Chevy Trucks – Bethlehem, PA

History of Chevy Trucks

Chevrolet released its very first pickup back in 1918. Known as the Chevrolet One Ton, the truck came with some assembly options, making it possible to customize your truck after buying in. This made it possible to purchase your pickup and then add some customization features to the bed. Powered with a 3.67L 4-cylinder engine, the truck had a maximum output of 36 horsepower. The truck didn't have a roof for the driver, and it still relied on the wooden wheels (with rubber tires) that were common for the time. However, it marked the beginning of what eventually would become one of the most recognized truck manufacturers in the world.

Chevy Trucks of the Roaring Twenties

Just over a decade later, Chevy put out the AC Light Delivery pickup. This was a big deal because Chevy was the first company to put an overhead-valve six-cylinder engine into the truck (in fact, Chevy used a manufacturing tagline of "six for the price of four" when it released the pickup). This larger engine helped boost power and performed up to 46 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque. On top of having the more powerful engine, the truck also became the first Chevy truck to have a closed cabin. During the short existence of the Chevy pickup up to this point, the United States had, for the most part, been engulfed in the Great Depression. Due to this, the trucks had to be streamlined and were basically bare-bones outside of having the truck bed.

End to the Great Depression and the Rise of Art Deco Chevy Trucks

By the end of the great depression (and right on the outside of World War I), Chevy started to manufacturer its Art Deco lineup of trucks. This included the Half-Ton pickup in 1938. This truck came with several new design features, including more paint colors. The newly formed Art and Color Department at Chevy dug their hands in and released several new color variations of the truck. The truck remained the same until post World War II (as at the time, all automotive companies stopped producing consumer pickups and instead focused on producing machines of war).

Post World War II Chevy Trucks

The first post-World War II pickup was the 3100 (Chevy also came out with a 3600 and 3800 model, although the half-ton 3100 proved the most popular). The truck had a simplified front grille, where it ditched the "Art Deco" styling for a more straightforward, modern look. It also came with an in-dash radio, a first for its time. It also featured the classic corner window. Plus, the more powerful Thrift Master V6 engine that produced 90 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque was used.

Chevy Trucks of the Fabulous Fifties

By the 1950s, the United States had put world wars behind it and wanted to look ahead. The automotive industry wanted to, as well. This saw the release of the Task Force pickup in 1955. This pickup featured several new unique features, including a wraparound windshield and car-like seating. For the first time, Americans were looking at trucks as more than just a work vehicle. It was a fantastic way to get around. Yet Chevy also wanted to make sure the truck could still be used for work. To do this, it started to drop a small block V8 under the hood. This engine could produce 238 lb-ft of torque, a significant increase over the past V6. The 1955 Task Force (also known as the 3124 Cameo Carrier) became the first Fleetside pickup produced by anyone. This particular model would also eventually morph into the El Camino.

Chevy Trucks of the Seismic Sixties

Up until this point, each generation of Chevy pickups had extremely unique looks, and yet outside of having a bed, these trucks didn't have anything all that similar to the modern pickup. In the 1960s, though, the Chevy C10 and C/K series came out, and these trucks offered a similar body style for what you'll find on a modern truck. Over the years, this eventually morphed into the Chevy S10, which would go on to grow up and become the Chevy Colorado. It was a light-utility vehicle (as Chevy dubbed it), as it didn't have the same sheer size as the C10 or C/K series, but it still offered the familiar cabin design and truck bed. The modern world of pickups fully took flight in 1999, when Chevy unveiled not only the Silverado and Colorado over the years to come, but it also put out the Chevy Avalanche, which was part pickup and part SUV. While the company stopped its production in 2013, the Silverado and Colorado are still running strong.

2020 Chevy Models

The 2020 Chevy Colorado

The Chevy Colorado is Chevy's light-duty pickup that still delivers one wallop of a performance punch. With a number of trims and special edition packages and if you're looking for smaller Chevy trucks with full-size performance, we're confident you'll find exactly what you're searching for with the Chevy Colorado.

The Chevy Colorado has a true "Base" trim. It is designed for when you don't want anything extra or any thrills. You just want a truck that can get the job done. The base uses a 2.5L I4 engine that produces 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque. It has an AM/FM stereo, AUX input, and smart device integration, plus up to 3,500 pounds of towing.

The WT (Work Truck), which is the next trim up, uses the same engine. However, it does boost maximum towing to 7,000 pounds (with optional trailer equipment installed). It also comes with an optional WiFi hotspot as well. In many ways, it is the same as the base truck; you just have more optional upgrade options.

The LT trim maintains the same engine and towing options. This truck does come with WiFi hotspot as standard, plus satellite radio and HD radio come standard as well. With this package, you have the option to include a premium sound system. The LT is the first trim that comes with two different engine options. While the I4 is the standard engine, you can spring for the 3.6L V6, which produces 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. You can also go for the 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I4 engine. This diesel engine delivers 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The LT features a new 4.2-inch color Driver Information Center, which is not available on the previous trims, in addition to the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus System with an 8-inch HD color Touchscreen. Again, this did not come as an option for the other trims.

