than the previous models.  There is only one engine choice, a 400-horsepower V-8, coupled to a manual transmission (standard) or an automatic transmission (optional).  The Corvette C6 has antilock brakes and antiskid/traction control.  Two suspensions are available; the standard suspension uses Magnetic Ride Control, while the Z51 package uses a firmer (but nonadjustable) suspension, larger brakes, and an automatic transmission with acceleration-enhancing gearing, better than the normal automatic transmission available as an option on the Corvette C6.  All 2005 Corvettes have standard run-flat tires, larger wheels than the 2004 model, keyless entry and ignition, and Xenon high-intensity headlights.  Options include dual front airbags on the coupe, but these are standard on the convertible.  Other options include OnStar, a navigation system, heated seats, a HUD, and satellite radio. 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: This version of the Corvette was never built.

Vehicle

Price*

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

400 hp V-8 Hatchback

$6,366

G, A

244 kg

1.44 tons

1+1

1

Headlights

Open

400 hp V-8 Convertible

$6,466

G, A

122 kg

1.45 tons

1+1

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

400 hp V-8 Hatchback

1460/140

406/39

68

178

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

400 hp V-8 Convertible

1450/139

403/39

68

178

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

*Add $1,000 for OnStar; add $1,000 for a HUD; add $200 for satellite radio; add $2,000 for a navigation system.

 

Chevrolet Equinox 2005

     Notes: The Equinox is a mid-sized SUV, designed to be a less-expensive alternative to the TrailBlazer.  It has a chassis design very much like a large car, but with a longer wheelbase than most cars and an SUV-type body.  The Equinox has two rows of seats, with the front seats being of the bucket-type and the second being a bench.  The rear seat slides over 20 centimeters fore or aft, depending upon whether you need more cargo or passenger room.  There are two quite large doors on either side of the Equinox, and a one-piece swing-up door in the rear.  The Equinox is supplied with either LS or LT trim levels; both may have either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with no low-range gearing.  (The Equinox is not really meant to be an off-road vehicle.)  The only engine available is a 185-horsepower V-6, coupled only to an automatic transmission.  Traction control and antilock brakes are standard on the LT, optional on the LS.  Both have standard dual front airbags, daylight running lamps, power steering, tilt steering wheel, a split folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD, “chip-in-the-key” theft deterrent system, and automatic headlights; head-protecting side front airbags are optional on both the LS and LT.  The LT adds cruise control, fog lamps, rear privacy glass, and alloy wheels.  Other options include leather upholstery, OnStar, heated front seats, satellite radio, a roof rack, a spoiler, and larger wheels and tires.  Towing capacity is 1.59 tons.

     The Equinox has surprising performance, due to the relatively low weight of the vehicle.  The transmission is likewise smooth.  The relatively long wheelbase of the Equinox gives it the ability to smooth out most bumps and dips, but the wind can blow it around quite a bit.  The steering is light, but unfortunately is also a bit vague and lacking in road feel.  Body lean is very pronounced, but less so with the optional 17-inch wheels.  Noise inside when driving is average, but some people feel the engine can get a bit too loud when pressed hard.  The dashboard is easily read and logically laid out, but the power window switches are on the center console and can be difficult to manipulate; the gear indicator is actually horizontally above the gear shift lever and can be confusing.  There are a lot of hard plastic surfaces inside the Equinox and the cloth upholstery is rather low-quality.  The seats do not have very good lumbar support, but head and leg room are quite good.  Visibility is good in most directions, but thick roof pillars, 6 of them, can obscure vision.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The Equinox is not available in the Twilight 2000 timeline.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

185 hp V-6 SUV

$6,486

G, A

585 kg

1.71 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

185 hp V-6 SUV

592/57

164/16

63

82

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 *With OnStar, add $1,000; with satellite radio, add $200.

 

Chevrolet Express Van 1996-05

     Notes: This is a standard sort of full-sized van.  They were produced and used by the tens of thousands in the United States, and used throughout North, Central, and South America, and can also be found in other parts of the world.  These vans were quite common on US military bases, used by civilian employees of the US military as well as military police.  One common use of the Express Van is by US military recruiters to ferry around prospective recruits to the various places required during the enlistment process.  Many Express Vans were extensively reworked into conversion vans, where the cargo space in the back was modified to carry a variety of luxury accouterments, from waterbeds to wet bars.  Many more were made into mobile workshops or fitted with storage bins.  There are several sizes, ranging from 8 to 15-seaters, but all are quite large. 

     1996 models all had automatic transmission, and included G1500, G2500, G3500, G2500 Extended, and G3500 Extended models.  The G1500 used a 200-horsepower engine, while the others used a 250-horsepower engine.  Standard features were few, little beyond air conditioning and a radio, but included dual front airbags and antilock brakes.  Options are likewise sparse, including a sunroof, cassette player, tilt steering, alloy wheels, power windows, power door locks, and leather seats.

     1997 brought a plethora of new engines to the Express Van, ranging from a 190-horsepower V-8 to a 290-hoprsepower V-8.  The standard engine for the G1500 was a 200-horsepower V-6, though the 190-horsepower V-8 could also be put into it, as well as a 220 or 245-horsepower V-8.  The other vans had as standard 250-horsepower V-8s, though they could also be equipped with a 290-horsepower V-8, and the 190-horsepower engine was also an option for the G2500.  Again, standard features are sparse, but a full-sized spare tire is added; there are more options, including the addition to the options list of cruise control, a CD player, and a driver’s adjustable power seat.   A towing package was also available as an option.

     The 1998 Express Van used basically the same engines as the 1997 model, but the 190-horsepower engine became an option for the G3500 (making for a rather underpowered, but inexpensive van), and the 290-horsepower engine was an option only for the G3500 Extended van.  Standard options are still sparse, unchanged from 1997.  Options are likewise unchanged from 1997.

     The 1999 model brought the 190-horsepower engine as an option to the G3500 Extended (making for a really underpowered vehicle).  Options are slightly improved from 1998, including a tilt steering column as well as a tilt steering wheel, leather for the steering wheel, a power adjustable passenger-side seat, chrome and steel wheels, heated exterior mirrors, power adjustable exterior mirrors, and tinted glass.  A radio (without cassette or CD player) became standard instead of the option it once was. 

     In 2000, the 190-horsepower and 245-horsepower engines were dispensed with, replaced by 195-horsepower and 255-horsepower engines.  The 195-horsepower engine were not available for the G1500 and G2500 Extended, but were options for the other models.  The 255-horsepower engine became standard for all versions except the G1500, which retained the 200-horsepower engine as the standard.  A CD changer became an option, as did mudguards, and a rear window defogger.  Chrome wheels were withdrawn.  A “chip in the key” antitheft system was another option, as was a locking differential, and keyless entry.  A new standard feature was childproof locks for all doors.

     In 2001, the high-end 290-horsepower engine was eliminated, and the 195-horsepower engine was an option only for the G2500 and G3500.  The steel wheel option was also removed.  Few other changes were made.

     In 2002, a new 345-horsepower engine appeared as an option for the G3500 and G3500 Extended.  A new version, the LT, appeared; this version was basically a loaded version of the G1500, with slightly less seating but more standard features, such as cruise control, a CD/cassette player, OnStar, a third-row removable seat (which reduces the Crew figure to 1+3 when it is removed), daylight running lamps and fog lights, alloy wheels, power windows, heated and power adjustable exterior mirrors, tinted glass, a rear window defogger, interval wipers, child safety power door locks, an antitheft system, keyless entry – virtually everything that is an option or standard on other versions of the Express Van is standard on the LT, along with styling differences.  The LT does not have a tow package, but does have a tow hitch.  Other models gained standard removable second and third row seats (decrease Crew rating by 3 when the third row seat is removed, and 6 when both are removed), daylight running lamps, interval wipers, an antitheft system, and child safety locks; new options included an automatic day/night (electrochromatic) rear view mirror, and keyless entry.  Steel wheels also returned as an option for all versions except the LT.

     For 2003, only three engines were available: 200, 285, and 300 horsepower, with the latter two being V-8s.  A 300-horsepower engine running on compressed natural gas also became available, primarily for government and corporate concerns. (Except for the fuel, this is identical to the 300-horsepower gas engine for game purposes.) The LT model was discontinued, but a G1500 All-Wheel Drive version was added to the line, which offered increased traction and stability in all weather conditions.  A manual transmission became an option for the G2500, G3500, and G3500 Extended versions.  Most other options and standard features remained the same as before, but OnStar became an option on all models, alloy wheels were an option only on the G1500 and G1500 All-Wheel Drive versions, steel wheels became the standard wheel type for all models, and a new option was a built-in compartment containing a deluxe first aid kit.

     2004 brought an end to the manual transmission option.  Otherwise, little changed from 2003, but the G2500 and G2500 Extended models were discontinued.

     The 2005 model year saw a return of a 195-horsepower engine (but not the same one as before); this became the standard engine for the G1500.  A 295-horsepower V-8 replaced the 285-horsepower engine of the years before, with this engine being standard on the G1500 AWD.  The 300-horsepower remained, and became the standard engine for the G3500 and G3500 Extended.  A voice-activated cell phone became an option on all models, and chrome wheels were once again an option (for the G1500 and G1500 AWD only). 

     Towing capacity varies by model (if the vehicle is equipped with a towing package).  1996 models did not have towing packages available.  G1500s and LTs have a towing capacity of 3 tons; G2500s have a towing capacity of 3.6 tons; G3500s (standard and Extended) have a towing capacity of 4.5 tons; G2500 Extendeds have a towing capacity of 3.3 tons; G1500 AWDs have a towing capacity of 2.8 tons.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: the 1996 model was produced for a short time from late 1995 to late 1996; many of these vehicles were appropriated or ordered for use by US military, police, and government agencies.  The November Nuclear Strikes ended such production.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

