CARFAX Vehicle History Report

• The Chevrolet Silverado, redesigned for 2007, aims to continue its reputation as the 'strongest, most dependable and longest lasting truck on the road.' The 1500 is a 'half-ton', full-size pickup.
• There are four engine sizes to choose from: 4.3-liter V-6, 4.8-liter V-8, 5.3-liter V-8 and 6.0-liter V-8; all are controlled by a four-speed automatic. Like all Silverados, the 1500 is available in a wide array of bed sizes, wheelbases, drive types and cab sizes, as well as a variety of trim levels. Safety features include driver and passenger front air bags, tire pressure monitoring system and four-wheel antilock disc brakes.
• The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 carries over from 2007.

The styling is bold yet still conservative when compared with the latest pickups from Dodge, Nissan, Toyota, and Ford. While the sheet metal was all-new for 2007, the main reason the new Silverado looks bolder is that it's three inches wider in front and an inch wider in the rear than the previous generation, a big difference.

The Silverado is, of course, available in a range of cab styles and bed lengths with a wide variety of engines, drivetrains and suspensions designed to meet every need.

Upgrades for 2008 include revisions to instruments, seats, radio, a new integrated brake controller option, and more reds in the color palette.

We found the LTZ crew cab with the Z85 suspension offers a nice ride, soaking up vibration on gravel desert roads and offer sure-footed handling on winding paved mountain roads. The popular 5.3-liter V8 delivers good power when needed and quiet cruising when not. For 2008, Silverado gets some detail improvements and minor pricing adjustments. The styling is bold yet still conservative when compared with the latest pickups from Dodge, Nissan, Toyota, and Ford. While the sheet metal was all-new for 2007, the main reason the new Silverado looks bolder is that it's three inches wider in front and an inch wider in the rear than the previous generation, a big difference. The Silverado is, of course, available in a range of cab styles and bed lengths with a wide variety of engines, drivetrains and suspensions designed to meet every need. Upgrades for 2008 include revisions to instruments, seats, radio, a new integrated brake controller option, and more reds in the color palette. We found the LTZ crew cab with the Z85 suspension offers a nice ride, soaking up vibration on gravel desert roads and offer sure-footed handling on winding paved mountain roads.

A raked windshield (raked at 57 degrees) and careful aerodynamic and body-building engineering make the truck both quieter on the inside and more fuel efficient. GM boasts that the Silverado and GMC Sierra are the first full-size trucks to offer both 300 horsepower and EPA highway ratings of 20 miles per gallon (2WD 4.3 and 5.3 on gasoline).

The large, gold Chevy bowtie badge is set against a wide, three-bar chrome grille. The grille is flanked by stacked headlamps sporting the latest reflector-optics. The front bumper incorporates rectangular fog lamps.

The hood has a wide power dome. Bulging front fenders wrap over the front wheels and incorporate the headlamps within their forward sweep. Likewise, the rear quarter panels are punctuated by large faired wheel wells.

The rear view of the truck features stacked tail lamps on either side of a tall tailgate that has a sculpted center section that mimics and inverts the shape of the fender flares.

Built on what General Motors calls its GMT900 platform, the Silverado shares much of its underpinnings with the Tahoe SUV, though the pickup truck gets a unique rear suspension and a frame section that is 245 percent stiffer. Compared to the former generation Silverado, the frame is 234 percent stiffer torsionally, 62 percent more resistant to bending and 136 percent stiffer laterally. All of this allows such things as reducing the gap between the truck bed and passenger compartment and between fenders and bumpers. It also enhances aerodynamics and fuel efficiency and allows suspension components to provide improved ride and handling characteristics.

