Nbs : Not Impressed

pm26 · May 24, 2007

This is just my opinion, but after looking at these NBS trucks closely, I noticed that only the top-of-the-line version (LTZ) has fake wood trim. The lesser trim versions are plasticky looking inside, which was the main complaint with the previous body style truck. Plus the NBS is more boxy looking and overall I do not find them that appealing. So where is the great improvement? In the mechanical department? And they still use the old 4 speed automatic.

HuntingEd · May 24, 2007

Drive one... It will change your opinion.... Its my better than the 03 I had...

I was a little miffed about the "wood" inserts at first too, but its grown on me, looks ok... adventually i'll probably replace it w/ brushed aluminum.

I wish they trimmed the interiors like the z71 tahoes... thats a sweet look.

hotwheels57 · May 24, 2007

If you want the LTZ "fake wood trim" on a LT1/LT2 version of the new body style truck, there's at least three sources on EBAY that sell individual pieces or complete kits to replace the oem "plasticky" (sic) trim. The companies use the exact same oem process to produce burlwood or just about any other faux finish.

redvett · May 24, 2007

The thing i don't like about the GMT900 is the box sides are too tall. I have a friend that has the same truck as my 04 GMT800 and same options including tire size. I cannot touch or retrieve any thing from the side and i am 6'1". On my GMT800 i can easily reach in and retrieve boxes or anything else in the box but not so in the GMT900. I don't want to have to carry a step stool just to climb in the box for packages.

steppetoe · May 24, 2007

This is just my opinion, but after looking at these NBS trucks closely, I noticed that only the top-of-the-line version (LTZ) has fake wood trim. The lesser trim versions are plasticky looking inside, which was the main complaint with the previous body style truck. Plus the NBS is more boxy looking and overall I do not find them that appealing. So where is the great improvement? In the mechanical department? And they still use the old 4 speed automatic.

I went from an '03 to an nbs and here is my take:

I have the "lesser trim" version and it is so much nicer than my previous truck that there is really no comparison. Not sure what you were expecting but if you want to see what plasticky really looks like, check out a new Tundra. So as far as the interior is concerned, these "lesser trim" versions are as good as it gets in any non-luxury pickup. Everything about it looks better and feels better. There is also more storage, what with dual gloveboxes and the locking center seat storage. The old one feels fisher price by comparison. The uplevel interiors, to me, look even more amazing. In fact, I think they are almost too nice to be in a truck.

The overall rigidity of the new structure is far improved. The steering feels much nicer. The brakes feel nicer. There is less wind noise. You can get better mileage thanks to AFM if you lightfoot the gas pedal. The stereo is better. The rear door arrangement on the extended cab is class leading and a whole lot better than my old truck. The bed is deeper (I happen to think that in a truck, this is a benefit). The front seats are far more comfortable. The NHTSA safety ratings are far better.

As far as looks, I liked my Silverado just fine but I think my new Sierra is a much better looking truck.

There was nothing wrong with the 4 speed auto in the old truck and there is nothing wrong with the 4 speed auto in the new truck. Sure, the 6 speed would be nice but I don't think it is the transformation that people seem to think.

MS3DALE · May 24, 2007

I totally agree with steppetoe and couldn't have said it better myself,especially on the "4 spd/6 spd" debate,I'm so sick of hearing everyone complain about the lack of a 6 spd.

I've driven a couple new GMT900 HD's with the 6-liter/6spd (6L90-E) and I don't see what all the fuss is about,I mean the tap-up/tap-down shift feature is nice (but I would even get tired of "playing" with that after awhile) other than that it just has two more gears that wouldn't do much for me.

These new trucks are a total improvement over the GMT800's,Just like the GMT800's were an improvement over the GMT400's.

I just got done towing my buddies Corvette home for him from North Carolina to PA. and let me tell you....That 6-liter/4spd./3.73 combo. worked great going up/down those mountains! PLEEEENNNNTY of power and torque!!!

Like HuntingEd said,Drive one!

VMax2007 · May 24, 2007

This is just my opinion, but after looking at these NBS trucks closely, I noticed that only the top-of-the-line version (LTZ) has fake wood trim. The lesser trim versions are plasticky looking inside, which was the main complaint with the previous body style truck. Plus the NBS is more boxy looking and overall I do not find them that appealing. So where is the great improvement? In the mechanical department? And they still use the old 4 speed automatic.

