Chevy’s newly designed Silverado pickup is better than the old version in just about every respect. It goes faster, it stops quicker, It’s more powerful, it handles better, It rides smoother and it’s a whole lot more comfortable. This is more than just a cosmetic makeover.

Dodge was first to break new design ground with the Ram, and Ford followed with the F-150. However, Chevy truck owners have such serious brand loyalty they didn’t seem to mind that GM stuck with a conservative update for the new Silverado, because they know underneath that traditional sheet metal, this truck has little in common with its predecessors.

Now I have to admit, I’ve always preferred a truck as my own daily driver. And except for owning a ‘68 Chevy for the blink of an eye, and an S15 Jimmy for a few years, I’ve personally owned Ford trucks the rest of my entire adult life — including my current F250 4X4. But into the confessional — this new Silverado turned my head. It’s simply one of the most luxurious pickups I’ve ever driven, and when the time came, I didn’t want to give it up.

Just like all the other full-size pickups, the new Silverado comes in two-and four-wheel-drive versions, with short or long beds that are both fendered and not. Two, three, or four-door cabs are all offered in the base, LS and LT trim levels. Yes, you read that right — Chevy’s new-generation pickup has matched Ford, Dodge and Toyota with an optional four-door cab design.

Also new for 2000 are self-dimming rearview mirrors that include an outside temperature gauge and compass. Another nice feature on the LS and LT models is programmable door locks so the driver can customize locking and unlocking features depending on needs.

Under the hood, a choice of three V8’s — a 4.8, 5.3 or 6.0-liter are available. All are based on GM’s new small-block architecture introduced in the Corvette two years ago and shared with Camaro and Firebird last year. This is the first major overhaul of Arkus Duntov’s tried and true small block design originally introduced in 1955 in a 265 cu.in configuration. It’s was recreated periodically, first as a 283, than a 327 and eventually the workhorse 350. But this engine is new, not a re-bored and stroked version of Duntov’s design An improved 4.3-liter V6 is also available, but look for the majority of sales to be the V8s.

All three V8’s and the V6 are coupled to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. The 5-speed manual is standard on the base truck, but I expect most buyers will opt for the 4L60 and 4L65 4-speed automatics. With a new delayed-upshift feature for towing, these tranny’s are excellent choices.

Also new is an aluminum short and long-arm front suspension, with coil springs on the two-wheeler, and torsion bars on the 4X4s. Brakes are big, 4-wheel heavy-duty discs with ABS standard on all models.

The interior of the Silverado is traditional Chevrolet — with the roomiest cab of any full-size truck. Doors are trimmed in a nice combination of vinyl panels and velour, and doors and door openings that are the largest in the industry.

Instrumentation looks like it did in previous C.K trucks with some features borrowed from the new Corvette. A large speedometer and tach are flanked by four smaller white on black gauges. Three 12-volt outlets at the bottom center of the dashboard can accommodate wireless phones, radar detectors, laptop computers, etc.

Our four-wheel drive LT Extended Cab test vehicle was equipped with optional heaters for the front seats, but the LT package also comes with a generous, lockable floor console, removable cup holder tray and a storage nook in front of the lid. Air conditioning outlets and a set of drop-down cup holders are built in for rear-seat passengers. A compass, along with storage areas for sunglasses, garage door opener, and other small stuff is incorporated into the overhead console.

The back seat has been redesigned and remounted for far greater room and comfort, but a wrench can quickly remove the entire seat assembly through the side door.

On the highway, the Silverado LT drives like a luxury car. It’s extremely smooth and quiet — unlike my Ford — largely due to the new chassis, which features mounting and isolation hardware to reduce noise and vibration. A cast magnesium beam located behind the instrument panel and a lateral steel beam between it and the right side of the dash further reinforce the body, helping eliminate squeaks and rattles. This combination, along with a 143 inch wheelbase, works so well that it enhances high-speed stability and the overall ride is near-luxury.

Our Silverado LT had the optional 5.3-liter (324 cubic-inch) engine, rated at 285 horses — an increase of 15 horses over last year’s version. This engine also has a fat torque curve, making it useful for light towing.

Whines: As with most GM products, the doors lock automatically as soon as you pull away. I hate this feature — but only when I want to get out and have an armload of stuff. Thankfully, it can be de-programmed at the dealer,

Kudos: This version of the Chevrolet Silverado is by far the best among the newest generation of full-size Detroit iron. The Silverado I drove is the smoothest, quietest, best equipped, most civilized and most enjoyable truck I’ve driven in a number of years.

Bottom Line: If you’re in the market for pickup that you’ll still want to be driving a decade from now, check out the Silverado. Styling may be traditional but so is the value. This truck is the depiction of “County Cadillac” in no uncertain terms. It’s also a damn good truck.