G1500 195 hp V-8

$7,898

G, A

1.35 tons

2.3 tons

1+7

1

Headlights

Open

G1500 200 hp V-6

$7,926

G, A

1.35 tons

2.3 tons

1+7

1

Headlights

Open

G1500 220 hp V-8

$8,026

G, A

1.35 tons

2.31 tons

1+7

1

Headlights

Open

G1500 245 hp V-8

$8,152

G, A

1.35 tons

2.37 tons

1+7

1

Headlights

Open

G1500 255 hp V-8

$8,198

G, A

1.35 tons

2.38 tons

1+7

1

Headlights

Open

G1500 285 hp V-8

$8,312

G, A

1.35 tons

2.45 tons

1+7

1

Headlights

Open

G1500 295 hp V-8

$8,358

G, A

1.35 tons

2.46 tons

1+7

1

Headlights

Open

G2500 190 hp V-8

$8,769

G, A

1.45 tons

2.63 tons

1+11

2

Headlights

Open

G2500 195 hp V-8

$8,789

G, A

1.45 tons

2.63 tons

1+11

2

Headlights

Open

G2500 250 hp V-8

$9,063

G, A

1.45 tons

2.71 tons

1+11

2

Headlights

Open

G2500 255 hp V-8

$9,089

G, A

1.45 tons

2.71 tons

1+11

2

Headlights

Open

G2500 300 hp V-8

$9,317

G, A

1.45 tons

2.79 tons

1+11

2

Headlights

Open

G3500 190 hp V-8

$8,769

G, A

1.52 tons

2.69 tons

1+11

2

Headlights

Open

G3500 195 hp V-8

$8,789

G, A

1.52 tons

2.69 tons

1+11

2

Headlights

Open

G3500 250 hp V-8

$9,063

G, A

1.52 tons

2.77 tons

1+11

2

Headlights

Open

G3500 255 hp V-8

$9,089

G, A

1.52 tons

2.77 tons

1+11

2

Headlights

Open

G3500 290 hp V-8

$9,263

G, A

1.52 tons

2.84 tons

1+11

2

Headlights

Open

G3500 300 hp V-8

$9,317

G, A

1.52 tons

2.85 tons

1+11

2

Headlights

Open

G3500 340 hp V-8

$9,517

G, A

1.52 tons

2.92 tons

1+11

2

Headlights

Open

G2500 Extended 250 hp V-8

$10,041

G, A

1.59 tons

2.72 tons

1+14

2

Headlights

Open

G2500 Extended 300 hp V-8

$10,295

G, A

1.59 tons

2.8 tons

1+14

2

Headlights

Open

G3500 Extended 190 hp V-8

$9,747

G, A

1.63 tons

2.78 tons

1+14

2

Headlights

Open

G3500 Extended 195 hp V-8

$9,767

G, A

1.63 tons

2.78 tons

1+14

2

Headlights

Open

G3500 Extended 250 hp V-8

$10,041

G, A

1.63 tons

2.9 tons

1+14

2

Headlights

Open

G3500 Extended 255 hp V-8

$10,067

G, A

1.63 tons

2.9 tons

1+14

2

Headlights

Open

G3500 Extended 290 hp V-8

$10,241

G, A

1.63 tons

2.97 tons

1+14

2

Headlights

Open

G3500 Extended 300 hp V-8

$10,295

G, A

1.63 tons

2.98 tons

1+14

2

Headlights

Open

G3500 Extended 340 hp V-8

$10,495

G, A

1.63 tons

3.05 tons

1+14

2

Headlights

Open

LT 255 hp V-8

$10,118

G, A

1.16 tons

2.3 tons

1+6

1

Headlights

Open

G1500 AWD 285 hp V-8

$8,462

G, A

1.35 tons

2.54 tons

1+7

2

Headlights

Open

G1500 AWD 300 hp V-8

$8,536

G, A

1.35 tons

2.55 tons

1+7

2

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

G1500 195 hp V-8

470/45

130/13

117

86

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G1500 200 hp V-6

481/46

134/13

117

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G1500 220 hp V-8

524/50

146/14

117

98

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G1500 245 hp V-8

567/55

157/15

117

109

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G1500 255 hp V-8

585/56

163/16

117

113

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G1500 285 hp V-8

634/61

177/17

117

127

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G1500 295 hp V-8

652/63

181/17

117

131

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G2500 190 hp V-8

408/39

113/11

117

85

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G2500 195 hp V-8

416/40

116/11

117

86

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G2500 250 hp V-8

509/49

141/14

117

111

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G2500 255 hp V-8

519/50

144/14

117

113

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G2500 300 hp V-8

589/57

164/16

117

134

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G3500 190 hp V-8

399/38

111/11

117

85

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G3500 195 hp V-8

407/39

113/11

117

86

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G3500 250 hp V-8

498/48

138/14

117

111

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G3500 255 hp V-8

508/49

141/14

117

113

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G3500 290 hp V-8

560/54

156/15

117

129

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G3500 300 hp V-8

576/56

160/16

117

134

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G3500 340 hp V-8

635/61

177/17

117

152

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G2500 Extended 250 hp V-8

506/49

141/14

117

111

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G2500 Extended 300 hp V-8

586/57

163/16

117

134

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G3500 Extended 190 hp V-8

388/37

107/10

117

85

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G3500 Extended 195 hp V-8

396/38

110/11

117

86

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G3500 Extended 250 hp V-8

484/47

134/14

117

111

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G3500 Extended 255 hp V-8

494/48

137/14

117

113

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G3500 Extended 290 hp V-8

544/52

152/15

117

129

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G3500 Extended 300 hp V-8

560/54

156/16

117

134

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G3500 Extended 340 hp V-8

617/59

172/17

117

152

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

LT 255 hp V-8

604/116

167/32

117

113

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G1500 AWD 285 hp V-8

613/118

170/33

117

127

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

G1500 AWD 300 hp V-8

641/123

177/34

117

134

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

*Add $1,000 for OnStar, add $175 for a cell phone; add $150 for a tow package.

 

Chevrolet Impala 2000-05

     Notes: Though it carries a famous old name, this is not your grandfather’s Impala.  This Impala is a front-wheel-drive midsized sedan which shares a chassis with the Monte Carlo coupe of the same period.  It has smooth aerodynamic lines and is rather an attractive car.  The standard engine for the base 2000 model was a 180-horsepower V-6, but an optional engine for the base model was 200-horsepower V-6.  That same engine was standard on the Impala LS version.  Both were coupled only to an automatic transmission.  Optional for both models was leather upholstery, a moonroof, OnStar, and a split folding rear seat.  Standard for both was 4-wheel disc brakes, air conditioning, dual front airbags, power windows, and power locks.  Standard for the LS version only was antilock brakes, a tire-inflation monitor, traction control, and a firm-ride suspension.  Each of these were also options for the 200-horsepower version of the base model.  Side-impact airbags were standard for the LS and optional for all base models. 

     2001 made OnStar standard in the LS version of the Impala.  The only other change of note was the interior trunk emergency release.  For the 2002 model year, the base model and LS got dual-zone climate controls, and the base model got an AM/FM/cassette (already standard on LS models).  In 2003, the driver’s side-impact airbag became an option on the LS.  OnStar moved back to the options list for the LS.  The base model added standard remote keyless entry.  Both versions had the option for satellite radio.  In 2004, the Impala SS, a version of the LS with a supercharged 240-horsepower V-6, sports suspension, and larger wheels, arrived on the scene. For 2005, OnStar became standard across the board.  The LS and SS switched to standard front bucket seats, reducing the Crew rating by one.

     The engines used in the Impala, even the base engine, are up to the task of moving the car around without much trouble.  The engines are quiet and smooth unless pressed hard, and the transmissions are finely tuned.  The Impala is an easy-to-drive car with excellent handling and a smooth ride, though the base suspension can give some float and wallow over rough surfaces.  Steering likewise gives a good road feel and is easy to maneuver.  The brake pedal is not really firm enough, but stopping power is quite good.  For the most part, the interior is quiet, but tire roar can get loud, especially over rough pavement.  Though the two bench seats are rated for three adults each, there really isn’t enough leg or shoulder room for them, and two adults in each seat work much better.  In most directions, visibility is good, but the tail styling is a bit tall and impedes rear vision, especially when backing.  The trunk is ample with a large opening, but the glove box is equally small.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The Impala does not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew*

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

180 hp V-6 Sedan

$5,534

G, A

366 kg

1.54 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-6 Sedan

$5,634

G, A

366 kg

1.55 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

240 hp V-6 Sedan

$5,834

G, A

366 kg

1.62 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

    

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

180 hp V-6 Sedan

634/61

177/17

64

80

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-6 Sedan

697/67

194/19

64

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

240 hp V-6 Sedan

796/77

221/21

64

107

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

*With front bucket seats, Crew rating is 1+4.

**With OnStar, add $1,000; with satellite radio, add $200.

 

Chevrolet Lumina 1990-94

     Notes: This is a slightly higher-end Chevrolet car than the Corsica, midway between the Corsica and the Cavalier.  It was designed to challenge Ford’s Taurus of the period in the marketplace. The Lumina came in a sedan and a coupe, both based on the same chassis as the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme and Pontiac Grand Prix.  1990 Luminas came in a base model and the sportier Euro edition, with larger tires and air conditioning as standard, as well as fancier trim and extra available colors of paint.  Base models used smaller tires and wheels, and air conditioning was an option.  Both had 4-wheel disc brakes, power steering, and a fully independent suspension as standard.

     1991 brought the high-end Z34 coupe, with a powerful (for the Lumina) 210-horsepower engine; it was the only Lumina to get that engine.  The Z34 also has a louvered hood, “ground-effect” body add-ons, a spoiler, a sport suspension, high-performance tires, alloy wheels, analog gauges, and sport bucket front seats.  Base and Euro Luminas got a louver-type front grille, and the Euro edition got special tires which gave it a softer ride.

     For the 1992 model year, the Lumina gained antilock brakes; these were standard on the Z34 and Euro, and optional on the base model.  The Euro was given the same engine as the Z34, but downrated to 200 horsepower due to its 4-speed transmission.  In 1993, a different engine was used in the base Lumina, but it still developed only 110 horsepower.  (It was, however, mechanically simpler.)  All coupes, including the base coupe, now had 6-cylinder engines (of differing power).  1994 brought a changeover of all Luminas to 6-cylinder engines (again, of differing power ratings), but the base coupe was discontinued.  The automatic transmission got electronic controls for better efficiency.

     The suspensions are firm and sports-oriented, even on the base sedan; while the handling is excellent, the ride can be harsh, and the Euro edition is especially bad in this respect.  Interior room is good, but the cushions are too soft and not supporting enough for comfortable long-distance driving, and the back seats are also a bit short in width for adults.  The trunk is roomy and has a cargo net.  The brake pedal is too firm and can be difficult for fine braking; however, stopping power is excellent once one gets the feel for the brakes.  Gauges can be difficult to read, and the controls are not well-placed and can be hard for the driver to manipulate, though they are large and simple.  Every door has a large pocket, and there is a large center console bin, but the glove box is tiny.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

105 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,080

G, A

345 kg

1.51 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

110 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,112

G, A

345 kg

1.51 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

135 hp V-6 Sedan

$5,240

G, A

345 kg

1.57 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

105 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,180

G, A

345 kg

1.48 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

110 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,212

G, A

345 kg

1.48 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

135 hp V-6 Coupe

$5,340

G, A

345 kg

1.54 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

140 hp V-6 Coupe

$5,360

G, A

345 kg

1.54 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-6 Coupe

$5,660

G, A

345 kg

1.62 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

210 hp V-6 Coupe

$5,712

G, A

345 kg

1.62 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

    

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

105 hp I-4 Sedan

391/38

108/11

63

46

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

110 hp I-4 Sedan

410/39

114/11

63

49

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

135 hp V-6 Sedan

479/46

133/13

63

60

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

105 hp I-4 Coupe

399/38

111/11

63

46

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

110 hp I-4 Coupe

417/40

116/11

63

49

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

135 hp V-6 Coupe

487/47

136/13

63

60

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

140 hp V-6 Coupe

501/48

139/13

63

62

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-6 Coupe

669/64

186/18

63

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

210 hp V-6 Coupe

703/68

196/19

63

94

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Chevrolet Lumina APV/Minivan 1990-96

     Notes: This is an enlarged Lumina with a minivan body.  When this vehicle was first released, it was called the Lumina APV, with “APV” standing for “All Purpose Vehicle.”  The body was unusual for the time, being constructed of a fiberglass composite material, bonded to a steel framework; though there was criticism, somewhat warranted, of the body panels not being strong enough, they were in truth about as strong as aluminum, though they tended to crack rather than dent.  The 1990 model came in base and the somewhat more luxurious CL configurations, with seating options allowing anywhere from one to six passengers using removable seats.  The right side has a sliding door; the rear has a one-piece liftgate.  All models have a fully independent suspension and power steering.  The front brakes are disc brakes, while the rear use drums.  The Lumina APV is equipped with a towing package as standard.  The engine for this model year was a rather underpowered 120-horsepower V-6.  In 1991, non-reflective carpeting was added to the huge front shelf under the windshield, which improved visibility by reducing glare.  The exhaust system was changed to stainless steel, which made it not as prone to corrosion as the 1990 model.  There were few other changes to the 1991 model.

     1992 brought several changes, including an optional 165-horsepower V-6 engine with a 4-speed transmission instead of the 3-speed transmission of the 120-horsepower engine.  The 4 speed transmission also increased the towing capacity.  The ride was increased with new springs, new shocks, and new struts.

     The 1993 model year brought a new power sliding door with obstacle sensing.  If the door is sliding shut, and it senses an obstruction, the door automatically reverses to the open position.  The “CL” designation was changed to “LS,” but otherwise remained the same sort of vehicle except for improved acoustical insulation, making the interior quieter.

     For 1994, the “APV” moniker was dropped, replaced by the new name of Lumina Minivan.  The body was restyled, with the nose becoming three inches shorter.  A driver’s side airbag was added as a standard feature.  The third row of seats (if present) had integrated folding child safety seats.  Later in the model year, traction control became an option.  The high-end engine rose by 5 horsepower.  1995 brought little changes other than extended-life transmission fluid. 

