Description
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 (2007, 2008, 20010, 2011) 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.
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.
YEARLY UPDATES
2008 Silverado 1500
Minor instrument-panel revisions were made to the “Pure Pickup” interior, but there were no other changes of note.
2009 Silverado 1500
The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 lineup gained an available gas/electric hybrid model, a new top-line engine, a 6-speed automatic transmission, and some new features. Newly offered was a 403-hp 6.2-liter V8. Also newly available was a wireless cell-phone link.
2010 Silverado 1500
The 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was slated to receive a new turbodiesel V8 engine, but its introduction was indefinitely delayed. Otherwise, the 2010 Silverado 1500 was largely unchanged.
2011 Silverado 1500
The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is largely unchanged.
2012 Silverado
The availability of a ritzy White Diamond Edition package was the only noteworthy change to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 for 2012.
2013 Silverado 1500
Model-year 2013 was an abbreviated one for the Silverado 1500 and the last year for the Silverado Hybrid. There were no significant changes. GM debuted a redesigned Silverado 1500 for model-year 2014.
