Like all full-size pickups, the Silverado Classic is available in a vast array of configurations: two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD); regular cabs, extended cabs, and crew cabs; short beds (6-1/2-foot) and long beds (8-foot). Three trim levels are available: W/T, LS, and LT, plus a sporty SS. Several grades of heavy duty models remain available, but this review focuses on the light-duty 1500 series, which offers payload ratings from 1,216 to 2,052 pounds. Silverado Classic 1500 models are available with a 4.3-liter V6, a 4.8-liter V8, a 5.3-liter V8, or a 6.0-liter V8.
Silverado Classic also offers the 1500HD, which represents a compromise between the light-duty 1500 series and the medium-to-heavy-duty (and correspondingly harder-riding) 2500HD and 3500 series. Avaialble only as a Crew Cab with a 6-foot, 6-inch bed (instead of the standard 1500 Crew Cab's 5-foot, 8-inch bed), the 1500HD hauls 3,129 pounds with 2WD, 2,838 pounds with 4WD, and tows up to 10,300 pounds. Power is provided by the big 6.0-liter V8 that's used in the 2500HD/3500.
Standard equipment on all Silverado Classics, even the most basic W/T (Work Truck, for $15,840), are AM/FM stereo, tilt steering, driver information center, a chromed front bumper, painter rear step bumber, and 17-inch painted steel wheels. Air conditioning is now listed as an option ($570). Extended Cabs ($21,465) come with automtic transmission.
Moving up to LS trim (starting at $20,075) adds air conditioning, cruise control, a CD player, cloth instead of vinyl upholstery, and an expanded list of options. LS Extended Cabs ($23,940) come with automatic transission, and Crew Cabs ($24,965) come with the 4.8-liter V8.
Silverado LT (starting at $23,350) is more luxurious, with carpeting, upgraded upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and power windows, locks and mirrors. Again the Crew Cab version ($28,515) comes with more, including the 5.3-liter V8. LT2 and LT3 option packages add yet more equipment, but both price and specific content depend on cab style, driveline, and other factors. We suggest you see a Chevy dealer to sort it all out.
The Z71 off-road package ($360-550, depending on cab style and bed length) is offered only on 4WD trucks with LT trim; and includes special off-road suspension, skid plates, high-capacity air cleaner and distinctive decals and fender flares. Add a heavy-duty locking rear differential ($325), fog lamps ($140), and LT245/70R17 all-terrain tires ($200) for serious off-roading.
Silverado Classic SS ($33,280) is a performance model equipped with a high-output 345 horsepower Vortec 6000 6.0-liter engine designed for quick acceleration and relaxed cruising. SS gets a high-performance Z60 chassis package; optional 20-inch wheels and tires; and special exterior and interior trim. For the first time it is offered with 2WD as well as AWD, the former giving this performance truck an 8100-pound towing capacity.
A Hybrid option ($1,500) is available in several states. With its unique starter/generator combined with a 5.3-liter V8, the hybrid offers up to 10 percent improvement in fuel economy while delivering the same 295 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque as any other Silverado with the 5.3-liter engine.
Other options include XM Satellite Radio ($325), which provides CD-quality broadcast of 100 digital channels coast to coast. Crew Cab models offer a Panasonic DVD Passenger Entertainment System ($1,295) and rear-seat audio controls. Extended Cabs and Crew Cabs offer a power sunroof ($795). OnStar ($695) is also available, which puts a human being at your assistance at the press of a button any time of day. OnStar operators can unlock your doors remotely, and the system automatically calls for assistance if the airbags deploy.
Safety features on most 1500 models include dual-level front air bags, which are designed to provide an appropriate amount of inflation based on the severity of the crash. A passenger-sensing system automatically deactivates the passenger-side front air bag under certain conditions to protect children. Active safety features include anti-lock brakes (ABS) on all models. GM's Autotrac 4WD improves traction and stability of four-wheel-drive models on slippery roads.