This report covers half-ton 1500-series Chevrolet Silverados in 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 and offer front bucket seats as well as a bench. Regulars and extendeds offer 6.6- and 8.0-ft Fleetside cargo beds or a 6.6-ft Sportside flare-fender box. Crews use a 5.8-ft Fleetside box and roughly match short-bed extendeds in overall length.

Regulars and extendeds come with a 4.3-liter V6 and offer 4.8- and 5.3-liter V8 options. Crew Cabs have the 5.3. A 310-hp 5.3 V8 is a new option for short-box extendeds above the normal 295-hp unit. Automatic transmission is standard except on regulars, where it's an option to manual with V6 and 4.8 V8. Traction control is available with rear-wheel drive. There are two 4WD systems, both with low-range gearing: GM's all-surface Autotrac and a basic 4WD that should not be left engaged on dry pavement.

All Silverados have antilock brakes, but drums now replace rear discs except for models equipped with the hybrid system or Quadrasteer 4-wheel steering. Quadrasteer, optional for short-bed extendeds, tightens the turning radius at low speeds and is designed to improve stability at higher speeds or when towing. An available Ride Control Suspension offers two levels of shock-absorber firmness to suit road or load. Other returning options include satellite radio for most models and rear DVD entertainment for Crew Cabs. Four-wheel-drive Z71 models feature an off-road package. Top-line LT models include OnStar assistance. The Silverado SS is a short-bed extended with a 345-hp 6.0 V8, 20-inch wheels, performance tires, and special trim. The SS is available in all-wheel drive or 2WD with traction control. Seventeen-inch wheels are now standard on most other models.

Midyear, a Performance Edition package became available for short-bed 2WD LS/LT extended-cab models. The option includes the Heavy-Duty Trailering package, the SS 6.0 V8, and 20-inch wheels and tires.

Also in the 1500 line is the three-quarter-ton 1500HD Crew Cab. The 1500HD has a 300-hp 6.0-liter V8 with a 4-speed automatic transmission and comes in LS and LT trim. All 1500HDs have 4-wheel disc brakes and a 6.5-ft cargo bed.

Also for 2005, Chevrolet is offering a Silverado Hybrid for limited retail sale in select states. It's only available on the short-bed extended model with the 5.3 V8 and 2WD or 4WD. As in hybrid cars, the gas engine shuts off at stoplights to save fuel and restarts when the gas pedal is pushed. The electric motor provides 120-volt power for running electrical accessories. It does not need to be plugged in and does not power the vehicle. Silverados share a basic design with GMC Sierras.