2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Road Test
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2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ▼
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- MSRP: $18,108 -$35,960
- Invoice: $16,388 -$31,465
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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.
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ACCELERATION
| 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
| 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
| 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
| 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
| 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
| 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)
| 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)
| 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
| 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
| 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 |
Total Score: 52
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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