2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Chevrolet's full-size pickup gets more V8 power for 2000, and a fourth door is now standard instead of optional on extended-cab models. Silverado continues in regular and extended cabs, 2- or 4-wheel drive, and base, LS, and LT trim. GMC's Sierra offers a parallel lineup with slightly different styling, features mix, and pricing. This report covers the half-ton 1500-series models.

The extended cab's driver-side rear door was a $330 option and supplemented a standard passenger-side rear door. The driver-side door became standard at midyear and extended-cabs got a $330 base-price increase. These doors are hinged at the back and do not open independently of the front doors. Extended-cabs come with a three-passenger rear bench seat. Both cab styles offer flush-fender Fleetside cargo boxes of 6.5 or 8.1 feet; a 6.5-foot flare-fender Sportside box is available on base and LS models. All Silverados come with antilock 4-wheel disc brakes. A class exclusive shared with GMC is optional adjustable ride control with two levels of shock absorber firmness to suit road or load.

A 4.3-liter V6 repeats as base power, while the available 4.8- and 5.3-liter V8s gain 15 horsepower each. All engines team with manual or optional automatic transmission; the latter features GM's Tow/Haul mode that adjusts shift points to maximize power under heavy loads. Silverado's optional AutoTrac is the only 4-wheel-drive system on a full-size pickup that can be left engaged on dry pavement. It can be locked in 4WD or allowed to automatically engage the front axle when rear-wheel slip is detected. Low-range gearing is provided.

LT models gain a self-dimming inside mirror for 2000. New options include wheel flares for 4x4s and a factory-fit cargo bed cover.

COMPETITION

With the advent of crossover vehicles the segment has become less defined. Once the domain of work-related heavy-duty pickups, buyers are now demanding that their full-size trucks do double duty. Our Best Buys remain the Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150, and GMC Sierra. These trucks offer a wide range of powertrain combinations, plenty of luxury accommodations, and ample towing power--though the GM twins are the only ones to offer full-time 4WD.

The big-rig-styled Dodge Ram matches the new Ford and GM models feature for feature but can't match their ride comfort or civility.