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2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Full Review
Date Published: 3/14/08
2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Review
More standard features and midyear introduction of a light-duty Crew Cab and Limited Appearance Package highlight 2004 for these full-size pickups. This report covers the half-ton 1500-series Silverados, which offer regular-, extended-, and crew-cab body styles. Extendeds have rear-hinged back doors that don't open independently of the fronts. Crew cabs have four conventional doors. Both include a 3-person rear bench seat. All but regular cabs offer front bucket seats vs. a bench. Regulars and extendeds are available with 6.6- and 8.0-ft Fleetside conventional cargo beds or a 6.6-ft Sportside flare-fender box. The new half-ton Crew Cab is nearly one foot shorter than the previous 1500 Heavy Duty Crew Cab, which for '04 is redesignated as a 2500-series model. The new 1500 Crew Cab uses a 5.8-ft cargo box and is virtually the same length overall as the extended-cab short-bed model.

Regulars and extendeds have a 4.3-liter V6 and offer 4.8- and 5.3-liter V8s. The new light-duty Crew Cab comes with the 5.3 V8. Crews and extendeds include automatic transmission with GM's Tow/Haul mode. Regulars offer manual transmission or optional automatic. Traction control is available on rear-wheel-drive versions. Two 4WD systems are available, both with low-range gearing. The base 4WD setup must be disengaged on dry pavement. GM's Autotrac 4WD can be left engaged on dry pavement. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. A Ride Control Suspension option offers two levels of shock-absorber firmness to suit road or load. Optional for extendeds is GM's Quadrasteer 4-wheel steering. It tightens the turning radius at low speeds and is designed to improve stability at higher speeds or when towing. A special flare-fender short box is included.

For '04, cruise control, power door locks, and CD player are newly standard on base Silverados. Crew Cabs continue to offer optional rear DVD entertainment, and satellite radio is available for most models. Top-line LT versions include OnStar assistance. The Silverado SS is a short-bed extended cab with a 345-hp 6.0 V8, all-wheel drive, 20-inch wheels, performance tires, and special trim. Added midyear was a Limited Appearance Package for 2WD LS and LT models that includes sport suspension and 20-inch chrome wheels. Silverados share a basic design with GMC Sierras, which include the luxury-oriented AWD Denali with standard Quadrasteer.
News
As promised, Silverado adds a fuel-saving hybrid powertrain for 2005. It's restricted to a lone half-ton 2WD Crew Cab logically called the Silverado Hybrid Truck. A similar GMC Sierra will also be available starting in fall 2004. A so-called "mild hybrid" system uses an electric motor as a starter/generator and to assist a gasoline V8 in full-throttle acceleration, but doesn't run the truck on electricity alone. However, the 42-volt electrical system operates electrohydraulic power steering and two 120-volt outlets in the bed; it also allows running the climate system with the engine stopped. The starter/generator shuts down the engine on coming to a stop and provides near-instantaneous restarts on applying the throttle. GM projects 10-15 percent better fuel economy for EPA ratings of 18 city, 23 highway. The '05 hybrid is said to cost $2500-$3000 more than a comparably equipped conventional model.

A "strong hybrid" system will part of Silverado's full redesign for 2007. Here, a pair of 40-hp motors and a 300-volt battery pack team with a 5.3-liter gasoline V8 boasting GM's Displacement on Demand technology. DOD is designed to shut down four cylinders as a further fuel-saver in highway cruising and other light-throttle driving. Unlike the interim "mild hybrid," this system should allow running on electricity, gasoline or both. GM expects an economy jump of 30-35 percent for EPA city mileage of around 20 mpg.

The coming redesign affects all of GM's full-size pickups and SUVs. The recent Cheyenne concept suggests burly new in-your-face styling for the '07 Silverado, plus more built-in storage for the cab and bed. Powerteams will be updated with DOD and perhaps more displacement for some engines.
