2007-2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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2007-2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ▼
- Price Range: $10,200 - $26,200
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Pros
- Transmission operation
- Control layout
- Quietness (for a truck)
- Brake performance
- Interior materials
- Seat comfort
Cons
- Steering/handling
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
Chevrolet redesigned its half-ton pickup trucks for 2007, giving them a new look, more power, and additional features. Temporarily, the 2007 Silverado sold alongside carryover 1999-2006 designs, marketed as Silverado Classics. Silverados and Silverado Classics shared a design with the GMC Sierra and Sierra Classic, respectively. Chevrolet's big pickups competed against trucks such as the Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra. Unchanged in wheelbase, the redesigned Silverados were 3 inches longer overall and 1.5 inches wider. Regular, extended, and crew-cab body styles returned. Extended-cabs had rear-hinged back doors that would not open independently of the fronts, but opened wider than before. Extended and crew cabs included a three-person rear bench seat and offered front bucket seats or a bench; regular cabs came only with a front bench for three passengers. Regular-cab models were available with a 6.5- or 8.1-foot cargo bed. Crew cabs had a 5.8-foot bed. Extended cabs were offered in all three bed lengths. Two interior designs were offered, called "Pure Pickup" and "Luxury Inspired." Available engines, depending on cab/bed configuration, included a 195-horsepower V6, and a trio of V8s rated at 295-, 315-, or 367-hp. All V8s gained power for 2007. Some 5.3-liter V8s were flex-fuel (capable of running on E85-an ethanol/gasoline blend). The 5.3- and 6.0-liter engines featured GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. An automatic transmission was standard; manual shift no longer was offered. Rear-wheel drive was standard. Two four-wheel-drive systems were available: a basic setup that should not be left engaged on dry pavement, and GM's Autotrac that can. Both included low-range gearing. All models had antilock braking and, for 2007, GM's OnStar assistance. Newly offered on select models were curtain side airbags and traction/antiskid control, with rollover sensors. Also newly available were a power-sliding rear window, remote engine start, navigation system, power-adjustable pedals, rear-obstacle detection, and power rear side windows for extended cabs.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Silverado Crew Cab w/5.3 V8, Z85 susp. Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 9 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 8 | |
| Total Score: | 60 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 2007-2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2007-2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2007-2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Silverado Crew Cab w/5.3 V8, Z85 susp. Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 9 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 8 | |
| Total Score: | 60 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $1,000 |
| Alternator | $600 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $3,900 |
| Brakes | $850 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,150 |
| Exhaust System | $1,340 |
| Radiator | $600 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,950 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $1,000 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2008 | |||
| Crew Cab 1500 2WD | $17,500-25,000 | $16,100-23,000 | $11,200-16,000 |
| Crew Cab 1500 4WD | $20,500-28,500 | $18,900-26,200 | $13,300-18,500 |
| Silverado 1500 2WD | $14,000-23,000 | $12,700-20,900 | $8,500-14,000 |
| Silverado 1500 4WD | $16,500-25,500 | $15,000-23,200 | $10,600-16,300 |
| 2007 | |||
| Crew Cab 1500 2WD | $14,500-20,500 | $13,200-18,700 | $9,000-12,700 |
| Crew Cab 1500 4WD | $17,500-24,000 | $16,100-22,100 | $11,200-15,400 |
| Silverado 1500 2WD | $11,300-19,000 | $10,200-17,100 | $6,200-10,500 |
| Silverado 1500 4WD | $13,500-21,500 | $12,300-19,600 | $8,000-12,700 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | crew cab | ext. cab long bed (8.1-ft. bed) | ext. cab short bed (5.8-ft. bed) | reg. cab long bed (6.5-ft. bed) | reg. cab short bed (8.1-ft. bed) |
| Wheelbase, in. | 143.5 | 157.5 | 133.9 | 133.0 | 119.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 230.2 | 249.2 | 220.6 | 224.6 | 205.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 80.0 | 79.9 | 79.9 | 79.9 | 79.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 73.8 | 73.6 | 73.8 | 73.7 | 73.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 5142 | 5213 | 4564 | 4588 | 4448 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 2039 | 1687 | 1829 | 1812 | 1952 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 26.0 | 34.0 | 26.0 | 34.0 | 26.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 41.2 | 41.2 | 41.2 | 41.4 | 41.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 | 41.3 | 41.3 | 41.3 | 41.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.5 | 39.2 | 39.2 | -- | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.7 | 34.3 | 34.3 | -- | -- |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V81 | 6.0 / 364 | 367 | 375 | 4-speed automatic: 13/18 | 4-speed automatic: 13.8 |
| ohv V81 | 4.8 / 293 | 295 | 305 | 4-speed automatic: 14/19 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V61 | 4.3 / 262 | 195 | 260 | 4-speed automatic: 15/20 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V81 | 5.3 / 325 | 315 | 338 | 4-speed automatic: 15/20 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
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1. EPA Note: Figures shown are for 2008 models with RWD. The Environmental Protection Agency changed its procedure for 2008 to yield more realistic estimates. Therefore, estimated mileage is lower than for prior years. Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2008 Silverado 1500 |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
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