     In 1996, six-passenger seating became standard, with all Lumina Minivans having three rows of seats, with the rear two being removable.  Air conditioning also became standard.  Only one engine was available for all models, a 180-horsepower V-6.  The Lumina was replaced after the 1996 model year by the Venture.

     The long, sloping front windshield and front end that results makes visibility out the front difficult for such maneuvering as parking.  However, this is a minivan that drives like a car, with a ride that smooths out most bumps. Steering is a little light, but the APV/Minivan has good traction on slippery surfaces.  Early models are underpowered, but later models have much more powerful engines available that give the APV some zip.  Controls on the APV are undersized and can be difficult to find by touch.  There are storage bins all over the vehicle in convenient places.  The rear two rows of seats weigh only 15.42 kg each and are easily removed and folded away for carrying large cargoes.  The Lumina APV/Minivan has a tow package, with the 120 horsepower engine being able to tow 1.56 tons, the 170 horsepower 2 tons, and the 180 horsepower 1.83 tons.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: Production of the Lumina Minivan stopped after the 1995 model year, as Chevy switched to mostly military, police, and government production.  This means that the 180-horsepower version is also not available.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

120 hp V-6 Minivan

$5,614

G, A

1 ton

1.67 tons

1+6

1

Headlights

Open

165 hp V-6 Minivan

$5,840

G, A

1 ton

1.75 tons

1+6

1

Headlights

Open

170 hp V-6 Minivan

$5,866

G, A

1 ton

1.75 tons

1+6

1

Headlights

Open

180 hp V-6 Minivan

$5,914

G, A

1 ton

1.81 tons

1+6

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

120 hp V-6 Minivan

402/39

112/11

76

53

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

165 hp V-6 Minivan

520/50

145/14

76

73

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

170 hp V-6 Minivan

535/52

148/14

76

76

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

180 hp V-6 Minivan

563/53

152/15

76

81

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Chevrolet Lumina/Monte Carlo 1995-01

     Notes: This is an updated version of the Lumina, differing primarily in the options package, body styling, and engines used.  The base 4-door sedan model is called the Lumina; the 2-door coupe version is called the Monte Carlo.  The Lumina of 1995 comes in base or the more luxurious LS trim level; the Monte Carlo comes in LS or the sportier Z34 version.  The standard engine was a 160-horsepower V-6, but there was an option for a 210-horsepower V-6 (except on the Z34, where the 210-horsepower engine was standard).  Antilock brakes are standard except on the base Lumina.  The Z34 has a sports suspension, larger tires, different shock absorbers, and a sports trim package including different body moldings and a spoiler. 

     1996 brought an increase of 5 horsepower to the high-end engine.  The Monte Carlo Z34 and the Lumina (if equipped with the 215-horsepower engine) got 4-wheel disc brakes; all others stuck with the original front disc/rear drum brakes.  Air conditioning was changed to the dual-zone type for the driver and front passenger.  1997 brought daylight running lamps to all models.  A new model, the Lumina LTZ, was introduced; this model has unique body moldings, a spoiler, alloy wheels, and the 215-horsepower engine as an option.  The LS, whether a Lumina or Monte Carlo, was no longer available with the 160-horsepower engine.  In 1998, the 160-horsepower said goodbye altogether, replaced by a 200-horsepower V-6.  Little other changes were made to the 1998 model.  There were also few changes in the 1999 models, though Chevy decided on more commonality of equipment packages between the Lumina and Monte Carlo, and the Lumina LTZ lost its rear disc brakes in favor of drums.  There was more standard equipment, such as a cassette player and other such amenities, and a new option, OnStar service.

     Starting in 2000, only one Lumina was available, which was equipped somewhere between the former base and LS models.  All other Luminas were dropped from production.  The only engine available to the Lumina was a 175-horsepower V-6, and bucket seats were no longer available as an option.  The Lumina did gain a CD player as an option, but OnStar was no longer available; other options included larger, higher-performing touring tires with 16-inch aluminum wheels.  The Monte Carlo of this period was no longer based on the Lumina chassis, being based on the Impala chassis instead, and is covered elsewhere.  There was no change in the Lumina of 2001, and virtually all production went to fleet buyers instead of individuals.

     The suspension soaks up most bumps and ruts without excessive bouncing.  The engines used can get loud when pressed hard, and the steering has little road feel.  The transmission, whether a 3-speed or four speed automatic, shifts very smoothly (almost imperceptibly).  The doors are wide and tall, especially on the Monte Carlo, and require a lot of room to open.  The Monte Carlo also has thick rear pillars that hamper rear visibility.  Dashboards are well designed, interiors are plush, and the trunks are large.  Though both the Lumina and Monte Carlo are rated as being for five passengers (unless the optional front bucket seats are used), those five will feel squeezed in the Lumina, and downright uncomfortable in the Monte Carlo.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The 1995 model year was the last for the Lumina and Monte Carlo.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew*

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

160 hp V-6 Sedan

$5,694

G, A

350 kg

1.51 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

175 hp V-6 Sedan

$5,766

G, A

350 kg

1.51 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-6 Sedan

$5,894

G, A

350 kg

1.57 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

210 hp V-6 Sedan

$5,946

G, A

350 kg

1.58 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

215 hp V-6 Sedan

$5,966

G, A

350 kg

1.58 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

160 hp V-6 Coupe

$5,794

G, A

350 kg

1.5 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

175 hp V-6 Coupe

$5,866

G, A

350 kg

1.5 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-6 Coupe

$5,994

G, A

350 kg

1.56 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

210 hp V-6 Coupe

$6,046

G, A

350 kg

1.57 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

215 hp V-6 Coupe

$6,066

G, A

350 kg

1.57 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

160 hp V-6 Sedan

578/56

160/16

65

71

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

175 hp V-6 Sedan

628/60

175/17

65

78

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-6 Sedan

689/66

191/18

65

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

210 hp V-6 Sedan

720/69

200/19

65

94

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

215 hp V-6 Sedan

733/71

204/20

65

96

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

160 hp V-6 Coupe

581/56

162/16

65

71

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

175 hp V-6 Coupe

631/60

176/17

65

78

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-6 Coupe

692/66

192/18

65

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

210 hp V-6 Coupe

724/69

201/19

65

94

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

215 hp V-6 Coupe

737/71

205/20

65

96

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

* With optional front bucket seats, Crew rating is 1+4.

**With OnStar, add $1,000.

 

Chevrolet Malibu 1997-03

     Notes: This car was meant to appeal to a wide audience, ranging from first-time buyers to people looking for a practical car.  Even it's 4-cylinder engine provides good performance, and the 6-cylinder engine, only a little bit more powerful and more fuel hungry, was definitely second choice for most buyers.  The Malibu shares a chassis with the Oldsmobile Cutlass, and is somewhere between the Cavalier and Lumina in size.  The base model for 1997 had a 150-horsepower I-4 which offered good power in such a light vehicle.  Optional for the base model and standard for the more upscale LS model was a 155-horsepower V-6.  Both had a 4-speed automatic transmission.  Standard equipment for both included dual front airbags, antilock brakes, a tilt steering wheel, power steering, and daylight running lamps.  The LS added as standard equipment cruise control, remote keyless entry, a split folding rear seat, and alloy wheels; each of these were also optional on the base Malibu.  There was no traction control available, but the Malibu did offer a second-gear start feature for slippery surfaces as an option. 

     The 1998 offered few changes, but one of them was an option for leather upholstery and a 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat.  The base Malibu also now sported aluminum wheels.  The 1999 model also made few changes, but these included automatic headlights (they turned on automatically after 20 seconds of twilight-level illumination or less), and a thicker windshield which cut down on wind noise.

     The 2000 Malibu had minor styling changes.  The I-4 engine disappeared, leaving only the V-6, which was now 15 horsepower stronger.  The LS gained an optional spoiler and gold badges.  The 2001 model had almost no significant changes, but a standard CD player replaced the cassette, and the Malibu now actually had floormats, which it didn’t have before.  Antilock brakes were moved to the option list in 2003, but there were otherwise no significant changes.

     The Malibu is agile, surefooted, and is good at providing quick bursts of acceleration.  The Malibu also provides a soft and comfortable ride.  Wind noise is low, but engine (especially the 4-cylinder) and tire roar can rise to annoying levels at high speed.  There is a surprising amount of body lean for such a small car.  Hard stops can produce moderate nosediving.  The Malibu is large inside for its size, and has a lot of useable cargo room.  Visibility is excellent all around, with the possible exception of rear visibility when backing up for shorter drivers.  The front seats are very comfortable, but the rear seats are hard, narrow, and not well suited for long-distance travel by adults.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The Malibu was never built in the Twilight 2000 timeline.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

150 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,406

G, A

350 kg

1.41 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

155 hp V-6 Sedan

$5,434

G, A

350 kg

1.41 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

170 hp V-6 Sedan

$5,506

G, A

350 kg

1.41 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

150 hp I-4 Sedan

582/56

162/16

57

67

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

155 hp V-6 Sedan

602/58

167/16

57

69

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

170 hp V-6 Sedan

655/63

182/18

57

76

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Chevrolet Malibu 2004-05

     Notes: The Malibu got restyled heavily in 2004, and well as coming in a sedan version, came also as a 4-door with a hatchback, known as the Maxx.  The basic chassis is the same as the Saab 9-3 sedan.  The base engine is 145 horsepower, but the higher-end LS and LT sedans use a 200 horsepower engine.  The base model has optional antilock braking with traction control, while these are standard on the LS and LT; the LT Maxx makes the brakes 4-wheel disc as well.  An option for all models is remote engine starting.  The LT and LT Maxx have side-curtain airbags; these are optional on other Malibus, though front dual airbags are standard on all.  Standard on all models are a power driver’s seat height adjustment (though the LS also has lumbar adjustment, and the LT has 6-way adjustment), tilt and telescoping steering wheel and column, a “chip-in-the-key” theft deterrent system, and power locks, mirrors, and windows.  Optional on all models are power-adjustable gas and brake pedals, OnStar, satellite radio, and heated front seats.  The Maxx’s rear seats may be folded to allow greater cargo room.  It also has a cargo cover with the ability to fold out into an external rear table which is adjustable in height.  The Maxx also has a skylight over the rear seats, and an optional DVD entertainment system.

     2005 brought few changes from the 2004 Malibu; one of these was dual front torso airbags.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: These cars do not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

145 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,740

G, A

360 kg

1.44 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-6 Sedan

$6,014

G, A

360 kg

1.52 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

145 hp I-4 Hatchback

$5,840

G, A

665 kg

1.57 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-6 Hatchback

$6,114

G, A

665 kg

1.65 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

145 hp I-4 Sedan

551/53

153/15

62

64

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-6 Sedan

711/68

197/19

62

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

145 hp I-4 Hatchback

510/49

142/14

62

64

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-6 Hatchback

658/63

182/18

62

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Chevrolet Monte Carlo 2000-05

     Notes: The Monte Carlo finally completed the switchover of Chevy’s midsized coupe from the Lumina chassis to the larger Impala chassis.  The styling and features are also better than the Lumina ever had.  Though shorter than the previous Monte Carlo, the 2000 Monte Carlo is longer in the wheelbase and thus offers more legroom for its occupants.  The base model of the 2000 Monte Carlo was actually an upscale LS version, with a 180-horsepower V-6.  A sportier version, the SS, had a 200-horsepower engine, a firmer suspension, and alloy wheels.  Both versions are equipped only with automatic transmissions.  Standard features for both models included antilock brakes, dual front airbags, front bucket seats, power windows, a rear defroster, a tilt steering column, and a tire-inflation monitor.  The SS version added as standard traction control, dual climate control for the front seats, remote keyless entry, fog lamps, and a spoiler.  Options for both versions included leather upholstery, a sunroof, and OnStar.

