Chevy completely redesigns the Silverado

It's been nine years since Chevy last redesigned their full-sized pickup. Trying to keep a step ahead of fierce competition, Chevy not only completely redesigned the Silverado, they introduced it several weeks earlier than planned to fend off competition from the redesigned Toyota Tundra.

Chevy actually has two different Silverados this year; the older-generation body style will be sold as the 2007 Silverado Classic. This review will focus on the new Silverado body style.

The business of pickup trucks is very big business indeed. Chevy will rack up sales of roughly 700,000 Silverados for the 2006 model year, making it the second-best-selling vehicle in the U.S. behind the Ford F-series pickup.

Pickup trucks have found their way into mainstream America and are no longer just work vehicles found on farms and construction sites for commercial use. Most, in fact, are used as daily commuter vehicles. That may explain the dizzying array of Silverado styles that includes regular, extended and Crew Cab body choices, and short, standard and long cargo beds.

Buyers get a choice of eight powertrain combinations, five suspensions and three trim levels ranging from bare bones to near-luxury accoutrements. Add to that your choice of rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, heavy-duty versions, and even the "Classic" model offering.

The new Silverado shares a platform with the newly redesigned Tahoe and Suburban full-sized SUVs. Silverado comes in a choice of the base WT (work truck), LT and LTZ along with an LS trim level in either standard, extended or crew cab body styles.

I tested a base WT ($18,760 including the $900 destination charge), Chevy's least expensive full-sized pickup, powered by a V-8 engine and automatic transmission. You get a lot of truck for that price including power steering, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, dual front airbags, chrome rear bumper, 17-inch wheels, AM/FM stereo and tilt steering. You'll still have to pay an extra $870 for air conditioning and manually crank the windows, but the Silverado is a bargain when you consider that coupes such as Hyundai Elantra, Kia Optima, Honda Civic and Chevy's own Cobalt are in a similar price range.

Go up in trim levels, then add extended and crew cabs and you quickly land on the north side of $40,000. At that price range, they cease being work trucks and become luxury-appointed personal vehicles with features and comforts commonly found on upscale sedans and SUVs.

New changes for '07 include larger door handles (making them easier to open with work gloves), a friendlier looking front-end design with stacked headlamps and an exceptionally wide grille adorned with a 10-inch gold Chevy bowtie - a departure from the "bat-wing" headlamp look of the previous model.

Consistent with Tahoe and Suburban, the new Silverado is more aerodynamic with a windshield that's swept back and gently blistered front and rear fenders for a more athletic look. The new look is smooth, handsome - even eye catching.

Inside, the most noticeable change is the redesigned dashboard, replacing a previous generation interior that was well past its freshness date. Chevy didn't use less plastic than before but the presentation with varying colors, a lower shine, and molded textures has a more premium look and a noticeably improved fit and finish.

Chevy actually uses two different dash styles: a more industrial look on the WT and large knobs and a double glove compartment on the LT. Both versions have been moved down and away from the driver, giving occupants a feeling of more room.

The upscale LTZ uses the same premium dash from Tahoe and Suburban and is more sedan than truck-like. Even the headliner material has been upgraded, replacing the dated "mouse fur."

I like how the Silverado drives and handles; you get plenty of power from the smooth, quiet 295-horsepower 4.8-liter V-8. A 195-horsepower V-6 and larger V-8 engines with up to 367 horespower are available. The four-speed automatic transmission works just fine. A six-speed automatic is available in the upscale Silverado trim levels.

Visibility is exceptional, the ride stable, comfortable and rattle free, feeling solid and not overly bouncy for a big truck.

Depending on trim level, features and options vary widely. We recommend a visit to www.chevy.com to get the best sense of the mind-boggling configurations, features and options offered on the new Silverado.

The new Silverado is a solid pickup that far exceeds the previous generation and will definitely please bow-tie aficionados. The Silverado, which was just named Motor Trend's "Truck of the Year", should continue its reputation as the "strongest, most dependable and longest lasting truck on the road."

 

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