Sounds kinda like "buyers remorse" from someone who is trying to convince himself that he shouldn't have waited another year to buy when the NBS trucks arrived.

steppetoe · May 24, 2007

This is just my opinion, but after looking at these NBS trucks closely, I noticed that only the top-of-the-line version (LTZ) has fake wood trim. The lesser trim versions are plasticky looking inside, which was the main complaint with the previous body style truck. Plus the NBS is more boxy looking and overall I do not find them that appealing. So where is the great improvement? In the mechanical department? And they still use the old 4 speed automatic.

Sounds kinda like "buyers remorse" from someone who is trying to convince himself that he shouldn't have waited another year to buy when the NBS trucks arrived.

Yeah, I just noticed that he had an '06. You're probably right.

bossier62guy · May 24, 2007

This is just my opinion, but after looking at these NBS trucks closely, I noticed that only the top-of-the-line version (LTZ) has fake wood trim. The lesser trim versions are plasticky looking inside, which was the main complaint with the previous body style truck. Plus the NBS is more boxy looking and overall I do not find them that appealing. So where is the great improvement? In the mechanical department? And they still use the old 4 speed automatic.

Sounds kinda like "buyers remorse" from someone who is trying to convince himself that he shouldn't have waited another year to buy when the NBS trucks arrived.

Yeah, I just noticed that he had an '06. You're probably right.

Trust me, he's not the only one that doesn't care for the looks of the 900's....

SoCalChris · May 24, 2007

I'm sure the new trucks are nice, but the only thing an 07 model has that I really wish I had is the 100k powertrain warranty.

I"m not knocking the new trucks, or anyone that has one. I'm just perfectly happy with my 2006, and the low price I got it for.

jsbossert · May 24, 2007

I love anything with that chevy bowtie on the front.....always will!

krww06 · May 24, 2007

Aesthetically, I think my ’95 K1500 looks MUCH better than my ’07 NBS. However, steppetoe nailed it in his post. This thing is so much better in every other aspect that it's quite easy to overlook the aesthetic shortcomings of the NBS. Besides, the NBS is beginning to grow on me. Not to mention, you really don't see that many of them around yet.

ChrisNJ · May 24, 2007

Agree, the box sides are high, but all of them are now. Freinds have new Nissan, Dodge, Toyota, all the same, plus their entire trucks and tailgates are higher, not so on the Sierra, a big benefit to me, getting in and out 20 times a day, and loading dirtbikes.

As for 800 vs. 900, well, not much of a choice, is there, you either stick with what you have, or go with the flow. My 900-Sierra Denali is really a nice truck, granted it's got a lot of fluff, a little too much for me, but it's growing on me. Rides good, handles good, steers fantastic, etc... overall much improved over the 800's, again IMO.

Also the 6 vs 4 speed is, IMO, silly, the 4sp is very good expecially mated with 4:10's, and not bad at all with 3.73's. My 6.2-6sp is very nice, but in comparison, it shifts alot, shifts all the time, driving around town, highway, shift, shift, shift. I'll get over it, and probably used to it, but it's certainly not the holy-grail that most think it is.

steppetoe · May 24, 2007

Aesthetically, I think my ’95 K1500 looks MUCH better than my ’07 NBS. However, steppetoe nailed it in his post. This thing is so much better in every other aspect that it's quite easy to overlook the aesthetic shortcomings of the NBS. Besides, the NBS is beginning to grow on me. Not to mention, you really don't see that many of them around yet.

I used to have a '98, and I have to agree that it was a great looking truck. GM really got that generation right, style-wise. I do prefer the look of my nbs over my '03 though. I think it takes time for people to become familiar with any new truck. I remember people referring to the '03 refresh as the "angry mexican".

overlord1 · May 24, 2007

Aesthetically speaking, I too don't care for NBS trucks. I've seen several on the road already and something about them doesn't look right to me. It's like the styling isn't proportional or something, very angular and WIDE. Yes, I do own an '06 which I happen to like quite a bit. I prefer the 800's styling to the new NBS. I do admit that the interior of the new trucks looks like a vast improvement over the 800's. If only I could get the NBS interior in my 800 it would be the perfect truck