     2001 brought a side-impact airbag for the driver’s side on the SS model, along with standard OnStar for the SS.  Both versions now had traction control as standard. The LS gained an optional “Sport Appearance” package which was basically cosmetic, including a spoiler and aluminum spoked wheels, making it look (if not perform) very much like the SS.  A new standard feature for both was an interior emergency trunk release.  The 2002 model made dual-zone climate controls standard for both models.  A special optional package for the SS, the Dale Earnhardt Signature Edition, was made available; it was a limited edition, with only 3333 built, and it included a special High Sport package and special trim inside and out.  2003 made remote keyless entry standard on both versions.  Satellite radio was not an option on both models, and at mid-year, a special option package was available for the SS, the Jeff Gordon Signature Edition (similar in concept to the Dale Earnhardt Signature Edition).  A new version was available in the 2004 model year: the Supercharged SS, with a 240-horsepower V-6, sports suspension, tire-inflation monitor, and larger wheels. The 2005 model year’s primary difference is standard OnStar assistance.  The SS version was renamed the LT, but is otherwise unchanged. 

     The LS has only average handling, but the SS handles in a sterling fashion, performing well on sharp curves and in the acceleration department.  The Supercharged SS is even better in this regard.  The ride is quite comfortable, especially on long trips on the highway.  Unfortunately, all three engines are loud when pressed hard, such as in quick acceleration and when passing.  Tire noise can also be loud, especially on coarse pavement.  The brakes have excellent stopping power, but not without excessive nosedive in quick stops.  Legroom is quite good front and rear, but headroom can get a little narrow with the optional sunroof installed.  The trunk is quite large.  Most visibility is good, but when the driver looks over his shoulders, his vision is limited by thick rear roof pillars. 

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

180 hp V-6 Coupe

$5,064

G, A

352 kg

1.52 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-6 Coupe

$5,164

G, A

352 kg

1.53 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

240 hp V-6 Coupe

$5,364

G, A

352 kg

1.6 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

180 hp V-6 Coupe

642/62

178/17

64

80

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-6 Coupe

706/68

197/19

64

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

240 hp V-6 Coupe

806/78

224/22

64

107

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

*Add $1,000 for OnStar; add $200 for satellite radio.

 

Chevrolet S-10 Blazer 1990-94

     Notes: This is basically a smaller version of the Blazer SUV, based on the S-10 pickup truck chassis.  The 1990 version comes only in a two-door model, but those doors are just large enough to allow adults to get into the back.  It could have either 2WD or 4WD, with the 4WD version having Insta-Trac on-demand 4WD.  The standard engine was a 160-horsepower V-6, and it could be coupled to an automatic or manual transmission.  The standard features for base models included a full-size spare tire and halogen headlights; 2WD versions also had fog lamps, while 4WD versions had fog lamps and tow hooks in the front.  Both have antilock brakes, but only on the rear wheels.

     1991 brought a longer four-door version.  There was a Sport version, but this consisted primarily of special trim and paint jobs.  The 4-door versions got all-wheel antilock brakes, but 2WD versions retained the rear-wheel-only antilock brakes.  In 1992, the option existed for an electronic control for the on-demand 4WD which was a button on the steering wheel instead of a lever on the floor.  All models got 4-wheel antilock brakes.  In 1993, an LT trim package became available for 2-door models, and all models got a new chrome grille.  The standard engine gained 5 horsepower, but only if the S-10 Blazer had a manual transmission.  However, a new 200-horsepower engine became available, and this engine was coupled only to an automatic transmission.  All versions got an internal balance shaft to reduce vibrations.  1994 was the last year of this version of the Blazer; in this model year, the Blazer got side door-guard beams which strengthened the roof and sides.  The 4-door version got a split folding front bench seat.

     Suspensions are not very yielding, transmitting a lot of bumps to the passenger compartment, but handling is excellent for the size of the vehicle.  Engine noise is loud, and there is a lot of environmental noise, especially at highway speeds.  Interior room is good, but not quite spacious.  The ride on the 2-door model is rather bouncy, but the greater weight of the 4-door model, as well as better suspension, helps the ride out on that version.  The dashboard is well laid-out, but some of the controls are rather a long reach from the driver's seat, and the radio buttons are a bit on the small side and can be difficult to manipulate.  Back seats are hard to get to in 2-door models, but not a problem in 4-door versions.  Towing capacity is 1.9 tons with the 160 or 165-horsepower engine, and 2.06 tons with the 200-horsepower engine.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

160 hp V-6 2-Door SUV

$5,704

G, A

848 kg

1.6 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

165 hp V-6 2-Door SUV

$5,730

G, A

848 kg

1.6 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-6 2-Door SUV

$5,904

G, A

848 kg

1.67 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

160 hp V-6 4-Door SUV

$5,704

G, A

870 kg

1.71 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

165 hp V-6 4-Door SUV

$5,730

G, A

870 kg

1.71 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-6 4-Door SUV

$5,904

G, A

870 kg

1.78 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov*

Com Mov*

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

160 hp V-6 2-Door SUV

548/106

152/29

76

71

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

165 hp V-6 2-Door SUV

565/108

157/30

76

73

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-6 2-Door SUV

650/125

180/35

76

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

160 hp V-6 4-Door SUV

515/100

143/27

76

71

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

165 hp V-6 4-Door SUV

531/102

148/28

76

73

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-6 4-Door SUV

611/118

169/33

76

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

*For 2WD models, reduce off-road speeds by 25%, but reduce price by $125.

 

Chevrolet S-10 Pickup 1990-93

     Notes: Basically identical to the GMC S-15 except for the badging, the S-10 is a compact pickup.  There are three sizes of S-10 of this period: the short bed, with a 2-meter-long bed; the long bed, with 2.29-meter-long bed; and the extended cab, with room for five inside and a 2-meter-long bed.  The 1990 model had on-demand Insta-Trac 4-wheel drive as a standard feature for the 4WD version, and optional bucket front seats (which reduces the Crew rating by one) were available for all models.  The extended cab model had a two-seat bench in the rear, which could be folded down to offer some more cargo space.  Rear-wheel antilock brakes were standard, and an electronic instrument cluster was optional.  The standard engine in 2WD versions was a rather anemic 94-horsepower I-4; for 4WD S-10s, the standard engine was a 125-horsepower V-6 (and this was optional on the 2WD model).  Another optional engine, for 4WD versions only, was a 160-horsepower V-6.  Transmissions could be manual or automatic, except with the 160-horsepower engine, which came only with an automatic transmission.  Air conditioning is, unfortunately, an option instead of standard for all models.

     1991 made the previously high-end engine the standard on all models, though the other engines were still available as an option.  The I-4 grew in power by 11 horsepower, and the 160-horsepower V-6 grew by 5 horsepower.  That now-165-horsepower engine was also available with manual as well as automatic transmission.  The 1991 S-10 was also given a facelift, with a new grille, new wheels, new body side moldings, and new bumper rub strips.  1992 brought optional pushbutton shifting on the steering wheel for 4WD models, bench seats got standard adjustable headrests, the steering wheel was changed to a 4-spoke design, and the speedometer became easier to read due to a change in the needle.  1993 brought electronic shift control to the automatic transmissions, and second-gear start capability.  Versions with the optional bucket seats got a center console with a storage bin.  The 165-horsepower engine got an internal balance shaft to reduce what were sometimes annoying vibrations at high speed or high acceleration.

     As said in the last paragraph, pre-1993 160 and 165-horsepower engines could produce a large amount of vibration when pressed hard.  The 4-cylinder engines are definitely deficient in power, but the 125-horsepower engine is OK for most road use and light loads if you use a manual transmission.  The S-10 of this period tends to be a bit crude inside, with hard and sharp plastic consoles, dashboards, and trim, and the optional “high-level” trim packages don’t really help much in this regard.  Body lean tends to be excessive unless the S-10 is equipped with the optional front stabilizer bar.  The ride also tends to be bouncy unless the optional heavy-duty shocks are installed.  Like most pickups (especially the light ones) the rear end tends to be unstable in inclement weather if it is not loaded (even with the rear wheel antilock brakes).  The Insta-Trac 4WD can help in this respect.  The analog gauges are easy to read, but the optional electronic instrument cluster looks sort of messy.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

94 hp I-4 Short Bed Pickup

$4,286

G, A

855 kg

1.2 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

105 hp I-4 Short Bed Pickup

$4,340

G, A

855 kg

1.2 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

125 hp V-6 Short Bed Pickup

$4,440

G, A

855 kg

1.21 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

160 hp V-6 Short Bed Pickup

$4,614

G, A

855 kg

1.28 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

165 hp V-6 Short Bed Pickup

$4,640

G, A

855 kg

1.28 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

94 hp I-4 Long Bed Pickup

$4,597

G, A

863 kg

1.26 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

105 hp I-4 Long Bed Pickup

$4,621

G, A

863 kg

1.26 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

125 hp V-6 Long Bed Pickup

$4,721

G, A

863 kg

1.27 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

160 hp V-6 Long Bed Pickup

$4,895

G, A

863 kg

1.34 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

165 hp V-6 Long Bed Pickup

$4,921

G, A

863 kg

1.34 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

94 hp V-6 Extended Cab Pickup

$4,797

G, A

848 kg

1.37 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

105 hp I-4 Extended Cab Pickup

$4,821

G, A

848 kg

1.37 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

125 hp V-6 Extended Cab Pickup

$4,921

G, A

848 kg

1.38 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

160 hp V-6 Extended Cab Pickup

$5,095

G, A

848 kg

1.46 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

165 hp V-6 Extended Cab Pickup

$5,121

G, A

848 kg

1.46 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov*

Com Mov*

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

94 hp I-4 Short Bed Pickup

437/84

121/23

76

42

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

105 hp I-4 Short Bed Pickup

482/93

134/26

76

46

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

125 hp V-6 Short Bed Pickup

564/109

157/30

76

55

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

160 hp V-6 Short Bed Pickup

675/130

187/36

76

71

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

165 hp V-6 Short Bed Pickup

697/134

194/37

76

73

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

94 hp I-4 Long Bed Pickup

418/80

116/22

76

42

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

105 hp I-4 Long Bed Pickup

461/89

128/25

76

46

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

125 hp V-6 Long Bed Pickup

540/104

150/29

76

55

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

160 hp V-6 Long Bed Pickup

646/124

179/34

76

71

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

165 hp V-6 Long Bed Pickup

667/128

186/35

76

73

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

94 hp I-4 Extended Cab Pickup

388/74

108/20

76

42

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

105 hp I-4 Extended Cab Pickup

428/83

119/23

76

46

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

125 hp V-6 Extended Cab Pickup

501/97

139/27

76

55

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

160 hp V-6 Extended Cab Pickup

599/115

166/32

76

71

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

165 hp V-6 Extended Cab Pickup

619/119

173/32

76

73

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

*For 2WD models, reduce off-road speeds by 25%, but reduce price by $125.

 

Chevrolet S-10/S-Series Pickup 1994-04

     Notes: This is a "compact pickup," a truck with a capacity of around 3/4 ton.  The S-10 is more solidly built than most trucks of its class, but still has a car-like ride and feel, with many appointments normally found in cars.  This is only enhanced in the extended-cab versions.  The 1994 S-10 shares a chassis with the GMC Sonora pickup.  It could have rear-wheel drive or 4WD, a regular or extended cab, a long or short bed, and a 4-cylinder 118-horsepower engine or  a 6-cylinder 155-horsepower engine.  The S-10 has side-guard door beams; 2WD versions had rear-wheel antilock brakes, while 4WD versions had all-wheel antilock brakes which work in two or four-wheel drive modes.  The basic body shape is similar to that of previous S-10s, but the cab gained about 7.5 centimeters of shoulder room.  The dashboard was redesigned with easy-to-read instruments and easy to manipulate climate controls.  The S-10 had two trim levels (base and LS), differing primarily in the luxuriousness of interior appointments.  There was also a Super Sport package; this gave the S-10 a 195-horsepower engine coupled to an automatic transmission and a sport suspension.  A further package, the ZR2, could be fitted to any version and was an off-road package giving the S-10 a track 10 centimeters wider, ground clearance 7.5 centimeters higher, and an off-road suspension.  Other options for the S-10 included power locks, windows, and mirrors.

