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.