2007-2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Overview

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.