1999 Chevrolet Silverado Conservative clothing hides a great new truck. By Jim McCraw, New Car Test Drive .com

Chevrolet has completely re-engineered and redesigned its line of pickup trucks. Now called Silverado, the new pickup is better than the old one in every respect. It rides better, it handles better, it stops quicker, it's faster and more powerful and it's more comfortable. The new Silverado is the most luxurious pickup truck we've ever driven. It may be the best full-size pickup on the market.

Our only problem with it is that it looks exactly like the old one. Where Dodge and Ford broke new ground in truck design with their Ram and F-150 pickups, Chevrolet has chosen a conservative design for its new Silverado.

Chevrolet argues that its customers are so happy with their trucks and so loyal to the brand that they want the new trucks to look just like the old ones. That may be, but we still think they look a bit on the bland side.

Underneath its conservative looks is a great truck that has almost nothing in common with the old one. Even the name is new. The old C/K designation has been dropped in favor of the new Silverado name.