[D13]

Having owned 69 c/10, a slew of 80's c10/c20's, a couple 90 GMT400's, and a 99 GMT800:

the 69 is rather crude.

The later 80's squares have good creature comforts. I personally like vinyl bench seats (buckets and my back don't agree). parts are cheap. Ride is OK depending on spring package. Handling is OK. Trucks are simple to work on. Fit and finish stock is Ok. Parts cheap. 3/4 tons will beat your kidneys. No air bags so I won't let my kids drive them, except maybe a 'burb where mass helps.

GMT400 - owned a 454SS and a 4.3 powered work truck. AC is a MUST as the aero package rams air into the cab with the windows open. Braking is a bit better, handling is similar, easier to park as the front tires are moved forward, better radios, a bit quieter in the cab. Extended cabs available, good for toting stuff. Better fuel economy. Ride is a bit better but not much different. Parts are more expensive. Late ones have air bags.

GMT800 - huge improvement in ride quality. Much quieter in the cab. Better handling. Braking has integrated ABS, not a personal fan. Much harder to work on. LS motors are a treat, big power, good economy. Uncomfortable seats and belts, at least in the early years. Much more susceptible to rust. Parts get a little more pricey. A mild fender bender will bend your frame.

So there's my personal summary.

Daily driver? Equinox, 30+mpg. Preferred driver? A square, because the seat comfort and I'm kind of a different guy. At 196k my GMT800 is headed to parts this spring, and I'm trying to decide which of my 200K+ squares to rebuild.