2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Overview
Archived Review
2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ▼
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- MSRP: $15,840 -$36,165
- Invoice: $14,969 -$33,091
Features & Specifications
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Pros
- Towing/hauling (V8s)
- Instruments/controls
- Autotrac (full-time) 4WD
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Ride
- Rear-seat entry/exit (extended cab)
Vehicle Highlights
Chevrolet's large pickups mark time for 2006, awaiting redesigned replacements for 2007. Silverado shares its basic design with the GMC Sierra. This report covers the half-ton 1500-series Silverado. It comes in regular, extended, and Crew Cab models. Extendeds have rear-hinged back doors that don't open independently of the fronts. Extendeds and Crews include a three-person rear bench seat and offer front buckets or a bench. Crews have a 5.8-ft Fleetside cargo bed. The others offer Fleetside beds of 6.6 and 8.0 ft, or a 6.6-ft Sportside flare-fender bed. Extendeds also come as the high-performance SS model with a 6.5-ft Fleetside bed and special tires and trim. Available engines, depending on cab/bed configuration, are a 195-hp V6 and V8s of 285, 295, and 310 hp. SS uses a 345-hp V8. Also available is the 1500HD Crew Cab with a 300-hp V8.
Regular cabs are available with manual or automatic transmission, but automatic is standard on most Silverados. All models come with rear-wheel drive. All but SS are available with 4-wheel drive. There are two 4WD systems: a basic setup that should not be left engaged on dry pavement, and GM's Autotrac that can. Both include low-range gearing. ABS is standard; 2WD models are available with traction control.
Silverado is also available as a Hybrid model. It's a 6.5-ft-bed extended cab with a V8 and 2WD or 4WD. This uses an electric motor to provide 120-volt power for electrical accessories. However, the electric motor does not propel the vehicle. Its batteries are charged by the gas engine; no plug-in charging is necessary.
COMPETITION
Consumer GuideĀ® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Pickup Trucks are traditionally the vehicle of choice for heavy-duty hauling and towing. They offer an array of cab styles and bed lengths and usually feature powerful V8 or diesel engines. For personal use, consider light-duty 1/2-ton models. For heavy-duty or commercial use, consider 3/4- or 1-ton models.
Our Best Buys include Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-Series, and GMC Sierra. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Ram, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra.
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Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | 2WD Base reg. cab, V6 Rating | Large Pickup Truck Average Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Acceleration | 4 | 4.8 |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | 2.3 |
| Ride Quality | 4 | 4.1 |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | 3.4 |
| Quietness | 5 | 4.5 |
| Controls | 7 | 6.5 |
| Details | ||
| Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) | 7 | 8.3 |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 0 | 5 |
| Cargo Room | 1 | 4.9 |
| Value within Class | 7 | 6.7 |
| Total Score: | 41 | 50.5 |














