2007-2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Road Test

Only extended and crew cabs with the 5.3-liter V8 were available for testing. Acceleration is adequate at all speeds, aided by a smooth-shifting transmission that kicks down quickly for more power. Tow/Haul mode adjusts shift points for best performance with heavy loads. Maximum towing capacity was 10,500 pounds. Fuel economy is about as expected for a big pickup truck. A test rear-drive extended-cab Silverado averaged 15.6 mpg. Chevrolet recommends regular-grade fuel for all engines. Some versions of the 5.3-liter V8 are E85-capable. With the standard Z85 suspension, the Silverado's ride is compliant and fairly comfortable, suffering less reverberation over bumps than in most pickups. Ride quality is somewhat stiffer with the optional Z60 suspension, which includes 20-inch tires rather than the standard 17s. Firmer yet is the off-road-ready Z71 suspension, which exhibits considerably choppiness on-road over pavement cracks and washboard surfaces. Steering is nicely weighted, if a bit numb. Body lean is noticeable in fast turns and quick changes of direction with the Z85 suspension, but on par with other large pickups. A Z60 or Z71 suspension improves handling slightly. Responsive brakes have fine pedal feel. Quietness is a Silverado strength. Road and engine noises are well muted, and the 5.3 V8 sounds refined. Wind noise intrudes slightly, only above 60 mph. Gauges are clear and easily read. The wiper switch remains inconveniently mounted on the turn-signal stalk. Chevrolet's "Pure Pickup" interior places radio and climate controls high on the dashboard, just out of easy reach. Despite its work-truck intentions, materials in the Pure Pickup interior don't look bargain-basement. Luxury interiors mimic the Tahoe/Suburban, with dressier details and controls mounted lower, but in easy reach. Despite ample use of hard plastic with Luxury trim, its ambiance qualifies as upscale. The optional navigation system absorbs some audio functions, but higher trim levels offer redundant controls on the steering wheel. Adults have ample room up front. Bucket and bench seats are comfortable, if somewhat lacking in side support. Visibility is generally good, though extended cab has wide rear pillars that block the view to back corners. Available power-adjustable pedals would be a boon for shorter drivers. Headroom is generous in the backseat, and crew cabs have abundant leg space. With front bucket seats, the center console restricts foot space for the center rear-seat passenger. The extended cab's seatback is set at a comfortable angle, but legroom grows tight with the front seat positioned far aft. Wide-opening rear doors on extended cabs are a convenience in tight spaces, and offer power windows; but if fully open, those doors cannot be closed by a seated passenger. In extendeds and crew cabs, the rear seat cushion flips back against the seatback, leaving a large cargo area with a nearly flat floor. Pure Pickup interiors feature upper and lower gloveboxes; Luxury versions have only the lower one. Bucket seats come with a roomy console bin. Bench seats have been available with a flip-down center armrest that doubles as a large storage bin. Few other small-item cubbies are provided.

Value for the Money
GM's already-good pickups got better with their 2007 redesign, most notably in quietness and interior refinement. A lengthy list of available features, including 4WD that can be used on dry pavement, make this Recommended pick a must-see for anyone shopping large pickups. Unless you often tow heavy loads, the exceptionally refined 5.3-liter V8 should provide more than enough power for most requirements.