2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2008 Chevrolet Silverado gets a minor instrument panel revision. These large trucks were redesigned for the 2007 model year, along with the similar GMC Sierra. Silverado offers regular, extended, and crew-cab body styles. Extended cabs have rear-hinged doors that don't open independently of the fronts. Regular cabs can seat up to three passengers, while extendeds and crews can seat up to six. The 2008 Chevrolet Silverado offers two interiors, dubbed "pure pickup" and "luxury inspired." Available engines, depending on cab/bed configuration, are a 195-hp 4.3-liter V6, 295-hp 4.8-liter V8, 315-hp 5.3-liter V8, and 367-hp 6.0-liter V8. The 5.3-liter V8 can be equipped to run on E85 ethanol fuel. It and the 6.0-liter V8 come with GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. The only available transmission is a 4-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 10,500 lb. Rear-wheel drive is standard. Two 4WD systems are available: a part-time setup that should not be left engaged on dry pavement, and GM's Autotrac that can. Both include low-range gearing. Silverado is available with four different suspensions. The Z83 and Z85 versions are designed for ride comfort. The Z60 is a street performance suspension, and the Z71 is for off-road use. Available safety features include: ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. For 2008, the pure pickup interior gets a slightly revised instrument panel. Available features include a navigation system and remote engine start.

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, Ford F-150, GMC Sierra 1500, and Toyota Tundra.