Truckin' good times.(trucks from GMC, Buick and Chevrolet)(Brief Article)(Evaluation)(Statistical Data Included)

Chevrolet returns to its Super Sport roots, with a truck. Buick finally gets a V8, in a truck. GMC gets an open top-you guessed it-in a truck.

We're starting to see a pattern here, and we're not sure we like it-no matter what automakers say about trucks taking up more than half of the vehicle marketplace. But like it or not, trucks are getting some of General Motors' best engines and engineering in the 2003 and 2004 model years.

Probably the slickest, most innovative package comes from GMC in the form of the Envoy XUV, essentially an extended-wheelbase Envoy with a cargo area that converts to a high-sided, all-weather open truck bed. XUV trumps other sport/utility vehicles by incorporating GM's next-generation Midgate (this time with power sliding glass) as a front bulkhead, a drop or swing-out tailgate and a power sliding rear roof that opens the entire rear of the vehicle for cargo. Underneath, XUV gets either the 4.2-liter inline six with 5 extra horsepower (now 275 hp) and 275 lb-ft of torque, or the Chevy SSR powertrain, a 5.3-liter V8 making 285 hp and 325 lb-ft.

If ...