2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Styles

Overview

The most striking feature of the 2008 Silverado, which Chevrolet completely redesigned a year ago, is the interior. The new cabin offered on the top LTZ trim is similar to that currently offered on GM's full-size sport-utility vehicles such as the Chevrolet Tahoe, and offers standard luxury features like power heated front leather seats, six-disc CD/MP3-capable audio system, and heated windshield washers, while top crew cab LTZ models add rain-sensing wipers and a rear-seat audio system. LTZ models are further differentiated by a completely different instrument panel and door panels, a huge, 20.1-liter center console storage area, and upgraded five-liter glove box. Ultrasonic rear parking assist is available.

The work truck and LT trims are equipped on more of a budget for those who plan to use their pickup for utility, with a more basic interior treatment. These trims have still been upgraded with larger control knobs, and a lockable in-seat storage bin that's large enough for a laptop computer and has a built-in 12-volt power outlet. The LT adds most popular equipment like air conditioning, cruise control, and a CD/MP3 audio system, and a 1LT convenience package brings more luxury in the way of dual-zone climate control, a remote starting system, and steering-wheel audio controls.

Stadium-style rear seats, which are split 60/40 and have a fold-down center armrest, are standard on the crew cab and available on the extended cab. Rear legroom is sizeable on extended cab models and ingress and egress is now improved thanks to rear access doors that open 170 degrees.

Each trim level is available in either 2WD or an on-demand 4WD system with locking rear differential. A 195-horsepower, 4.3L V6 is standard on WT regular cab and 2WD extended cab models, while a 295-horsepower, 4.8L V8 is standard on WT 4WD extended cab, LT regular cab and extended cab models, and WT and LT crew cab models. A 315-horsepower, 5.3L V8 with Active Fuel Management, a system that automatically shuts down half of the cylinders during light-load driving, is standard on LT crew cab and all LTZ body types.

That 5.3L V8 is available as an option on all other models, while there's also a FlexFuel version that adds E85 compatibility. Thanks to Active Fuel Management, the 5.3L gasoline Silverado is rated at 16 city, 21 highway, the same as the base 4.3L V6 and one of the best figures in its class.

As part of the maximum trailering package, a 367-horsepower (and 375 lb-ft), 6.0L V8 is available on LT and LTZ extended and crew cab models. This engine has variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management. The package also includes a heavy-duty rear axle, locking differential, heavy-duty cooling system, and high-capacity transmission.

Each of the five suspension systems available on the Silverado are tailored for particular driving situations, and each has a completely different character. The Z83 delivers the best ride, while the Z85 upgrades for improved handling and towing capacity. The Z71 is the option for those who plan to take their Silverado off-road, and for those wanting optimized street performance there's the Z60, which includes 20-inch wheels. The Silverado rides on a fully boxed frame with coil-over-shock front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering unit. StabiliTrak continues to be available on the Silverado.

Cargo bed lengths are 5'-8" for the short bed, 6'-6" for the standard bed, and 8' for the long bed, and rated payload goes up to 2,160 pounds when properly equipped.

The OnStar Generation 7 system is standard on all Silverados, including automatic crash notification and a one-year subscription to the Safe & Sound plan.

Value

To cater to the wide range of customers and uses for full-size pickups, Chevrolet is wisely offering two completely different interiors for the new Silverado, resulting in products that are both functional and as completely luxurious as the customer demands. Prices are very competitive, with extended cab models beginning at $22,210 ($495 less than 2007) while crew cabs start at $26,700 and the base regular cab in work truck trim starts at only $17,175 (a $685 discount versus 2007).

Chevrolet claims that the Silverado is the most dependable and longest lasting pickup truck model, and points to J.D. Power's Initial Quality Survey (IQS) as evidence.

With the highest tow rating among light-duty pickups (up to 10,500 pounds), and class-leading V8 fuel economy of up to 20 mpg, the Silverado is very competitive among full-size pickups.