Vehicle History Report
Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.
- • New Cars
2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Road Test
Date Published: 11/23/08
Also in the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Review:
1.
2.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Road Test
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Our road test for the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 includes a full evaluation of the
2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and
handling performance for the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, but also interior cabin
and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the
2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 help you decide if a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is right for
you.
2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Towing/hauling (V8s) | Fuel economy |
| Instruments/controls | Ride |
| Front-seat room | Rear-seat entry/exit (extended cab) |
| Optional full-time 4WD | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
The V6 struggles under a heavy load; the V8s furnish good power in all conditions and are what we recommend. The automatic transmission is alert and smooth, and its Tow/Haul mode is helpful. Available all-surface 4WD and optional traction control--both class exclusives--are terrific advantages.
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 4.6 |
The V6 struggles under a heavy load; the V8s furnish good power in all conditions and are what we recommend. The automatic transmission is alert and smooth, and its Tow/Haul mode is helpful. Available all-surface 4WD and optional traction control--both class exclusives--are terrific advantages.
Fuel Economy
Par for the class. The 13.7 mpg we averaged in 4WD extended-cabs with the 5.3 V8 and automatic is typical. Test 6.0 Crew Cab averaged just 7.2 mpg in all city driving; expect slightly higher with more highway use. All engines use regular fuel.
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2.1 |
Par for the class. The 13.7 mpg we averaged in 4WD extended-cabs with the 5.3 V8 and automatic is typical. Test 6.0 Crew Cab averaged just 7.2 mpg in all city driving; expect slightly higher with more highway use. All engines use regular fuel.
Ride Quality
More compliant than Ford's F-150, though still quite stiff and bouncy over most any surface imperfection. And as with any pickup, the tail stutters some over bumps with an empty bed.
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 |
More compliant than Ford's F-150, though still quite stiff and bouncy over most any surface imperfection. And as with any pickup, the tail stutters some over bumps with an empty bed.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Good overall balance for a big truck--a match for any rival. Steering accurate, but not as precise as Ford's. Quadrasteer 4-wheel steering system is a revelation, giving this big pickup the close-quarters maneuverability of a small car as well as enhancing high-speed tracking and towing stability.
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
| 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.1 |
Good overall balance for a big truck--a match for any rival. Steering accurate, but not as precise as Ford's. Quadrasteer 4-wheel steering system is a revelation, giving this big pickup the close-quarters maneuverability of a small car as well as enhancing high-speed tracking and towing stability.
Quietness
Road, wind, and engine noise are unobjectionable and slightly lower than in comparable F-150s.
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.3 |
Road, wind, and engine noise are unobjectionable and slightly lower than in comparable F-150s.
Controls
Gauge location and switchgear placement and feel are top-notch, though wipers deserve their own control rather than being activated by twisting the turn-signal lever. GM is alone in offering an engine-hour meter to supplement the usual odometer.
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Gauge location and switchgear placement and feel are top-notch, though wipers deserve their own control rather than being activated by twisting the turn-signal lever. GM is alone in offering an engine-hour meter to supplement the usual odometer.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Roomy, with supportive seats. Integrated safety belts move comfortably with seats. Regular-cab models allow good seat travel, seatback recline, and clearance to rear window.
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
| 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.5 |
Roomy, with supportive seats. Integrated safety belts move comfortably with seats. Regular-cab models allow good seat travel, seatback recline, and clearance to rear window.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Good leg clearance and a comfortable seat angle make GM's the most-accommodating extended cabs. Crew Cabs are even more spacious and comfortable, a good match for F-150 SuperCrew and better than the new Dodge Ram Quad Cab.
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
| 0 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 4.4 |
Good leg clearance and a comfortable seat angle make GM's the most-accommodating extended cabs. Crew Cabs are even more spacious and comfortable, a good match for F-150 SuperCrew and better than the new Dodge Ram Quad Cab.
Cargo Room
Extended and crew cabs provide fine storage with rear bench seat folded up, though they lack bins, nets, or protective flooring. Behind-seat room in regular-cab beats Ford and Toyota, trails Dodge.
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
| 1 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 5 |
Extended and crew cabs provide fine storage with rear bench seat folded up, though they lack bins, nets, or protective flooring. Behind-seat room in regular-cab beats Ford and Toyota, trails Dodge.
Value within Class
Silverado and its Sierra cousin lead the full-size pickup pack in 4WD sophistication, traction-control convenience, and now 4-wheel steering. Their extended-cab rear-seat accommodations are the best, and their crew cabs are as hospitable as any. Factor in performance and pricing, and Silverado and Sierra are easy Best Buys.
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
| 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 6.7 |
Silverado and its Sierra cousin lead the full-size pickup pack in 4WD sophistication, traction-control convenience, and now 4-wheel steering. Their extended-cab rear-seat accommodations are the best, and their crew cabs are as hospitable as any. Factor in performance and pricing, and Silverado and Sierra are easy Best Buys.
Total Score
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | LS Crew Cab 4WD | Class Average |
| 38 | 54 | 56 | 60 | 48.9 |
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
| Low Score | 35 | |
| Average Score | 48 | |
| High Score | 61 |
Also in the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Review:
1.
2.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Road Test
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Sell Your Car
Powered by:
-
MAKE -
CATEGORY
Acura
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Ford
GMC
Honda
Hummer
Hyundai
Infiniti
Isuzu
Jaguar
Jeep
Kia
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lotus
Maserati
Mazda
Mercedes-Benz
Mercury
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pontiac
Porsche
Rolls-Royce
Roush
Saab
Saturn
Scion
Smart
Subaru
Suzuki
Toyota
Volkswagen
Volvo
Subcompact Car
Compact Car
Midsize Car
Large Car
Premium Midsize Car
Premium Large Car
Sporty/performance Car
Premium Sporty/performance Car
Minivan
Full-size Van
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Compact Pickup Truck
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Pickup Truck
Premium Compact Car
Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Exotic Car
