2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Overview

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 Guide® 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.