2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Road Test
Pros Cons
Towing/hauling (V8s) Fuel economy
Instruments/controls Ride
Autotrac (full-time) 4WD Rear-seat entry/exit (extended cab)
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
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
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score
38
Average Score
49
High Score
62
2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/23/2004
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD V6 Work regular cab, short bed $19,545 $17,688 $850
2WD V6 Work regular cab, long bed $19,645 $17,779 $850
4WD V6 Work regular cab, short bed $22,645 $20,494 $850
4WD V6 Work regular cab, long bed $22,745 $20,584 $850
2WD V6 Work extended cab, short bed $23,600 $20,650 $850
2WD 5.3 V8 Work extended cab, long bed $26,245 $22,964 $850
4WD 4.8 V8 Work extended cab, short bed $28,050 $24,544 $850
4WD 5.3 V8 Work extended cab, long bed $29,250 $25,594 $850
2WD V6 Base regular cab, short bed $20,520 $18,571 $850
2WD V6 Base regular cab, long bed $20,820 $18,842 $850
4WD V6 Base regular cab, short bed $23,620 $21,376 $850
4WD V6 Base regular cab, long bed $23,920 $21,648 $850
2WD V6 Base extended cab, short bed $25,275 $22,116 $850
2WD 5.3 V8 Base extended cab, long bed $27,220 $23,818 $850
4WD 4.8 V8 Base extended cab, short bed $29,025 $25,397 $850
4WD 5.3 V8 Base extended cab, long bed $30,225 $26,447 $850
2WD 4.8 V8 LS regular cab, short bed $25,040 $21,910 $850
2WD 4.8 V8 LS regular cab, long bed $25,340 $22,173 $850
4WD 4.8 V8 LS regular cab, short bed $28,090 $24,579 $850
4WD 4.8 V8 LS regular cab, long bed $28,390 $24,841 $850
2WD 4.8 V8 LS extended cab, short bed $27,600 $24,150 $850
2WD 5.3 V8 LS extended cab, long bed $28,800 $25,200 $850
4WD 4.8 V8 LS extended cab, short bed $30,500 $26,688 $850
4WD 5.3 V8 LS extended cab, long bed $31,700 $27,738 $850
2WD 5.3 V8 LS Crew Cab, short bed $30,475 $26,666 $850
4WD 5.3 V8 LS Crew Cab, short bed $33,980 $29,733 $850
2WD 5.3 V8 LT extended cab, short bed $32,910 $28,796 $850
2WD 5.3 V8 LT extended cab, long bed $33,210 $29,059 $850
4WD 5.3 V8 LT extended cab, short bed $36,415 $31,863 $850
4WD 5.3 V8 LT extended cab, long bed $36,715 $32,126 $850
2WD 5.3 V8 LT Crew Cab, short bed $34,480 $30,170 $850
4WD 5.3 V8 LT Crew Cab, short bed $37,985 $33,237 $850
4WD 4.8 V8 Z71 regular cab, short bed $29,690 $25,979 $850
4WD 4.8 V8 Z71 regular cab, long bed $29,990 $26,241 $850
4WD 4.8 V8 Z71 extended cab, short bed $31,655 $27,698 $850
4WD 5.3 V8 Z71 extended cab, long bed $32,855 $28,748 $850
4WD 5.3 V8 Z71 Crew Cab, short bed $34,495 $30,183 $850
AWD 6.0 V8 SS extended cab, short bed $39,905 $34,917 $850
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Work
Powertrain
4.3-liter V6 engine (regular cab, extended-cab short bed), 5.3-liter V8 engine (extended-cab long bed), 5-speed manual transmission (regular cab), 4-speed automatic transmission (extended cab).
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone manual climate controls, power steering, tilt steering wheel, vinyl upholstery, split bench seat, folding rear bench seat (extended cab), cupholders, rear-hinged rear doors (extended cab), AM/FM radio, digital clock, tachometer, engine-hour meter, map lights, passenger-side visor mirror, cargo-box light, intermittent wipers, automatic headlights, rubber floor covering.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, chrome front bumper, painted rear step bumper, Fleetside body, front tow hooks.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, P235/75R16 tires, 4WD models add: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 4.8-liter V8 engine (extended-cab short bed), 5.3-liter V8 engine (extended-cab long bed), P245/75R16 tires.
Base adds to Work:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, AM/FM/CD player.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Chrome rear step bumper.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Chrome steel wheels, 4WD models add: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 4.8-liter V8 engine (extended-cab short bed), 5.3-liter V8 engine (extended-cab long bed), P245/75R16 tires.
LS adds to Base:
Powertrain
4.8-liter V8 engine (regular cab, extended-cab short bed), 5.3-liter V8 engine (extended-cab long bed, Crew Cab), 4-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, cloth upholstery, split folding rear seat (Crew Cab), front-hinged rear doors (Crew Cab), heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, overhead console, rear defogger, carpeting, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deep-tinted rear glass (Crew cab).
