What Is A Cat Eye Truck?

Last Updated on February 25, 2024

Cat eye is probably a term you’ve heard thrown around in friend circles to refer to a particular vehicle. But what is a cat eye truck?

Cat eye denotes a generation of Chevrolet Silverado vehicles manufactured from 2003 to 2006, and also in 2007 as the Silverado 1500 Classic model. The name “Cat eye” is a reference to the vehicle’s slanted, cat eye like shaped headlights.

The cat eye Silverado marked an iconic era in the history of trucks. And there’s just nothing in the modern truck world quite like it.

In fact, 2003-2006 Chevrolet Silverado cat eye trucks continue to sell at an impressive rate. Even after 18+ years on the market!

Aged models are still managing to outsell some of their newer contemporaries, much to the delight of secondhand truck dealerships.

Truth be told, the cat eye seems destined to remain a favorite pickup truck. Mainly for its timeless design and endless capacity for modification.

So now we know the answer to: what is a cat eye truck, let’s dive into what makes the cat eye so special.

So, What is a Cat Eye Truck?

The name cat eye means far more than it might sound at first. It’s actually tied to the bold, eye-catching style of the Silverado truck. Specifically, the frontend design is what gave them this unique moniker.

The first immediate distinction about the cat eye is its aggressive shape and angling. Most notably, the design of the front end differs from other trucks with its sloped headlights resembling a cat’s eyes.

Even the bumper shape and raised hood give the entire truck a more aggressive appearance. Almost like a big cat ready to pounce on its prey.

And as the car industry trended more towards an aggressive design aesthetic, the Chevrolet Silverado “cat eye” truck was seen as leading the charge.

Adorned with distinct headlights reminiscent of its majestic namesake — a cat eye — the model gained admirers galore who celebrated its presence on highways and dirt roads alike.

Truth be told, this generation of truck was Chevy’s first real attempt at making an eye-catching truck with an aggressive look.

What’s so Special About These Trucks?

With it’s bold, brash design that stood out to drivers who wanted a more defined frame, the Chevy cat eye trucks really made a statement back in 2003.

Because at the time, the Silverado boasted something entirely unique: endless modification potential.

The cateye can easily be turned into a show build or become a powerhouse off-road vehicle with ease. It’s also able to be lowered for a unique appearance on the streets.

Of course, all of these features are nice, but the cateye is loved fondly for being a reliable powerhouse. Its well known that if properly maintained, the cateye Silverados should survive for more than 200,000 miles.

At the time it was built, the cateye lineup also boasted some impressive specs, with a workhorse of an engine, durable transmission, and unique but classic styling.

Even the cabin space was luxurious compared to many other trucks of its day. It had an impressive 41 inches of headroom and 38.4 inches in the backseat of the Extended Cab.

Are Cat Eyes Good Trucks?

Yes, this generation of Chevy Silverado trucks commonly run well past 200,000 miles when maintained properly.

Even after over a decade of being on the market, these trucks are still commonly found on the roads today. In fact, they hold a strong resale value – even when mileage on the odometer is well over 100,000 miles.

What Motor is in a Cat Eye?

The cat eye Chevy Silverado trucks were optioned with four engine choices: 4.3L V6 engine, 4.8L V8 engine, 5.3L V8 engine, and 6.6L V8 Duramax LBZ diesel engine.

Out of all the engine choices, the LBZ Duramax V8 diesel engine is by far the most sought-after version of the cat eye Silverados. These engines were known for reliability, ease of maintenance, and solid and consistent horsepower.

In fact, the LBZ Duramx made an impressive 360 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque.

Final Thoughts: What Is a Cat Eye Truck

The Chevrolet Silverado will always be remembered as an iconic leap forward in the history of pickup design. Even today, people looking to pick up a reasonably priced, reliable vehicle should consider the cat eye. It’s just that good of a truck.

So why are they called cat eyes? It’s because of the trucks slanted, cat eye like shaped headlights. Now you won’t be surprised the next time you hear someone pointing out the iconic slanted headlights of the cat eye.

Let’s hear it! Why is the Chevy cat eye Silverado so awesome? Share your experiences with us in the comments below.