The front suspension uses coil-over shock absorbers (rather than torsion bars) and the rack-and-pinion steering gear is mounted to the engine cross member frame to provide enhanced control and feedback. The Silverado benefits from a rear axle design featuring shocks absorbers mounted outboard and more upright for better dynamic control than that of the previous-generation models. The 2008 Chevy Silverado may not have the aggressive styling of the Dodge Ram or Nissan Titan or even the Toyota Tundra or Ford F-150, but its upright design may be considered both bold and appealing to its faithful customers, and they buy hundreds of thousands of Silverados each year. A raked windshield (raked at 57 degrees) and careful aerodynamic and body-building engineering make the truck both quieter on the inside and more fuel efficient. GM boasts that the Silverado and GMC Sierra are the first full-size trucks to offer both 300 horsepower and EPA highway ratings of 20 miles per gallon (2WD 4.3 and 5.3 on gasoline). The large, gold Chevy bowtie badge is set against a wide, three-bar chrome grille. The front bumper incorporates rectangular fog lamps. The hood has a wide power dome. Likewise, the rear quarter panels are punctuated by large faired wheel wells. The rear view of the truck features stacked tail lamps on either side of a tall tailgate that has a sculpted center section that mimics and inverts the shape of the fender flares. Built on what General Motors calls its GMT900 platform, the Silverado shares much of its underpinnings with the Tahoe SUV, though the pickup truck gets a unique rear suspension and a frame section that is 245 percent stiffer. It also enhances aerodynamics and fuel efficiency and allows suspension components to provide improved ride and handling characteristics. The front suspension uses coil-over shock absorbers (rather than torsion bars) and the rack-and-pinion steering gear is mounted to the engine cross member frame to provide enhanced control and feedback.

An LTZ interior mirrors those of GM's full-size sport-utilities and is modeled more like a big touring sedan than a truck. It's a smooth, cohesive design with a central console that rises to a wall of smallish white-on-black buttons you can't operate with mittens like those on the 'pure pickup.' The optional navigation system is up high for good viewing, intuitive in operation, and offers many choices in radio station memory. The LTZ cabin is available in three interior colors and, though it will show dirt faster, the lightest color gives the most luxurious impression.

On the other hand, the WT/LT version is more conventional truck with a more open floor area, space for junk all over, and no concerns that something might get scratched, scuffed or dirty. Modern electronics suggest hosing them out isn't a good idea anymore, but a shovel and stiff bristle brush should get it done.

The basic Z83 suspension is best chosen for budget constraints or if you plan to make modifications and throw away the stock parts. The Z85 is similar except that it uses better shock absorbers and is calibrated for how today's light-duty pickups are often used as daily transportation. The Z71 package is designed for off-highway use and makes maximum use of suspension travel to keep the wheels on the ground when on the trail or dirt roads; this off-road package frequently provides the best ride quality on anything worse than glass-smooth interstates. The Z60 street package replete with 20-inch wheels and low-profile tires is best used for the city but can be used on a dirt road. The NHT package is designed for maximum loads; ride compliance is good based on how much weight it can carry and tow but driving it around empty may be firmer (harsher) than you want for every day use.

All Sierras benefit from brakes much improved over earlier (pre-2007) models, whether they have the rear discs or drum brakes.

For 2008, drivers who tow will appreciate the optional integrated brake controller like that used on the Sierra heavy-duty trucks. (However, be sure your trailer brakes are compatible with it before choosing the option, as some electro-hydraulic disc conversions do not work with the integrated controller.)

The Silverado can be equipped for a towing capacity of as much as 10,500 pounds (a 4WD longer cab NHT without a long bed); typical maximum tow ratings for other models without the 6-liter/NHT are in the 8000-8900 pound range. If you want a 10,000-plus tow rating in a regular cab you have to look to Ford or Toyota. Remember these trailer weights are usually quoted for an empty truck with a standard-size driver (154 pounds) on board.

