Chevy's Silverado keeps on trucking

• Article
• Comments ()
• Click-2-Listen
• Videos

By

We know that SUV sales have taken a hit at the hands of higher gas prices. That's also true of trucks. But, the pickup truck market, while smaller, is still large. Consider that, at the time of this writing — June — more than 700,000 full-size pickups have been sold this calendar year.

This is the final model year for the current generation of the Chevy Silverado. An all-new model of GM's best-selling vehicle will appear for 2008. Part of the reason for Silverado"s popularity has been the smorgasbord of body styles available. Buyers can specify everything from work trucks to commuter trucks; hybrids to high performance. The addition of an electric induction motor to the 5.3-liter V-8 allows the Silverado Hybrid Classic to get up to 10 percent better gas mileage than the non-hybrid models. Less green and more mean is the Silverado SS — Chevy's full-size hot-rod pickup. The short box special is available in rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive models. It"s powered by a muscular, 345 horsepower 6-liter V-8.

The two models bookend a full spectrum of traditional trucks in the Silverado Classic lineup. Regular, extended or crew cab body styles are available, with regular (6-foot-5-inches) or long (8 feet) cargo boxes. In addition, a light duty model sports a short (5-foot-8-inches) bed. The 1500 and 2500 models are offered in 4x2 and 4x4 versions. Engine choices include a 4.3-liter V-6, 4.8-liter V-8, three 5.3-liter V-8s and a 6-liter V-8. Horsepower ranges from 195-345. Payload capacity ranges from 1,216 pounds to 3,129 pounds A second tier of Heavy Duty models covers the needs of work truck owners. Gas, diesel and compressed natural gas power options are offered, topping out at the 8.1-liter, 330 horsepower/450 pound-feet of torque Vortec V-8, and the 6.6-liter, 360 horsepower/650 pound-feet of torque Duramax Diesel. HD 2500- and 3500-series trucks pack payloads of up to 4,058 pounds and 5,511 pounds respectively.

The test truck was a 2500 Classic extended cab 4x4, with a full load of options, including the beefy, 6.6-liter V-8, LT2 Equipment group, convenience package, and navigation system. The sticker price was $41,339. A 4x4 equipped with the off-road suspension package, my Silverado had a step-in height of 21.3 inches. I'm 6-foot-1-inch, but drivers not as long of leg would likely want to add an option surprisingly not found on this tester — running boards. Once you climb up into the Silverado LT, you find carlike comfort in a well-appointed cabin. Work trucks typically have oversized controls and switchgear, big enough to be used with a gloved hand. With a full load of options on board, this Silverado was more of an urban cowboy inside. The buttons for navigation system, sound system and heating/air-conditioning controls would take careful aim even with an ungloved finger. The extended cab is the midsize interior option. Behind the half-size rear doors, there's just enough room for a pair of people, provided that those up front aren't basketball-player tall. The Silverado's interior includes plenty of storage spots, including an oversized, covered center console and a dual level glove box.

The test truck's motor was on the brawnier end of the Silverado's wide range of choices. Linked to a six-speed automatic, the 6-liter Vortec V-8 is smooth and very powerful (300 horsepower, 360 pound-feet of torque). So equipped, this Silverado 4x4 can handle a payload of 1,382 pounds and tow up to 8,700 pounds. Not surprisingly, fuel economy isn't its strong suit. The EPA estimates mileage at 12 city/16 highway, and I averaged 13.8 miles per gallon in a week of mixed-condition driving. The off-road package beefs up the suspension and adds a locking rear differential and skid plates for undercarriage power train protection. The 4x4 Silverado has 8.7 inches of ground clearance below. Last year, Chevy sold more than 636,000 Silverados; the truck's 28 percent market share was second only to the Ford F-150's 35 percent share. It's easy to see why Silverado sells well. The big truck market may be smaller, but those who are in it these days either really need or really want what only a full-size pick'em'up can offer, and Silverado's a good one. The arm's length menu lets a buyer set their truck up for almost any use.