     In 1995, the “S-10” moniker was replaced by the title of “S-Series.”  A driver’s side airbag was added, along with daylight running lamps, and backlighting for the power accessories.  In 1996, a rear side door was added to the extended cab model; this door is on the driver’s side and the front door must be opened first.  A Sportside model joined the roundup, with a flared-fender cargo bed.  All versions now had 4-wheel antilock brakes, and the V-6 engines gained power.  1997 brought few significant changes to the S-Series; one was an optional floor shifter for automatic transmission.  In 1998, the truck reverted back to the S-10 moniker, and it got new interior and exterior styling.  The S-10 now had dual front airbags with an on-off switch.  The base 4-cylinder engine was redesigned to reduce noise, and in the process gained two horsepower.  In 1999, the Super Sport package was changed for the new Xtreme package; this package was only for 2WD versions, and lowered the suspension, aero trim, and 16-inch alloy wheels.  In 2000, the base-trim levels were raised in quality, and the 4WD versions got standard front bucket seats (this lowers the Crew capacity by one).  In 2001, the 4WD extended cab version gained rear doors on both sides and grew into a crew cab; all other 4WD extended-cab models were dropped, and the bed length shrank to 1.4 meters.  Regular cabs were available only on 2WD models. 2002 brought standard air conditioning and a tachometer, and new options included a CD changer for all models, and heated front seats for the crew cab.  At the beginning of the 2002 model year, the long bed version was briefly dropped, but brought back quickly by popular demand.  2003 brought no significant changes, and in 2004, the S-10 continued only as a 4WD crew cab version, due to be replaced the next model year by the Colorado.

     The S-10s engines can get a little rough and loud in cold weather, but have excellent towing capacity, with the I-4 able to tow 1.25 tons, the mid-range V-6 able to tow 2.25 tons, and the high-end V-6 able to tow 2.5 tons.  The tail end tends to hop on bumps and potholes when the bed is empty, and fast braking can be a bit tricky, even with antilock brakes.  The brake feel on early models is also disturbingly spongy.  The automatic transmission is generally smooth, but there is sometimes a slight delay in downshifting during passing.  The 2WD models deliver rides similar to that of a regular car.  There is some body lean in turns, but it is not excessive.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: 1994 and 1995 model production went on as normal; however, 1996 production largely went to military, police, and governmental concerns, and most of those were extended cab or long bed versions.  The 1997 model year was short, cut off by the November Nuclear Strikes.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

118 hp I-4 Short Bed Pickup

$4,896

G, A

750 kg

1.28 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

120 hp I-4 Short Bed Pickup

$4,904

G, A

750 kg

1.28 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

155 hp V-6 Short Bed Pickup

$5,084

G, A

750 kg

1.35 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

180 hp V-6 Short Bed Pickup

$5,204

G, A

750 kg

1.41 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

195 hp V-6 Short Bed Pickup

$5,276

G, A

750 kg

1.42 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

118 hp I-4 Long Bed Pickup

$5,010

G, A

778 kg

1.3 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

120 hp I-4 Long Bed Pickup

$5,018

G, A

778 kg

1.3 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

155 hp V-6 Long Bed Pickup

$5,198

G, A

778 kg

1.37 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

180 hp V-6 Long Bed Pickup

$5,318

G, A

778 kg

1.43 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

195 hp V-6 Long Bed Pickup

$5,390

G, A

778 kg

1.44 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

118 hp I-4 Ext Cab Pickup

$5,188

G, A

662 kg

1.4 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

120 hp I-4 Ext Cab Pickup

$5,196

G, A

662 kg

1.4 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

155 hp V-6 Ext Cab Pickup

$5,376

G, A

662 kg

1.48 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

180 hp V-6 Ext Cab Pickup

$5,496

G, A

662 kg

1.54 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

195 hp V-6 Ext Cab Pickup

$5,568

G, A

662 kg

1.55 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

118 hp I-4 Crew Cab Pickup

$5,210

G, A

504 kg

1.83 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

120 hp I-4 Crew Cab Pickup

$5,218

G, A

504 kg

1.83 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

155 hp V-6 Crew Cab Pickup

$5,398

G, A

504 kg

1.93 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

180 hp V-6 Crew Cab Pickup

$5,518

G, A

504 kg

2.01 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

195 hp V-6 Crew Cab Pickup

$5,590

G, A

504 kg

2.02 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov*

Com Mov*

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

118 hp I-4 Short Bed Pickup

509/98

141/27

72

52

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

120 hp I-4 Short Bed Pickup

514/99

143/28

72

53

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

155 hp V-6 Short Bed Pickup

627/121

174/34

72

69

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

180 hp V-6 Short Bed Pickup

690/133

192/37

72

80

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

195 hp V-6 Short Bed Pickup

738/142

205/40

72

87

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

118 hp I-4 Long Bed Pickup

501/97

139/27

72

52

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

120 hp I-4 Long Bed Pickup

506/98

141/28

72

53

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

155 hp V-6 Long Bed Pickup

618/119

171/33

72

69

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

180 hp V-6 Long Bed Pickup

680/131

189/36

72

80

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

195 hp V-6 Long Bed Pickup

727/140

202/39

72

87

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

118 hp I-4 Ext Cab Pickup

468/91

130/25

72

52

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

120 hp I-4 Ext Cab Pickup

473/92

132/26

72

53

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

155 hp V-6 Ext Cab Pickup

577/111

160/31

72

69

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

180 hp V-6 Ext Cab Pickup

635/122

177/34

72

80

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

195 hp V-6 Ext Cab Pickup

679/131

189/36

72

87

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

118 hp I-4 Crew Cab Pickup

367/71

102/20

68

52

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

120 hp I-4 Crew Cab Pickup

371/72

103/20

68

53

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

155 hp V-6 Crew Cab Pickup

452/87

125/24

68

69

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

180 hp V-6 Crew Cab Pickup

498/96

139/27

68

80

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

195 hp V-6 Crew Cab Pickup

532/103

148/28

68

87

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

*For 2WD models, reduce off-road speeds by 25%, but reduce price by $125.

Reduce off-road speeds by 25% for the Super Sport and Xtreme models.

 

Chevrolet Silverado 1999-05

     Notes: This pickup is roughly a half-ton or 3/4-ton in cargo capacity and is similar to the GMC Sierra; it differs from the Sierra largely in trim types and levels.  It also looks similar to its predecessor, the S-10.  However, the Silverado has more powerful engines and is more luxurious than the S-10.  The Silverado is also a larger truck than the S-10.  There were two versions of the Silverado for 1999: The half-ton 1500-series and the 3/4-ton 2500-series.  Both had standard driver’s side rear doors for the extended cab version; other standard features included four-wheel disc and antilock brakes; and Adjustable Ride Control, which allows the driver to choose between two levels of firmness of ride.  The Silverado, whichever incarnation, can have a regular or extended cab, standard (Fleetside) or flared-fender (Sportside) bed, and a bed which is either 1.83 meters long or 2.47 meters long.  They could have automatic or manual transmissions, and optional AutoTrac all-surface 4-wheel drive.  The base engine was a 200-horsepower V-6, but optional engines included 255 and 270-horsepower V-8s. 

     For 2000, the Silverado’s extended cab versions got a second rear door on the other side of the vehicle.  They came in base, LS, or LT trim levels.  The former 255-horsepower V-8 grew in power to 270 horsepower; the former 270-horsepower V-8 grew to 285 horsepower.  The LS and LT versions got a self-dimming rear-view mirror, and they got programmable power locking doors.  Options for all models included a factory-installed bed liner and wheel flares for 4x4s. 

      In 2001, traction control became an option for 2WD models with automatic transmissions and V-8 engines.  Extended cab models with the Z71 off-road package also got a cargo box behind the cab made from a strong composite material.  Automatic transmission became standard on extended cab models, and those models also got child restraint tethers in the rear seat.  LT models could have OnStar as an option.  About the middle of the model year (early 2001), a crew cab version was added.

      For the 2002 model year, the Silverado gained as an option a system called Quadrasteer; this system tightened the turning radius of the vehicle by making the front and back wheels turn at the same time.  It also aided in stability by keeping the truck from skidding.  In 2003, the Silverado got a host of cosmetic changes, including a new grille.  Options for the crew cab included a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and an option available on all but base models was satellite radio.  OnStar became standard on LT models.  Around the middle of the model year, the Silverado SS was added; this was a special short-bed extended cab model with a powerful 345-horsepower V-8 engine, all-wheel drive, huge 20-inch wheels, performance tires, and special trim.

     In 2004, cruise control, power locks, and a CD player became standard on all Silverados.  A light-duty Silverado became available, which is basically a crew cab short-bed version with 2WD and a 285-horsepower engine.  2005 models change the cargo bed length slightly, becoming 1.77 meters for the crew cab, 2.01 meters for the short bed, and 2.44 meters for the long bed model.  A Performance Edition became available, with a heavy-duty trailer package, the 345-horsepower V-8, and 20-wheels with performance tires.  The base engine was dropped to 195 horsepower.

     Though the Silverado is a better truck than the S-10 or S-series, the engines have less torque, and thus less towing power for their horsepower.  The V-6 runs very smoothly and quietly most of the time, but it struggles under heavy loads or towing.  V-8s offer ample power, especially the SS’s 345-horsepower engine.  Braking is fast and precise.  The structure is fairly stiff, which improves the ride, but can make the tail bounce when there is little or no load in the bed.  Quadrasteer gives the Silverado the handling of a mid-sized car, but increases the mechanical complexity of the suspension.  The interior is quiet, well-appointed, and well-designed, with controls easy to reach and manipulate.  The doors, front (and back, if so equipped) open wide. 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The Silverado does not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew**

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

195 hp V-6 1500 Short Bed Pickup

$6,988

G, A

600 kg

1.78 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-6 1500 Short Bed Pickup

$7,014

G, A

600 kg

1.78 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

255 hp V-8 1500 Short Bed Pickup

$7,286

G, A

600 kg

1.86 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

270 hp V-8 1500 Short Bed Pickup

$7,360

G, A

600 kg

1.92 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

285 hp V-8 1500 Short Bed Pickup

$7,440

G, A

600 kg

1.93 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

300 hp V-8 1500 Short Bed Pickup

$7.514

G, A

600 kg

1.94 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

195 hp V-6 1500 Long Bed Pickup

$7,284

G, A

617 kg

1.83 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-6 1500 Long Bed Pickup

$7,310

G, A

617 kg

1.83 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

255 hp V-8 1500 Long Bed Pickup

$7,582

G, A

617 kg

1.91 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

270 hp V-8 1500 Long Bed Pickup

$7,656

G, A

617 kg

1.97 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

285 hp V-8 1500 Long Bed Pickup

$7,736

G, A

617 kg

1.98 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

300 hp V-8 1500 Long Bed Pickup

$7,810

G, A

617 kg

1.99 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

195 hp V-6 1500 Short Bed Ext Cab Pickup

$7,274

G, A

530 kg

1.92 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-6 1500 Short Bed Ext Cab Pickup

$7,300

G, A

530 kg

1.92 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

255 hp V-8 1500 Short Bed Ext Cab Pickup

$7,572

G, A

530 kg

2 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

270 hp V-8 1500 Short Bed Ext Cab Pickup

$7.646

G, A

530 kg

2.06 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

285 hp V-8 1500 Short Bed Ext Cab Pickup

$7,726

G, A

530 kg

2.07 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

300 hp V-8 1500 Short Bed Ext Cab Pickup

$7,800

G, A

530 kg

2.08 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

345 hp V-8 1500 Short Bed Ext Cab Pickup

$8,022

G, A

530 kg

2.15 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

195 hp V-6 1500 Long Bed Ext Cab Pickup

$7,570

G, A

545 kg

2.01 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-6 1500 Long Bed Ext Cab Pickup

