The Silverado 1500 Classic shares its design with the GMC Sierra 1500 Classic and both carry over unchanged for 2007. They're based on a design introduced for 1999. The next-generation of both trucks debuted in late 2006, and is sold alongside the Classics, also as 2007 models.
This report covers the half-ton 1500-series Silverado Classic. 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 are also available 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. It uses an electric motor to provide 120-volt power for electrical accessories. The electric motor does not propel the vehicle. On-board systems charge its batteries; no plug-in charging is necessary.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Pickup Trucks are traditionally the vehicles 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 half-ton models. For heavy-duty or commercial use, consider three-quarter- or one-ton models.
We have no Best Buys in this class. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Classic, Ford F-150, and GMC Sierra 1500 Classic.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Toyota Tundra.
News
Chevrolet or GMC, the Classics are the last of the full-size pickups based on the GMT800 platform. They're offered simply as stopgaps while GM ramps up production of the replacement GMT900 models. Once that's accomplished, the old soldiers fade away.