1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 Differences?

[occupant]

I'm looking to buy a truck for my wife and thought I had the perfect one ('05 ECSB Silverado, 2WD, 5.3, LT, black on black, 88K miles, $8500) until she told me she didn't like the squared off styling of the 03-05 models.

So we're looking at the rounded styling 99-02 models like her mother's Pewter '00 ECSB Silverado. We've decided as long as it's an ECSB (extended cab, short bed), 2-wheel drive, cloth interior, automatic, and clean, it's all good. But I'm curious to know what all the differences are between these four years. The only one I know of for sure is that 2000-2002 models have the LATCH system for child seats and I don't know if 1999 models do or not. I know all these years offer 4.3, 4.8, and 5.3 engines. I know they came in dark blue every year (her preferred color, although gray and black are ok and maroon is kinda ok). So what else do I need to know?

Are there any years with more or less recalls/TSBs? Are there any equipment changes to worry about? Do any of these years allow a digital upgrade to OnStar (2002-2004 Impalas can, not sure about trucks) if equipped? How about power and mileage? Mother-In-Law's 2000 model truck has the 5.3 with 3.42 gears, but she regularly gets 20-24mpg and she drives like she's qualifying.

[gfitzge33]

hi, the biggest differences i think are on a 99 there are only 3 doors not. only the passenger side is the suicide door setup. and it only has a compass in the mirror no thermometer. which really isnt a big deal. also on a 99 it was and option to get that 5.7 350 vortec like gm used in 96-98. but mostly u will run into the good ole 5.3