$7,596

G, A

545 kg

2.01 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

255 hp V-8 1500 Long Bed Ext Cab Pickup

$7,868

G, A

545 kg

2.09 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

270 hp V-8 1500 Long Bed Ext Cab Pickup

$7,942

G, A

545 kg

2.15 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

285 hp V-8 1500 Long Bed Ext Cab Pickup

$8,022

G, A

545 kg

2.16 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

300 hp V-8 1500 Long Bed Ext Cab Pickup

$8,096

G, A

545 kg

2.17 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

195 hp V-6 2500 Short Bed Pickup

$7,862

G, A

750 kg

1.78 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-6 2500 Short Bed Pickup

$7,888

G, A

750 kg

1.78 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

255 hp V-8 2500 Short Bed Pickup

$8,160

G, A

750 kg

1.86 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

270 hp V-8 2500 Short Bed Pickup

$8,234

G, A

750 kg

1.92 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

285 hp V-8 2500 Short Bed Pickup

$8,314

G, A

750 kg

1.93 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

300 hp V-8 2500 Short Bed Pickup

$8,388

G, A

750 kg

1.94 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

195 hp V-6 2500 Long Bed Pickup

$8,158

G, A

750 kg

1.83 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-6 2500 Long Bed Pickup

$8,184

G, A

771 kg

1.83 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

255 hp V-8 2500 Long Bed Pickup

$8,456

G, A

771 kg

1.91 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

270 hp V-8 2500 Long Bed Pickup

$8,530

G, A

771 kg

1.97 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

285 hp V-8 2500 Long Bed Pickup

$8,610

G, A

771 kg

1.98 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

300 hp V-8 2500 Long Bed Pickup

$8,684

G, A

771 kg

1.99 tons

1+2

1

Headlights

Open

195 hp V-6 2500 Short Bed Ext Cab Pickup

$8,148

G, A

681 kg

1.92 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-6 2500 Short Bed Ext Cab Pickup

$8,174

G, A

681 kg

1.92 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

255 hp V-8 2500 Short Bed Ext Cab Pickup

$8,446

G, A

681 kg

2 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

270 hp V-8 2500 Short Bed Ext Cab Pickup

$8,520

G, A

681 kg

2.06 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

285 hp V-8 2500 Short Bed Ext Cab Pickup

$8,600

G, A

681 kg

2.07 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

300 hp V-8 2500 Short Bed Ext Cab Pickup

$8,674

G, A

681 kg

2.08 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

345 hp V-8 2500 Short Bed Ext Cab Pickup

$8,748

G, A

681 kg

2.15 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

195 hp V-6 2500 Long Bed Ext Cab Pickup

$8,444

G, A

700 kg

2.01 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-6 2500 Long Bed Ext Cab Pickup

$8,470

G, A

700 kg

2.01 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

255 hp V-8 2500 Long Bed Ext Cab Pickup

$8,742

G, A

700 kg

2.09 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

270 hp V-8 2500 Long Bed Ext Cab Pickup

$8,816

G, A

700 kg

2.15 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

285 hp V-8 2500 Long Bed Ext Cab Pickup

$8,896

G, A

700 kg

2.16 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

300 hp V-8 2500 Long Bed Ext Cab Pickup

$8,970

G, A

700 kg

2.17 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

195 hp V-6 Crew Cab Pickup

$8,122

G, A

543 kg

2.21 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

285 hp V-8 Crew Cab Pickup

$8,574

G, A

543 kg

2.36 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

295 hp V-8 Crew Cab Pickup

$8,622

G, A

543 kg

2.37 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

345 hp V-8 Crew Cab Pickup

$8,722

G, A

543 kg

2.45 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov*

Com Mov*

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

195 hp V-6 1500 Short Bed Pickup

596/115

166/32

98

87

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-6 1500 Short Bed Pickup

612/118

170/33

98

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

255 hp V-8 1500 Short Bed Pickup

738/142

205/40

98

114

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

270 hp V-8 1500 Short Bed Pickup

755/145

210/40

98

120

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

285 hp V-8 1500 Short Bed Pickup

794/153

221/43

98

127

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

300 hp V-8 1500 Short Bed Pickup

830/160

230/44

98

134

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

195 hp V-6 1500 Long Bed Pickup

581/112

162/31

129

87

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-6 1500 Long Bed Pickup

596/115

166/32

129

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

255 hp V-8 1500 Long Bed Pickup

719/138

200/39

129

114

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

270 hp V-8 1500 Long Bed Pickup

735/141

205/39

129

120

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

285 hp V-8 1500 Long Bed Pickup

773/149

216/42

129

127

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

300 hp V-8 1500 Long Bed Pickup

808/156

224/43

129

134

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

195 hp V-6 1500 Short Bed Ext Cab Pickup

555/107

155/30

98

87

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-6 1500 Short Bed Ext Cab Pickup

570/110

158/31

98

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

255 hp V-8 1500 Short Bed Ext Cab Pickup

687/132

191/37

98

114

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

270 hp V-8 1500 Short Bed Ext Cab Pickup

703/135

196/37

98

120

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

285 hp V-8 1500 Short Bed Ext Cab Pickup

739/142

206/40

98

127

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

300 hp V-8 1500 Short Bed Ext Cab Pickup

773/149

214/41

98

134

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

345 hp V-8 1500 Short Bed Ext Cab Pickup

858/165

238/46

98

154

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

195 hp V-6 1500 Long Bed Ext Cab Pickup

531/103

148/29

129

87

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-6 1500 Long Bed Ext Cab Pickup

546/105

151/30

129

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

255 hp V-8 1500 Long Bed Ext Cab Pickup

658/126

183/35

129

114

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

270 hp V-8 1500 Long Bed Ext Cab Pickup

673/129

188/35

129

120

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

285 hp V-8 1500 Long Bed Ext Cab Pickup

708/136

197/38

129

127

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

300 hp V-8 1500 Long Bed Ext Cab Pickup

741/143

205/39

129

134

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

195 hp V-6 2500 Short Bed Pickup

596/115

166/32

98

87

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-6 2500 Short Bed Pickup

612/118

170/33

98

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

255 hp V-8 2500 Short Bed Pickup

738/142

205/40

98

114

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

270 hp V-8 2500 Short Bed Pickup

755/145

210/40

98

120

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

285 hp V-8 2500 Short Bed Pickup

794/153

221/43

98

127

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

300 hp V-8 2500 Short Bed Pickup

830/160

230/44

98

134

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

195 hp V-6 2500 Long Bed Pickup

581/112

162/31

129

87

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-6 2500 Long Bed Pickup

596/115

166/32

129

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

255 hp V-8 2500 Long Bed Pickup

719/138

200/39

129

114

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

270 hp V-8 2500 Long Bed Pickup

735/141

205/39

129

120

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

285 hp V-8 2500 Long Bed Pickup

773/149

216/42

129

127

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

300 hp V-8 2500 Long Bed Pickup

808/156

224/43

129

134

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

195 hp V-6 1500 Short Bed Ext Cab Pickup

555/107

155/30

98

87

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-6 2500 Short Bed Ext Cab Pickup

570/110

158/31

98

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

255 hp V-8 2500 Short Bed Ext Cab Pickup

687/132

191/37

98

114

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

270 hp V-8 2500 Short Bed Ext Cab Pickup

703/135

196/37

98

120

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

285 hp V-8 2500 Short Bed Ext Cab Pickup

739/142

206/40

98

127

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

300 hp V-8 2500 Short Bed Ext Cab Pickup

773/149

214/41

98

134

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

345 hp V-8 2500 Short Bed Ext Cab Pickup

858/165

238/46

98

154

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

195 hp V-6 1500 Long Ext Cab Bed Pickup

531/103

148/29

129

87

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-6 2500 Long Bed Ext Cab Pickup

546/105

151/30

129

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

255 hp V-8 2500 Long Bed Ext Cab Pickup

658/126

183/35

129

114

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

270 hp V-8 2500 Long Bed Ext Cab Pickup

673/129

188/35

129

120

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

285 hp V-8 2500 Long Bed Ext Cab Pickup

708/136

197/38

129

127

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

300 hp V-8 2500 Long Bed Ext Cab Pickup

741/143

205/39

129

134

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

195 hp V-6 Crew Cab Pickup

487/94

136/26

98

87

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

285 hp V-8 Crew Cab Pickup

649/125

181/35

98

127

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

295 hp V-8 Crew Cab Pickup

674/130

188/36

98

131

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

345 hp V-8 Crew Cab Pickup

753/145

209/40

98

154

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

*For 2WD models, reduce off-road speeds by 25%, but reduce price by $125.

**With the optional front bucket seats available on extended and crew cabs, reduce Crew rating to 1+4.

***With OnStar, add $1,000; with a DVD entertainment system, add $40.

 

Chevrolet SSR 2004-05

     Notes: Sort of a cross between a convertible sports car and a pickup truck, Chevy bills the SSR as the “world’s first convertible sports pickup truck.”  It is a limited edition vehicle, with production rates deliberately kept low.  It is based on the chassis of the SWB TrailBlazer, but is only a 2-seater, with a metal top which folds into what would have been the passenger space.  The chassis may be based on the TrailBlazer, but the body styling is of a retro type based on Chevy 1947-53 pickups, and the SSR could never be mistaken for an SUV.  The 2004 SSR is powered by a 300-horsepower V-8 coupled to an automatic transmission.  The SSR is a 2WD vehicle with the drive wheels in the rear; it is not meant for off-road use.  Standard features include antilock brakes, traction control, leather upholstery, dual front airbags, side airbags, daylight running lamps, cruise control, AM/FM/CD, automatic headlights, and oversized wheels and tires (larger in the rear than in the front).  Options include power memory seat controls.  Bed length is only 1.52 meters, and only about 0.91 meters wide; you don’t buy the SSR for heavy cargo hauling, but to make a statement.  Towing capacity is 1.13 tons.

     The SSR gained a lot of power for 2005, changing its engine for a 390-horsepower V-8.  A manual transmission became optional; also optional was a cockpit wind blocker and an auxiliary gauge package.  The standard AM/FM/CD player is now capable of playing MP3s also.  Towing capacity remains 1.13 tons. The SSR gained a limited slip differential for 2005, as well as 6-way power driver’s seat and a 2-way power passenger’s seat.   It has heated power side mirrors, power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, a bedliner, and a theft-deterrent system. 

     The engines are powerful, but the SSR is also surprisingly heavy, and that saps the strength of the engines.  Most bumps and dips are soaked up easily, but larger ones can be jarring.  Like most convertibles, the body can quiver over rough pavement.  The power steering takes away a lot of the road feel, and judging when to turn takes some practice.  Due to the large tires, body lean is not very evident.  The engines can be loud when pressed, especially when the top is down.  There are a lot of squeaks and rattles in the SSR, and wind rush can be loud even with the top up.  The dashboard, like the vehicle styling, is retro, but easy to read.  The audio controls are a long reach for the driver, being a bit low.  The movement of the gearshift feels crude.  The entire vehicle is rather narrow, which means there is little shoulder room, but the SSR has good head and leg room.  The adjustment levers for the seats are almost impossible to use when the doors are closed. 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The SSR does not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

300 hp V-8 Pickup

$7,320

G, A

449 kg

2.16 tons

1+1

1

Headlights

Open

390 hp V-8 Pickup

$8,266

G, A

449 kg

2.16 tons

1+1

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

300 hp V-8 Pickup

750/72

208/20

95

134

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

390 hp V-8 Pickup

964/93

268/26

95

174

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Chevrolet Suburban 1992-99

     Notes: This is a full-sized Chevy SUV.  The engines are powerful and able to tow large loads; 2.23 tons on the 210-horsepower engine, 2.5 tons on the 190-horsepower engine, 2.41 tons on the 255-horsepower engine, 2.77 tons on the diesel engine, and 2.95 tons on the 230 or 290-horsepower engine.  These are fairly large vehicles, with four large side doors and either twin swing-open doors or a one-piece liftgate on the rear.  For 1992, the Suburban had a standard 210-horsepower V-8, but a 190-horsepower V-8 with more torque (and therefore, more towing power) was an option.  Another option was a 230-horsepower V-8.  Only automatic transmissions were available.  The Suburban 1500-series had 2-wheel drive and less payload than the 4WD 2500-series.  The 4WD version also had Insta-Trac and automatic locking hubs.  Both versions had standard 4-wheel antilock brakes.