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Handling/Trailering Suspension (Crew Cab), P255/70R16 white-letter tires (Crew Cab), alloy wheels (Crew Cab), 4WD models add: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, Autotrac 4WD transfer case (Crew Cab), P245/75R16 tires (regular cab, extended cab), 265/70R17 on/off-road white-letter tires (Crew Cab).
LT adds to LS:
Powertrain
5.3-liter V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, heated bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, 10-way power front seats w/driver-seat memory, center console, mirror-mounted turn-signal indicators, driver-side automatic day/night mirror, passenger-side tilt-down back-up mirror, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, steering-wheel radio controls, rear radio controls (Crew Cab).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, deep-tinted glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Handling/Trailering Suspension, P255/75R16 tires (extended cab), P255/70R16 white-letter tires (Crew Cab), alloy wheels, 4WD models add: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, Autotrac 4WD transfer case, front tow hooks, P245/75R16 tires (extended cab), P265/70R17 on/off-road white-letter tires (Crew Cab).
Z71 adds to LS:
Powertrain
4.8-liter V8 engine (short bed), 5.3-liter V8 engine (long bed, Crew Cab), 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, Autotrac 4WD transfer case (Crew Cab), limited-slip differential.
Comfort and Convenience Features
AM/FM/cassette/CD player.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deep-tinted rear glass, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates, off-road suspension, P265/75R16 all-terrain tires (regular cab, extended cab), P265/70R17 on/off-road tires (Crew Cab).
SS adds to LS:
Powertrain
6.0-liter V8 engine, all-wheel drive, limited-slip differential.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, 6-way power front seats w/driver-seat memory , mirror-mounted turn signals, driver-side automatic day/night mirror, passenger-side tilt-down back-up mirror, AM/FM/cassette/CD player w/steering-wheel controls.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deep-tinted glass, color-keyed bumpers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
High-performance suspension, P275/55R20 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Safe and Sound Pkg.
LS extended w/cassette/CD
$2,485
$2,137
LS extended w/CD changer
$2,685
$2,309
LT w/cassette/CD
$125
$105
LT w/CD changer
$325
$280
Z71 extended w/cassette/CD
$2,385
$2,051
Z71 extended w/CD changer
$2,585
$2,223
OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, AM/FM/cassette/CD player or AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio, front bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat, center console. NA Crew Cab.
Convenience Pkg. 1
Z71 Crew Cab
$2,050
$1,763
OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, dual-zone automatic climate controls, front bucket seats, steering-wheel radio controls.
Convenience Pkg. 1 w/leather upholstery
Z71 Crew Cab
$2,850
$2,451
Convenience Pkg. 2
Z71 Crew Cab
$4,048
$3,481
Convenience Pkg. 1 plus leather upholstery, heated front seats, power-folding mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night and passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid, mirror-mounted turn-signal indicators, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Quadrasteer 4-Wheel Steering Pkg.
2WD LS/LT extended
$1,995
$1,716
4-wheel steering, limited-slip differential, heavy-duty brakes, redesigned bed w/flared fenders, roof marker lights. Requires special axle ratio, ride-control suspension, Heavy-Duty Trailering Equipment. LS requires 5.3-liter V8 engine. LS requires Autotrac 4-wheel-drive transfer case. NA long bed, Sportside bed.
Snow Plow Prep Pkg.
4WD automatic regular cab
$405
$348
4WD Work/Base/LS regular cab w/Trailering Equip.
$285
$245
4WD manual regular cab
$310
$267
Includes heavy-duty cooling, automatic transmission cooler, heavy-duty alternator, high-capacity air cleaner, electrical connections, skid plates. NA with 4.3-liter V6 engine, Ride Control Suspension.
Light-Duty Power Pkg.
Work/Base regular cab, 2WD Work/Base extended short bed
$2,370
$2,038
4WD Work/Base extended short bed, LS regular cab, LS extended short bed
$1,675
$1,441
Z71 regular cab, Z71 extended short bed
$1,355
$1,165
Work/Base/LS extended long bed, LT
$625
$538
Z71 extended long bed
$305
$262
Heavy-Duty Trailering Equipment plus 5.3-liter V8 engine, limited-slip differential. Work, Base, LS require optional suspension.
Limited Appearance Pkg.
2WD LS/LT short bed
$2,995
$2,516
Special paint, High Performance Suspension, 275/55R20 tires, chrome alloy wheels. Requires Light Duty Power Pkg. NA w/traction control.
Heavy-Duty Trailering Equipment
Work/Base/LS/LT
$330
$284
SS
$235
$202
Z71
$305
$262
Includes trailer-hitch platform, 7-wire harness, high-capacity air cleaner, transmission-oil cooler. Requires V8 engine, automatic transmission.
