2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Road Test
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2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ▼
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- MSRP: $15,840 -$36,165
- Invoice: $14,969 -$33,091
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Our road test for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 help you decide if a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD Base reg. cab, V6 | 2WD LS ext. cab, 4.8 V8 | 4WD LT ext. cab, 5.3 V8 | SS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 4.8 |
Silverado or Sierra, the 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. Hybrid powertrain does not affect acceleration. Its engine-restart feature suffers a short delay when driving away from a stop. We have not yet tested a model with the high-output 5.3 V8.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD Base reg. cab, V6 | 2WD LS ext. cab, 4.8 V8 | 4WD LT ext. cab, 5.3 V8 | SS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 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 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 had automatic transmission. Chevy says Hybrid's engine-shutoff feature improves fuel economy by 10 percent vs. conventional V8 counterpart. Test Hybrids averaged 16.0-16.7 mpg. Chevrolet recommends premium-grade fuel for 345-hp V8-equipped models. All other Silverados use regular fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD Base reg. cab, V6 | 2WD LS ext. cab, 4.8 V8 | 4WD LT ext. cab, 5.3 V8 | SS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.1 |
Generally more compliant than equivalent Ford F-150s, but still stiff and bouncy except on glass-smooth surfaces. As with any pickup, the tail stutters some over bumps with an empty bed.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD Base reg. cab, V6 | 2WD LS ext. cab, 4.8 V8 | 4WD LT ext. cab, 5.3 V8 | SS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 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.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD Base reg. cab, V6 | 2WD LS ext. cab, 4.8 V8 | 4WD LT ext. cab, 5.3 V8 | SS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.5 |
Road, wind, engine noise unobjectionable.
CONTROLS
| 2WD Base reg. cab, V6 | 2WD LS ext. cab, 4.8 V8 | 4WD LT ext. cab, 5.3 V8 | SS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.5 |
Gauge layout top-notch. Ditto switch placement and feel, though windshield wipers deserve their own control instead of being crowded onto turn-signal lever. Unusual engine-hour meter supplements odometer. Decor ranges from utilitarian vinyl to soft leather, but all interiors use plastic trim panels with a budget-grade look and feel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD Base reg. cab, V6 | 2WD LS ext. cab, 4.8 V8 | 4WD LT ext. cab, 5.3 V8 | SS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 9 | 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)
| 2WD Base reg. cab, V6 | 2WD LS ext. cab, 4.8 V8 | 4WD LT ext. cab, 5.3 V8 | SS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Good leg clearance, comfortably angled seatback make GM's extended cabs among the most accommodating large pickups. The Crew Cab's rear compartment is even more spacious.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD Base reg. cab, V6 | 2WD LS ext. cab, 4.8 V8 | 4WD LT ext. cab, 5.3 V8 | SS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.9 |
Extendeds and Crews have ample in-cab storage with rear bench seat folded, but lack bins, nets, or protective flooring. Slim behind-seat space in regular cab.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD Base reg. cab, V6 | 2WD LS ext. cab, 4.8 V8 | 4WD LT ext. cab, 5.3 V8 | SS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 9 | 10 | 6 | 6.7 |
Silverado and GMC Sierra offer models to fit most every need, top-flight powertrains, hospitable interiors, and the advantage of 4WD that can be used on dry pavement. Competitive pricing ices their Best Buy status.
Total Score
| 2WD Base reg. cab, V6 | 2WD LS ext. cab, 4.8 V8 | 4WD LT ext. cab, 5.3 V8 | SS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | 56 | 58 | 55 | 50.5 |
Total Score: 53
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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