     1993 brought electronic control to the automatic transmission for smoother shifts, and a second-gear start feature for better traction starts in rough terrain, slippery surfaces, or with heavy loads.  Few other changes were made in 1993.  In 1994, side door-guard beams were added, but the real news was the return of a diesel-powered Suburban, in the form of a 190-horsepower turbodiesel for the 2500-series.  For 1995, a driver’s side airbag was added as a standard feature, along with a redesigned interior and recontoured seats. The turbodiesel engine was now available in the 1500-series as well.  While coping with new emission controls, the standard engine fell 10 horsepower to 200. 

     1996 saw the debut of Vortec-engined Suburbans.  The standard engine became a 250-horsepower V-8, and the former 230-horsepower engine jumped in power to 290 horses.  Daylight running lamps became standard, and pushbutton engagement of the 4WD became an option.  The 1997 model saw the addition of a passenger-side airbag as standard, and the outboard seats of the second row gained shoulder belts.  The base engine grew in output by 5 horsepower.  In 1998, the 4WD Insta-Trac system was replaced by AutoTrac, which is a more reliable and stable system, and is useable on any road surface.  The 1999 model had no significant changes.

     The second-row seat is hard to access because the door opening is small, and the step height is large.  The legroom in back is not as good as would be suggested by a vehicle of the Suburban's size.  An optional third seat is available, and getting into this requires great effort.   In addition, this rear seat does not fold; it is removable, but very heavy, weighing over 50 kg.  The gauge and control layout is described as haphazard.  Ride is smooth, but, like most smooth-riding vehicles, handling suffers.  The transmission can be difficult in downshifting with the base engine (except for the base Vortec engine). Body lean is quite noticeable, even in moderate turns.  Panic stops can produce rear-wheel lockup, even with the antilock brakes, plus some nosedive. 

     GM makes a nearly identical vehicle with an identical name.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: These vehicles were built normally until the 1995 model year.  After that, most production went to military, police, and government concerns (particularly 2500-series vehicles), though more were built for civilian sales than other such Chevrolet vehicles.  The 1997 model year was short; it was cut off by the November Nuclear Strikes.

Vehicle

Price**

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew***

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

190 hp V-8/V-8D 1500 SUV

$7,034

G, A

667 kg

2.1 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-8 1500 SUV

$7,082

G, A

667 kg

2.1 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

210 hp V-8 1500 SUV

$7,134

G, A

667 kg

2.1 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

230 hp V-8 1500 SUV

$7,234

G, A

667 kg

2.16 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

250 hp V-8 1500 SUV

$7,308

G, A

667 kg

2.17 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

255 hp V-8 1500 SUV

$7,334

G, A

667 kg

2.17 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

290 hp V-8 1500 SUV

$7,508

G, A

667 kg

2.16 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

190 hp V-8/V-8D 2500 SUV

$7,822

G, A

1 ton

2.1 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp V-8 2500 SUV

$7,870

G, A

1 ton

2.1 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

210 hp V-8 2500 SUV

$7,922

G, A

1 ton

2.1 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

230 hp V-8 2500 SUV

$8,022

G, A

1 ton

2.16 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

250 hp V-8 2500 SUV

$8,096

G, A

1 ton

2.17 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

255 hp V-8 2500 SUV

$8,122

G, A

1 ton

2.17 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

290 hp V-8 2500 SUV

$8,296

G, A

1 ton

2.16 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov*

Com Mov*

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

190 hp V-8 SUV

501/97

139/27

159

84

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp V-8 SUV

524/101

146/28

159

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

210 hp V-8 SUV

551/106

153/30

159

94

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

230 hp V-8 SUV

584/112

162/31

159

103

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

250 hp V-8 SUV

626/120

174/34

159

111

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

255 hp V-8 SUV

639/123

177/34

159

114

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

290 hp V-8 SUV

724/139

201/39

159

129

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

190 hp V-8D SUV

501/97

139/27

159

56

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

*For 2WD models, reduce off-road speeds by 25%, but reduce price by $125.

**With OnStar, add $1,000; with a DVD entertainment system, add $40.

***With the optional front bucket seats, reduce Crew rating to 1+4.

 

 

Chevrolet Tahoe/Surburban 2000-05

     Notes: The Suburban and Tahoe of this period are basically the same vehicle, but the Tahoe is stressed for roughly a half-ton of cargo, while the Suburban is stressed for roughly 3/4-ton of cargo.  Both are large full-sized SUVs equipped with powerful engines and have roughly the same design.  They have four side doors and a dual rear side-opening doors, but a no-cost option was a liftgate with separate-opening glass.  2000 Tahoes and Suburbans  were available in base, LS, and LT trim levels. The Tahoe’s base engine was a 275-horsepower V-8, with a 285-horsepower engine optional for the LS and LT trim level; the Suburban used a 300-horsepower V-8.  The turbodiesel of the previous Suburban was dropped, with no diesel engine replacing it.  Automatic transmission was standard, with manual an option; on automatic transmission versions, a standard feature called Tow/Haul optimized the transmission for external or internal cargoes.  Both could have 2WD, with the drive wheels on the rear, or 4WD with AutoTrac, which allowed the 4WD to be used on pavement.  2WD models had optional traction control.  Antilock brakes were standard on new 4-wheel disc brakes.  Bucket seats could be an option on front seats of both models; the Suburban could also have them on the second row of seats.  (Each set of bucket seats reduces the Crew rating by one.)  The suspension changed from rear leaf springs to coil springs, and could have automatic suspension leveling. 

     For 2001, Chevrolet introduced a sporty Z71 off-road option with special styling and moldings, side steps, and larger wheels and tires.  LT and Z71 Tahoes and Suburbans has standard OnStar; it was an option on LS versions and not available on the base model.  The Suburban’s engine gained 20 horsepower, and there was a new 340-horsepower V-8 was also available as an option for the Suburban.  The LS models of both the Tahoe and Suburban gained as options heated power side mirrors, power windows, power locks, rear climate controls, CD player, air conditioning, and alloy wheels; these were also options on the LT and Z71 versions.

     In the 2002 model year made much of the LS/LT/Z71 options package standard on all models, including the base; these new standard features included the CD player, the power mirrors, locks, and windows, air conditioning, and rear climate controls, as well as alloy wheels.  New options for 2003 included an antiskid system, QuadraSteer 4-wheel steering is an option for the 300-horsepower Suburban with automatic transmission, and adjustable gas, brake and (if equipped with manual transmission) clutch pedals are available at LT and Z71 trim levels.  2003 Tahoes and Suburbans could also have an optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system.  2004 brought little changes of consequence, but one of those was a tire-pressure monitor.  Towing capacity for the Tahoe is 3.99 tons; for the Suburban towing is 4.76 tons.  Subtract 5% for 2WD models.

     For 2005, the third-row seat became an option on Tahoes.  Dual front airbags became an option on all models.  The standard Tahoe engine is a 285-horsepower V-8, with a 295-hosepower engine as an option; Suburbans have a standard 325-horsepower V-8, with a higher-torque 320-horsepower V-8 as an option.  The rear swing-out doors were dropped for 2005, but the liftgate with separate-opening glass is still available as the only rear door.  All 4WD models have AutoTrac; 2WD models have standard traction control.  Later in the model year, StabiliTrak became available, and was standard on these later Tahoes (but not Surburbans).  QuadraSteer is available only on Surburbans with the 325-horsepower engine with automatic transmission.  OnStar is standard for all models, but navigation assistance is optional for LT and Z71 trim levels only.  The Z71 trim level is now available on 2WD models as well as 4WD versions.  Other options include a rear DVD entertainment system, satellite radio, a 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat, automatic headlights, daylight running lamps, a theft deterrent system, and a load leveling rear suspension.  Power adjustable pedals are options for LS trim levels and above.  Dual front airbags are now standard.  Towing for the 2005 model of the Tahoe is 3.54 tons; for the Suburban with most engines, 4.76 tons, and for the 320 hp V-8 high-torque engine Surburban, 5.44 tons.  Subtract 3% of towing capacity for 2WD vehicles.

     The new engines are markedly smoother than the engines they replaced, but not much stronger.  The Tahoe’s early base engine labors dramatically when towing of hauling heavy loads.  They don’t drive like cars, but the handling is better than one might expect for such large vehicles, particularly with QuadraSteer.  Steering is precise, but they suffer in road feel.  The power steering is thought as too light at low speeds by many drivers.  The ride is quite smooth (except on the stiff-suspension Z71), and the Tahoe and Suburban are reasonably sure-footed.  Stopping power is strong and the pedal action sure.  Wind rush and tire noise are noticeable, particularly at high speeds, but not intrusive.  The visibility is almost excellent, except to the rear passenger side where the spare tire partially blocks vision. The dashboard is well-laid out and easy to read, and controls are easily accessible by the driver.  The back side doors are a bit small, and all side doors can be difficult to get into without the optional side steps.  The third row of seats are best suited for children, being really too small for adults; otherwise, head and legroom are excellent, especially with bucket seats.  Cargo space behind the third row is quite limited on the Tahoe, but much better on the larger Suburban. The third row seat is removable on both, but it is very heavy on the Suburban, though the Tahoe’s third row comes out in two sections.  They are not foldable.  Backups can be difficult, since there is no rear sensor system, and the Tahoe and Suburban are so tall; the Z71 is a particular problem in this regard.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: These vehicles do not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline.

Vehicle

Price****

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew*

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

275 hp V-8 Tahoe SUV

$8,468

G, A

692 kg

2.29 tons

1+8

1

Headlights

Open

285 hp V-8 Tahoe SUV

$8,522

G, A

692 kg

2.3 tons

1+8

1

Headlights

Open

295 hp V-8 Tahoe SUV

$8,568

G, A

692 kg

2.31 tons

1+8

1

Headlights

Open

285 hp V-8 Suburban SUV

$8,879

G, A

750 kg

2.32 tons

1+8

1

Headlights

Open

300 hp V-8 Suburban SUV

$8,953

G, A

750 kg

2.33 tons

1+8

1

Headlights

Open

320 hp V-8 Suburban SUV

$9,053

G, A

750 kg

2.39 tons

1+8

1

Headlights

Open

325 hp V-8 Suburban SUV

$9,073

G, A

750 kg

2.39 tons

1+8

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov**

Com Mov**

Fuel Cap***

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

275 hp V-8 Tahoe SUV

652/126

181/35

98

123

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

285 hp V-8 Tahoe SUV

676/130

187/36

98

127

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

295 hp V-8 Tahoe SUV

734/184

170/53

98

132

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

285 hp V-8 Suburban SUV

668/129

186/36

125

127

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

300 hp V-8 Suburban SUV

698/134

194/37

125

134

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

320 hp V-8 Suburban SUV

724/139

201/39

125

143

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

325 hp V-8 Suburban SUV

733/141

204/39

117

145

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

*Each row of bucket seats removes one from the Crew rating.

**For 2WD models, reduce off-road speeds by 25%, but reduce price by $125.

***Fuel Capacity for all 2005 Suburbans is 117 liters.

****With OnStar, add $1,000; with a navigation system, add $2,000; with a DVD entertainment system, add $40; with satellite radio, add $200.

 

Chevrolet TrailBlazer 2002-05

     Notes: This is a mid-sized SUV which shares a chassis with the Oldsmobile Bravada and GMC Envoy.  The TrailBlazer was also built to partially replace the Blazer SUV, but it is quite a bit larger than that vehicle.  Though the 2002 TrailBlazer is also larger inside than the Blazer, it has seats for only five; most of the rest of the interior is given over to cargo space or the various accouterments of the TrailBlazer.  The only engine available for 2002 is a 270-horsepower I-6, coupled with an automatic transmission.  The TrailBlazer could have 2WD (with the rear wheels being the drive wheels) or 4WD.  2WD models could have optional traction control; 4WD models had either traction control or AutoTrac.  Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard, as are dual front airbags (with the driver’s airbag protecting the head and torso).  Trim levels were LS, LT, and LTZ, with the LTZ version using larger wheels and tires.