The Z71 is the top-tier trim for the Chevy Colorado. It does come standard with the V6. However, the Turbo-Diesel engine is not an option, so if you're interested in a diesel engine, you'll need to go with the LT. It also comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission (the previous trims come with a 6-speed). The Z71 features some added performance features to help you navigate everyday driving conditions and beyond. This includes a hill descent control and off-road suspension, plus trailering assist and tow/haul mode, both of which are available on the LT but are not standard.

The 2020 Colorado Special Editions

For the 2020 model year, there are several special edition packages. The first is the RST edition, which is an available package upgrade for the LT trim. This package adds on a new grille featuring the Chevrolet name printed across the front. It also comes with 20-inch low gloss black wheels. The RST features special edition badging and a black body side mold.

The second option is the Trail Runner package. This package offers additional skid plates and Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires. Like the RST, this package comes with a new grille, plus rock protection, for when you expect to take your new truck off-road.

The third special edition is the Colorado Redline. This package comes with black and red accents to help the truck stand out. It features black window trim, mirror caps, door and tailgate handle, a black bowtie emblem, black grille, plus black off-road assist steps. On the 18-inch wheels, there is a red accent stripe, plus red recovery hooks and a spray-on bedliner.

You can also opt for the Z71 Midnight Edition. This blacks out the entire truck, giving it 17-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires, a spray-on bedliner, all-weather floor liners, plus a unique Z71 hard badge. You might also be interested in the ZR2 Midnight and the Dusk Special Editions. Both come with unique paint jobs, a sport bar with off-road LED lighting, and 17-inch 5-spoke accessory wheels.

The package that likely receives the most attention is the ZR2 Bison. This was designed in partnership with American Expedition Vehicles and comes with fog lamps, AEV wheel flares, and 17-inch wheels, plus Boron steel skid plates, a special grille, and front winch provisions. There is also an accessory snorkel.

The 2020 Chevy Silverado

There are eight trim choices when shopping for the Chevy Silverado. In addition, there are six engine options, as well. This will give you the power to select the right trim and performance you're looking for.

The Work Truck is the base trim and comes with a 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 engine. The V6 produces 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque. Of course, if you're looking for something else, you can also swap in a 2.7L Turbo or a 5.3L EcoTec3 V8. The 2.7 Turbo engine might be smaller, but it doesn't lack in performance. It produces 310 horsepower and 348 lb-ft of torque while using an 8-speed automatic transmission. And if you went for the 5.3L V8, it comes with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque.

The Custom Truck offers several upgrades over the Work Truck. This includes body-color bumpers, plus a center grille bar for an aggressive stance (the 20-inch silver aluminum wheels help with this as well). Plus, it comes with LED taillamps.

The Custom Trail Boss takes the Custom truck and gives it an off-road touch. It comes with a factory-installed 2-inch lift. Of course, if you're serious about off-roading, you'll want to spring for the Z71 Off-Road Package and the Autotrac 2-speed transfer case, both of which are designed for the ultimate in off-roading.

The LT will give you that classic Chevy look and feel. It brings with it touches of chrome to the grille, mirror caps, and bumper. It also uses 17-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels. The LT also brings LED lighting to the front of the truck with LED headlamps and daytime running lights. The RST comes with similar features as the LT, only with more color options. It also upgrades the wheels to larger 18-inch silver aluminum wheels. It also includes an EZ Lift power lock and release tailgate.

Like the LT but want it rigged for off-road adventure? You'll want to check out the LT Trail Boss. This pickup comes standard with the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8. You can also upgrade it to the larger 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 with the dual-outlet exhaust. The larger 6.2L V8 produces 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, all while using a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine offers the best-in-class V8 horsepower, torque, and the best-in-class 13,400 pounds of maximum towing.

When you want your pickup to have all the premium touches, you'll want the LTZ. This trim adds touches of chrome throughout, plus 18-inch silver aluminum wheels. Most of the premium touches are found on the interior of the truck with comfortable seating upgrades.

The top-of-the-line trim is the High Country. With the High Country, you can opt for the classic two-tone color finish, plus high-intensity discharge LED headlamps and an industry-first power up/down tailgate. This way, when you need to connect to a trailer, you don't need to constantly get out and adjust the trailer. You can adjust the tailgate to fit your rig. On this model, as well as the LT, RST, and LTZ, you can spring for the 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine. This engine will give you 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque with auto stop/start technology.

Recent Awards

When looking for a pickup that's built to last, is durable, and provides ample performance, look no further than the Chevy Silverado and Colorado. These trucks are some of the most awarded vehicles on the roads today. Kelley Blue Book awarded the Chevy Silverado its best resale value award in 2017 and its 5-year cost to own award. So not only will you get more bang for your buck when buying the Chevy, but you'll get more back for it when it comes time to trade it in for an upgrade. What happens when you want even more muscle in your pickup? J.D. Power and Associates awarded the Silverado HD its highest ranking large heavy-duty pickup award in 2019 and the most dependable large heavy-duty pickup award in 2016. Kelley Blue Book gave it the 2019 best resale value award, and Equipment Today listed it in the top 50 of new products contractors need to have. Need a smaller pickup that can still deliver? The Chevy Colorado has its own list of accolades. This includes the Kelley Blue Book 5-year cost to own award of 2017. It also received the Popular Mechanics off-road truck of the year award (for the Colorado ZR2 Bison trim package). On top of this, Edmunds gave the 2017 Colorado the most wanted midsize truck award.