2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Road Test
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2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ▼
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- MSRP: $19,545 -$39,905
- Invoice: $17,688 -$34,917
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Our road test for the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 help you decide if a 2004 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 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 4.6 |
Silverado or Sierra, V6 struggles except in light-duty work. We recommend a V8. Smooth, alert automatic transmission's useful Tow/Haul mode adjusts shift points for best performance with heavy loads. Silverado SS and similarly powered Sierra Denali deliver quick standing starts, swift passing, and AWD grip. We have not yet tested the new 1500 Crew Cab.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 2.3 |
Par for the class. Test 2WD regular cab with 4.8-liter V8 averaged 16.8 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test 4WD extended cab with 5.3 V8 averaged 13.7-16.2 mpg. Test Silverado SS averaged 14 mpg. Sierra Denalis averaged 13.3-14.5 mpg in city/highway mix. All models tested had automatic transmission. 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 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 3.9 |
Generally more compliant than equivalent Ford F-150s, but still stiff and bouncy except on glass-smooth surfaces. 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 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.4 |
Good overall balance for big trucks--a match for any rival. Steering accurate, though less precise than Ford's. Traction control and Autotrac 4WD are both important aids on even moderately slick surfaces. Quadrasteer provides carlike maneuvering ease in tight spots and enhances towing stability.
QUIETNESS
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
Road, wind, engine noise unobjectionable.
CONTROLS
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Gauge layout top-notch, as is switch placement and feel, though windshield wipers deserve their own control instead of being crowded onto turn-signal lever. GM provides engine-hour-meter supplement to usual odometer. Decor ranges from utilitarian vinyl to soft leather, but all share plastic trim panels that suffer lightweight feel in places.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 9 | 9 | 8.3 |
Ample big-American space. Even regular cabs have good rearward seat travel, seatback recline, and adequate clearance to rear window. Supportive seats have integrated safety belts most testers find comfortably positioned, easy to reach.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
Good leg clearance, comfortably angled seatback make GM's extended cabs among the most-accommodating full-size pickups. The 1500 Crew Cab's dimensions are the same as for the 2500 Crew Cab; this passenger compartment is spacious and comfortable.
CARGO ROOM
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
Extended and Crew Cabs have ample in-cab storage with rear bench seat folded up, but lack bins, nets, or protective flooring. Slim behind-seat space in regular cab.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base reg. cab 2WD, V6 | LS ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8 | LT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 9 | 10 | 7.1 |
These Chevy and GMC trucks have top-flight powertrains, cabs and beds to fit most any need, hospitable interiors, and the advantage of 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement. And no other big pickups offer 4-wheel steering. Factor in competitive 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 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 55 | 57 | 49.9 |
Total Score: 51
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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