     For the 2003 model year, the front airbags became optional, but the base engine became 5 horsepower more powerful.  The TrailBlazer for this year came in both standard-length and extended-wheelbase models, with the standard length version having LS, LT, and LTZ trim levels as the year before, and the long-wheelbase EXT had only one trim level roughly equivalent to the LTZ of the standard-length model.  The EXT also has three rows of seats for up to six passengers, a raised rear roofline, and extended rear side doors.  The EXT also had an optional 290-horsepower V-8 engine.  All versions except the LS could have as an option a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.  The EXT could have, in the third row of seats, the LATCH system of child seat anchors (for up to three child seats).  A North Face version was also produced, with a special trim package.  The standard-length TrailBlazer gained a larger fuel tank.

     2004 brought several new optional features, but the LTZ version was eliminated (though its features remained on the EXT version, and the larger wheels were an option on the LT model).  Other options included power-adjustable pedals, satellite radio, a navigation system, a DVD entertainment system, OnStar, and a sunroof.  2005 brought more options to the TrailBlazer, such as side-curtain airbags for the first and second rows of seats, a radio/navigation system with touchscreen interface, and a new V-8 engine with the Displacement on Demand feature – the engine actually shuts down half its cylinders when cruising to conserve fuel.  (When DoD is used, the engine uses 30% less fuel while cruising on improved roads.) This engine also had improved power, 300 horsepower in all.

     6-cylinder TrailBlazers have a towing capacity of 2.72 tons; 8-cylinder TrailBlazers have a towing capacity of 3.18 tons.  Reduce this by 3% if the TrailBlazer has 2WD.

     The 6-cylinder engine is fine for the standard-length model, but definitely underpowered for the EXT, especially when engaged in towing.  The ride quality is not as good as it could be, because the TrailBlazer uses a solid rear axle instead of independent suspension like most SUVs.  This is less expensive and mechanically simpler, but makes for a harder ride.  EXT’s do better in this department due to their longer wheelbase, but still tend to float and wallow over bumps.  The TrailBlazer can also have a great deal of nose-dip when going over hills and dips, and body lean is excessive.  Steering feel is a bit vague.  Turning radius is fairly tight, but if you do a tight turn at anything but low speed you stand a chance of tipping the TrailBlazer over.  The brakes stop the vehicle fast, but not without nosedive and wander, and a somewhat mushy brake feel.  The engines can sound rough and loud, especially when cold or worked hard.  The first two rows of seats are comfortable for adults, but the rear split folding seat isn’t unless only two adults are sitting in it.  If the second and third rows of seats are folded, you end up with a large cargo space, but that space will be on three levels of height, with several inches separating each level.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The TrailBlazer does not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

270 hp I-6 SWB SUV

$7,180

G, A

1.02 tons

2.09 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

275 hp I-6 SWB SUV

$7,206

G, A

1.02 tons

2.09 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

275 hp I-6 EXT SUV

$7,665

G, A

1.15 tons

2.25 tons

1+6

1

Headlights

Open

290 hp V-8 EXT SUV

$7,739

G, A

1.15 tons

2.26 tons

1+6

1

Headlights

Open

300 hp V-8 EXT SUV

$7,793

G, A

1.15 tons

2.27 tons

1+6

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov**

Com Mov**

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

270 hp I-6 SWB SUV

698/134

194/37

83*

120

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

275 hp I-6 SWB SUV

711/137

197/38

83*

123

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

275 hp I-6 EXT SUV

663/128

184/36

95

123

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

290 hp V-8 EXT SUV

693/134

193/37

95

129

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

300 hp V-8 EXT SUV

715/138

198/38

95

133

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

*2002 and early 2003 SWB TrailBlazers have a 71-liter fuel tank.

**For 2WD models, reduce off-road speeds by 25%, but reduce price by $125.

***Add $1,000 for OnStar; add $2,000 for a navigation system; add $200 for satellite radio; add $40 for a DVD entertainment system.

 

Chevrolet Uplander 2005

     Notes: Called by Chevy a “crossover sport van,” the Uplander is sport of a combination of minivan and SUV styling; the body is the LWB version of the 2004 Venture (but slightly larger), but the nose is that of an SUV.  The engine is a 200-horsepower V-6 coupled to an automatic transmission.  The Uplander is front-wheel drive (though the LT has optional all-wheel drive), and it comes in base, LS, and LT trim levels. Standard for all versions are antilock brakes, dual front airbags, OnStar, power windows, power locks, and a second-row bucket seats, a split folding third-row bench which folds flat into the floor, cargo rails on the roof, manual sliding rear side doors on both sides, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, a theft deterrent system, automatic headlights, and a rear DVD entertainment system.  Options include power sliding doors.  The LS adds front side airbags, integrated child safety seats for the third row, rear air conditioning and heating, cruise control, heated power mirrors on the sides and the rear quarters, remote keyless entry, and a rear washer/wiper.  The LT has those features and a 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat, second-row captain’s chairs, a standard passenger-side power sliding door (power on the other door is optional), and alloy wheels.  If the LT is also AWD, it also will have an air compressor and load-leveling suspension.  Uplanders of all types have a towing capacity of 1.59 tons.

     The Uplander’s engine has a surprising amount of power considering the size of the vehicle.  However, the weight of the vehicle is felt in panic stops, which carry the Uplander further forward than one might expect.  The ride is comfortable, with most bumps and dips absorbed, mainly due to the long wheelbase.  AWD is supposed to improve handling, but the handling of the standard front-wheel drive model is just as good.  The place where AWD’s advantage is felt is on slippery surfaces.  Load-leveling suspension actually makes the Uplander feel less stable.  The steering can feel vague at highway speeds.  The Uplander sounds very quiet in the front seats, but in the third-row seat, tire roar can become loud, enough so that those in the third row might not be able to hear those in the front or second row.  The dashboard is impressively designed, with all gauges easy to find and read, and controls easy for the driver to reach.  However, the dashboard and bins in the vehicle are made of noticeably cheap plastic.  Headroom and legroom are generous, and the Uplander has a low step-in.  However, getting into the third seat can be a problem for adults.  Visibility is excellent all around.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The Uplander does not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline.

Vehicle

Price*

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

200 hp V-6 Minivan

$8,710

G, A

683 kg

1.74 tons

1+6

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

200 hp V-6 Minivan

625/60

174/17

95

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

*With satellite radio, add $200, with air compressor, add $200.

 

Chevrolet Venture 1997-05

     Notes:  The Venture is a versatile minivan with folding rear seats, modular storage bins, and many luxury options.  It is similar in many ways to the Oldsmobile Silhouette and the Pontiac Trans Sport.  The 1997 Venture comes standard with a regular door on the driver’s side, but a sliding door is optional, and is wide enough to expose both the second and third row of seats.  The long wheelbase model has optional power sliding door on the passenger side of the vehicle (a normal sliding doors is standard), but and a manual sliding door on the other side of the vehicle.  Trim levels are Value, base, LS, or LT; the LS and LT are quite well-appointed.  All 1997 models used a 180-horsepower V-6 engine coupled to an automatic transmission.  Standard on all models are dual front airbags, antilock brakes and daylight running lamps.  Optional for all models included traction control and folding child safety seats on the third row of seats.  The two front seats are buckets, while the second and third row are benches.  The extended wheelbase model has a second-row bucket seat option, but this reduces the Crew rating by one.

     The 1998 model added seat-mounted side impact airbags for all rows of seats.  Regular wheelbase models now had an optional second manual sliding door on the other side of the vehicle.  A cargo version of the Venture was added, fitted with only the two front bucket seats, and primarily sold to businesses.  1999 brought an optional front bench seat, increasing the Crew rating to 1+7.  The side mirrors were now power-adjustable and heated, and the rear window had a defogger.  OnStar was an option for all models except the base model.

     In 2000, the 3-door model was eliminated.  In addition, a rear seat VCS entertainment system was available as an option (this was known as the Warner Brothers Edition).  Second-row child safety seats were standard on the Warner Brothers edition.  These second-row child safety seats were also options on all other models except the base and Value models.  The engine gained 5 horsepower.  OnStar was dropped from the options list, but traction control became standard on the LT version. 

     In 2001, the third row seat was redesigned so that it folded flat into the floor.  The driver’s side had power controls in the door for all locks, windows, and power sliding doors in the vehicle.  Options included  6-disc CD changer and an alarm which sounded when backing up if an obstacle is detected (this worked by sound waves).  A new standard feature was a power sliding driver’s side door.  The cargo version was dropped for 2001.  2002 brought optional all-wheel drive and a DVD rear entertainment system (replacing the VCS entertainment system option).  In 2003, antilock brakes and dual front airbags became options on the base and Value editions instead of standard features.  In 2004, a Plus model became the standard normal-length model; this version is only slightly less-well-appointed than the LS. Satellite radio was an option for the LS and LT trim levels.  2005 was a short model year for the Venture, since it was being phased out in favor of the new Uplander minivan/SUV hybrid.  The regular-length and 4WD versions were removed from the Venture lineup in 2005, leaving only a LWB 2WD version; the Value and base models were also removed, leaving the Plus, LS, and LT trim levels.  The Plus level has more features than the base, but a lot of things standard on the LS and LT are options on the Plus, such as front side airbags and antilock brakes.  The LS has standard power sliding doors on the left and right sides, a 2-person folding second row bench and a split folding third-row bench.  Options for the LS and LT included OnStar again, in addition to satellite radio and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player.  The LS could also have a rear DVD entertainment system; this was standard on the LT.  The LS and LT also had optional captain’s chairs for the second row or three bucket seats for the second row (increasing the Crew rating by one).  Other options include chrome wheels, a self-leveling suspension, and even a built-in air compressor for inflating anything from tires to rafts and air mattresses.

         The visibility problems associated with previous Chevrolet minivans has been solved, and there are also larger and better side view and rear view mirrors.  Handling is more like a car, and the suspension gives a soft ride also.  Body lean is moderate, and the all-season tires grip the road well.  Steering is precise.  Towing capacity and cargo capacity are average, but the potential cargo area is very high with the seats folded down.  Wind rush can be a little loud, especially around the side mirrors, but engine and tire noise are very low.  The transmission reacts quickly when shifts are needed, such as pulling onto freeways or passing.  The rear seats (especially the third row), unfortunately, can be too low for comfort for adults.  Towing capacity is 1.87 tons.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The 1997 model of this minivan was one of the last civilian vehicles manufactured by Chevrolet before the November Nuclear Strikes.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew*

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

180 hp V-6 3-Door Minivan

$6,400

G, A

659 kg

1.68 tons

1+6

1

Headlights

Open

185 hp V-6 3-Door Minivan

$6,426

G, A

659 kg

1.68 tons

1+6

1

Headlights

Open

180 hp V-6 4-Door Minivan

$6,230

G, A

624 kg

1.68 tons

1+6

1

Headlights

Open

185 hp V-6 4-Door Minivan

$6,256

G, A

624 kg

1.68 tons

1+6

1

Headlights

Open

180 hp V-6 EXT Minivan

$6,672

G, A

715 kg

1.74 tons

1+6

1

Headlights

Open

185 hp V-6 EXT Minivan

$6,698

G, A

715 kg

1.74 tons

1+6

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

180 hp V-6 3-Door Minivan

585/56

163/16

76

80

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

185 hp V-6 3-Door Minivan

602/58

167/16

76

82

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

180 hp V-6 4-Door Minivan

585/56

163/16

76

80

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

185 hp V-6 4-Door Minivan

602/58

167/16

76

82

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

180 hp V-6 EXT Minivan

566/54

157/15

95

80

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

185 hp V-6 EXT Minivan

581/56

161/16

95

82

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

*With optional second row bucket seats, Crew rating is 1+5.  With optional front bench seat, Crew rating is 1+7.  With the optional second row triple-bucket-seat option, crew rating is also 1+7.

**With OnStar, add $1,000.  With satellite radio, add $200.  With VCS entertainment system, add $30.  With DVD entertainment system, add $40.  With air compressor, add $200.