A lot of truck models have come and gone. Some pickups were able to withstand the test of time and even made successful comebacks, while others were buried in the archives.
There are, however, some discontinued models that enthusiasts are keeping alive in their own garages, bringing them up for striking conversations with other gearheads from time to time.
One of them is the Chevy Cateye.
What Is a Cateye Chevy?
The Chevy Cateye is a series of Silverado trucks that were produced from 2003 to 2006. The 2007 Silverado Classic also fell under this classification.
The Chevy Cateye is a series of Silverado trucks that were produced from 2003 to 2006. Image credit: Wikimedia.
Chevy Cateyes are Silverado trucks that sport a pair of cat eye-like headlights, giving them a rather aggressive appearance.
Many enthusiasts would agree that the Cateye is the most sought-after Silverado model because of its timeless appearance. You could park it next to the latest pickup, and the Cateye would still turn heads more times than its competitor.
More Than Meets the Eye
The popularity of the Cateye Chevy goes beyond its aggressive headlights. A lot of enthusiasts love this classic because of three things: customization options, engine build, and interior features.
Customization Options
Many fans of the Chevy Silverado believe that the Cateye models belonged to a generation of pickups that were easily customizable.
The Cateye is basically a blank canvas. Dress it up with a show build, transform it into a mean off-roader, or take it down a peg or two for that lowered stance一the possibilities are endless.
The Cateye Chevy is also good enough on its own. Its unique bumper and raised hood paired with sloped headlights closely resemble a big cat一like a panther or tiger hunting its prey.
The aggressiveness of the Cateye goes beyond its appearance. Once you pop the hood open, you can get a close look at a 5.3L V8, 6.0L V8, or the famous LBZ diesel engine.
The LBZ Duramax engine is every diesel lover’s favorite. Known for its strength and reliability, the LBZ Duramax engine on the Cateye was also relatively cheap to work on because of pre-emissions engineering.
Interior Features
The Cateye’s interior was another reason why the model was loved by many.
Today, you’ll find tons of models with advanced features like heated seats, adjustable steering wheels, and state-of-the-art infotainment systems, which aren’t really surprising considering the automotive advancements that were made over the years.
But for an oldie like the Cateye, luxurious seating options were already available as early as 2003, specifically reclining seats.
The Chevy Cateye also boasts a generous cabin space, sporting nearly 41 inches of headroom. Meanwhile, the back seat of the extended cab has about 38.4 inches of room.
Chevy Cateye Common Problems
While it’s true that Chevy Silverados are generally reliable, the Cateye is like any other vehicle out there. It could develop problems down the line.
So if you want to get your hands on a classic Cateye, here are some common issues you should know about it.
Rust Build-Up
Rust build-up is one of the most common problems Silverado owners have complained about in their pickups.
Silverado models can develop rust on their bodies quickly, affecting their tough-looking exterior.
Engine Knock
With the wear and tear that comes with the Cateye’s job, engine knock is bound to occur, especially if you fail to stay on top of its maintenance needs.
Engine knock, spark knock, or ping usually occurs when the vehicle is accelerating. The engine makes these sounds because of abnormal or uncontrolled combustion inside one of the cylinders.
Excessive Oil Consumption
Different mechanical problems can cause the engine to consume too much oil, including worn-out seals, gaskets, ring groves, and connecting rods.
If left unaddressed, your truck could even use up a whole quart of engine oil within 1,000 miles.
Another reason why your truck could be using too much engine oil is that the oil is old and unable to do its job. This is often the result of ignoring a vehicle’s preventive maintenance schedule (PMS).
The transfer case position sensor lets you switch between 2-wheel drive (2WD) and 4-wheel drive (4WD).
If the transfer case position sensor goes bad, you might have trouble shifting gears or notice your vehicle is jumping between 2WD and 4WD.
The End of an Era
Chevrolet simply had to make way for the new breed of Silverados in 2007, and unfortunately, it was also the last time Cateyes were sold in the market.
The 2007 model was Chevrolet’s attempt to create a new and improved Silverado, and a part of this process involved halting the production of the famed Cateye.
The Significance of the Launch of Silverado Cateyes
The launch of the Cateye Silverado was Chevy’s venture into the aggressive-looking truck scene. The Cateye stood out against competitors because the scene was filled with cars that had rounder designs, like the Toyota Tundra and the Nissan Titan.
Even today, many enthusiasts still consider the Chevy Cateyes to look as good as brand-new trucks. It could be a testament to the Cateyes’ popularity at the time, representing the entire mid-2000s culture.
How Much Does a Chevy Cateye Cost?
The rarity of the Chevy Cateye is one reason why this truck can be quite expensive to buy. For a used truck, the Cateye might not be the most budget-friendly option.
A gasoline-powered HD model can cost about $15,000, while a Cateye with an LBZ engine can go for as high as $25,000 (maybe even more).
How Long Does a Chevrolet Silverado Last?
As far as longevity, Chevrolet Silverado’s are pretty average. You’re bound to get somewhere around 200,000 miles if you take proper care of your truck. Some owners have even reported getting their Silverado up to 300,000 miles.
Thankfully, Chevy has an easy-to-follow maintenance schedule to help you take care of your truck:
Every 22,500 miles: Replace the passenger air filter.
Every 45,000 miles: Replace clutch fluid, change brake fluid, change automatic transmission fluid, replace engine air filter, have the evaporative control system inspected.
Every 97,500 miles: Replace spark plugs.
Every 150,000 miles: Flush and replace engine coolant, inspect engine accessory drive belt.
Is the Silverado the Only Cateye Truck?
The Silverado isn’t the only cateye Chevy had, as the Trailblazer also had similarly designed headlights. However, the Trailblazer wasn’t as popular as the Silverado.
The limelight that fell on the Chevy Cateye from 2003 to 2006 turned into General Motors’ most successful years in the pickup truck segment.
With all the pickup trucks that came after the famed Cateye, Chevy’s aggressive-looking truck remains a popular pick among enthusiasts for several reasons.
Most fans would agree that the Cateye was way beyond its time, sporting a set of advanced features and incredible driving performance that other models in its generation could only dream of.
The Cateye was also popular for being one of the most versatile trucks out there, looking good in any modification or upgrade.
But even though Cateyes are no longer available in the market, their resale value remains high even for a used truck.
Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, including research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. Lisa has written for Car Bibles and The Drive.
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