Powertrain
4.8-liter V8
Work/Base regular cab, 2WD Work/Base extended short bed
$945
$813
Work/Base extended long bed (credit)
$-1,050
$-903
5.3-liter V8
Work/Base regular cab, 2WD Work/Base extended short bed
$1,745
$1,501
4WD Work/Base extended short bed, LS regular cab, LS extended short bed, Z71 regular/extended cab short bed
$1,050
$903
Work, Base regular cab require 4-speed automatic transmission.
5-speed manual transmission
Work/Base regular cab
$0
$0
2WD LS regular cab short bed (credit)
$-1,095
$-942
Requires 4.3-liter V6 or 4.8-liter V8.
4-speed automatic transmission
Work/Base regular cab
$1,095
$942
Traction control
2WD Base/LS/LT
$225
$194
Requires automatic transmission, limited-slip differential. NA w/4.3-liter V6 engine.
Limited-slip differential
Base, LS, LT, Work
$295
$254
Std. Z71, SS.
Special axle ratio
Base, LS, LT, Work, Z71
$50
$43
NA SS, w/4.3-liter V6 engine.
Autotrac 4WD transfer case
4WD LS, Z71
$375
$323
Std. LT, Crew Cab.
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar assistance system
LS, Z71, SS
$695
$598
Includes one-year service. LS, Z71 require steering-wheel radio controls.
Air conditioning delete
Work regular cab (credit)
$-870
$-748
Dual-zone automatic climate controls
LS, Z71, SS
$195
$168
NA regular cab.
Rear-seat DVD entertainment System
Crew Cab
$1,295
$1,114
LS requires dual-zone automatic climate controls. Z71 requires Convenience Pkg. 1 or 2.
AM/FM/CD player
Work
$255
$219
AM/FM/cassette/CD player
LS
$100
$86
LS w/bucket seats
$595
$512
LT (credit)
$-200
$-172
Includes Bose sound system w/bucket seats.
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
LS
$795
$684
SS
$200
$172
Z71
$695
$598
Includes Bose sound system. LS, Z71 require bucket seats. 4WD requires Autotrac 4WD transfer case. NA regular cab.
Satellite radio
LS, Z71, LT, SS
$325
$280
Requires monthly fee.
Bose sound system
Z71
$495
$426
Requires bucket seats. NA regular cab.
Steering-wheel radio controls
LS, Z71
$125
$108
Cloth upholstery
Work
$0
$0
Leather split bench seat
LS
$1,040
$894
Includes 6-way power driver seat. NA regular cab.
Leather front bucket seats
LS/Z71 extended
$1,670
$1,436
LS/Z71 extended w/Safe and Sound Pkg.
$800
$688
LS/Z71 Crew Cab
$1,835
$1,578
Includes 6-way power driver seat, center console. Crew Cab includes rear radio controls. LS requires optional radio. 4WD extended cab requires Autotrac 4WD transfer case.
Bucket seats
LS/Z71 extended cab
$870
$748
LS/Z71 Crew Cab
$1,035
$890
Includes 6-way power driver seat, center console. Crew cab includes rear radio controls. LS requires optional radio. 4WD requires Autotrac 4WD transfer case.
6-way power driver seat
LS, Z71
$240
$206
Power-folding mirrors
LS, Z71
$213
$183
Includes turn-signal indicators, driver-side automatic day/night, passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid. Std. LT, SS.
Camper mirrors
Work, Base
$70
$60
Heated power camper mirrors
LS, Z71
$238
$205
LT
$55
$47
Includes power-extending arms, turn-signal indicators. NA w/Quadrasteer 4-Wheel Steering Pkg. NA Crew Cab.
Rear defogger
Base
$175
$151
Power door locks
Base
$162
$139
Cruise control
Work
$240
$206
Locking rear underseat storage
extended cab
$295
$254
Carpeting
Base
$100
$86
Includes floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sportside body
short bed
$795
$684
NA Work, SS. NA w/bed extender. NA Crew Cab.
Chrome rear step bumper
Work
$100
$86
Side steps
Crew Cab
$395
$340
Tubular side steps
extended
$412
$354
regular cab
$389
$335
Crew Cab
$435
$374
Chrome tubular side steps
regular cab
$425
$366
extended
$450
$387
Crew Cab
$495
$426
Bed extender
Base, LS, LT, SS, Work, Z71
$210