Those with limited vertical clearance either at home or in commercial garages should note that the 4WD version of Silverado 1500 extended cab and crew cab is fractionally lower at the roof and loading level than the 2WD version. Some pickup trucks add two to three inches in height for 4WD, and those inches could be critical in tight fits. Suspension choice is key to the driving characteristics of the Silverado, while the cabin configuration (pure pickup WT/LT or luxury LTZ) is key to how you expect to use the truck and what you expect from it. An LTZ interior mirrors those of GM's full-size sport-utilities and is modeled more like a big touring sedan than a truck. The LTZ cabin is available in three interior colors and, though it will show dirt faster, the lightest color gives the most luxurious impression. On the other hand, the WT/LT version is more conventional truck with a more open floor area, space for junk all over, and no concerns that something might get scratched, scuffed or dirty. Modern electronics suggest hosing them out isn't a good idea anymore, but a shovel and stiff bristle brush should get it done. The basic Z83 suspension is best chosen for budget constraints or if you plan to make modifications and throw away the stock parts. The NHT package is designed for maximum loads; ride compliance is good based on how much weight it can carry and tow but driving it around empty may be firmer (harsher) than you want for every day use. All Sierras benefit from brakes much improved over earlier (pre-2007) models, whether they have the rear discs or drum brakes. For 2008, drivers who tow will appreciate the optional integrated brake controller like that used on the Sierra heavy-duty trucks. (However, be sure your trailer brakes are compatible with it before choosing the option, as some electro-hydraulic disc conversions do not work with the integrated controller.) The Silverado can be equipped for a towing capacity of as much as 10,500 pounds (a 4WD longer cab NHT without a long bed); typical maximum tow ratings for other models without the 6-liter/NHT are in the 8000-8900 pound range. Remember these trailer weights are usually quoted for an empty truck with a standard-size driver (154 pounds) on board. Those with limited vertical clearance either at home or in commercial garages should note that the 4WD version of Silverado 1500 extended cab and crew cab is fractionally lower at the roof and loading level than the 2WD version.

The pure pickup interior is more driver and work oriented, includes two glove boxes in the dashboard, one of them just about the right size to hold a pair of work gloves and a few small items, and a 40/20/40-split front bench seat with the center section of the seat back folding down to form a wide arm rest with lots of storage capacity. This interior features large switchgear controls and interior door handles designed to be easily manipulated even while wearing bulky gloves.

The more luxury-oriented interior includes bucket seats with a permanent center console with 20 liters of storage capacity. The center stack puts ventilation and audio controls within easy site and reach of the front seat passenger. This version has a single glove box in the dash.

For 2008, all Silverado models get brighter gauge needles for easier viewing in daylight, XM satellite radio with three months of complimentary service, and a power adjustable driver's seat is available for the 40/20/40 bench on regular cabs.

Extended cabs feature stadium-style seating with an elevated view for those sitting in the second row. Both the extended cab and crew cab versions offer plenty of rear legroom. The rear seat bottoms can be easily be folded up to provide more room on the floor for cargo. Rear seats are split 60/40 so one side can be folded up for cargo while the other is used for seating.

Chevrolet says the interior of the new Sierra is 20 percent quieter than its predecessor (pre-2007 and Silverado Classic models), thanks to enhanced insulation materials, much like those used in the company's sport utility vehicles, and to aerodynamic improvements that reduce wind noise. The Silverado WT and LT come with what Chevy calls the pure pickup truck interior while the LTZ features a more luxurious interior. The pure pickup interior is more driver and work oriented, includes two glove boxes in the dashboard, one of them just about the right size to hold a pair of work gloves and a few small items, and a 40/20/40-split front bench seat with the center section of the seat back folding down to form a wide arm rest with lots of storage capacity. This interior features large switchgear controls and interior door handles designed to be easily manipulated even while wearing bulky gloves. The more luxury-oriented interior includes bucket seats with a permanent center console with 20 liters of storage capacity. This version has a single glove box in the dash. For 2008, all Silverado models get brighter gauge needles for easier viewing in daylight, XM satellite radio with three months of complimentary service, and a power adjustable driver's seat is available for the 40/20/40 bench on regular cabs. Extended cabs feature stadium-style seating with an elevated view for those sitting in the second row. Rear seats are split 60/40 so one side can be folded up for cargo while the other is used for seating. Chevrolet says the interior of the new Sierra is 20 percent quieter than its predecessor (pre-2007 and Silverado Classic models), thanks to enhanced insulation materials, much like those used in the company's sport utility vehicles, and to aerodynamic improvements that reduce wind noise.

G.R. Whale contributed to this report from Southern California; with NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Larry Edsall reporting from Phoenix. We think it's one of the best choices available for 2008. G.R.