2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 [ 2007 ]

• Overall
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Specs

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - What the Auto Press Says

The 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ranks 1 out of 7 Full Size Pickup Trucks. This ranking is based on our analysis of 50 published reviews and test drives of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Silverado 1500 delivers one of the best combinations of no-nonsense performance, responsive handling and exterior styling in its class. It's available in a wide array of trims, engines and features for optimal customization.

Finding a poor review of the 2008 Chevy Silverado 1500 is tough -- according to our analysis, it's hard to do better than the combination of ruggedness and refinement provided with this full-size pickup. "There are no bad full-size pickups now, but the Silverado quietly excels in every area." Car and Driver adds, "Let's just agree that a perfect truck is hard to find, and we'll drive the Silverado till we find it."

During the year of its redesign, 2007, the Silverado 1500 won a number of awards, including recognition as Car and Driver's "Best Pickup," Motor Trend's "Truck of the Year," and Motor Week's "Driver's Choice." The 2008 model still offers a staggering number of engines, trim levels, bed lengths, suspension configurations and other options. The Silverado 1500 is available with two-wheel or four-wheel drive; with a short, standard or long bed; with a regular, crew or extended cab, and in Work Truck, LT and LTZ trim levels. Reviewers enjoyed the Silverado's capabilities and comfort regardless of which combination of the award-winning truck they drove.

If you're shopping for a full-size pickup truck, you should also consider the Silverado's platform-mate, the GMC Sierra.

• "No single aspect of the pickup is remarkable, but the package is integrated so nicely that if you needed one all-purpose vehicle, this might well be it. Otherwise, it's a solid partner for work, play or just traveling." -- Orlando Sentinel
• Highlighting the Silverado and the GMC Sierra, Car and Driver reports, "It's hard to beat their all-around excellence and utility, although the four-speed automatic transmission now feels dated." -- Car and Driver
• Following the 2007 redesign, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram pens, "General Motors builds the best light-duty, full-size trucks. That was my belief even before the newest generation of the Chevrolet Silverado was introduced." -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
• "It's more comfortable for everyday use, yet tougher as a work vehicle. And it's very well put together, as proven in part by its impressively tight panel gaps." -- Road and Track
• "They are nicely appointed and as comfortable to drive as SUVs." -- Kansas City Star
  
  

Silverado-1500 Performance - 8.4 (Very Good)

Among the best in its class for performance, the 2008 Silverado 1500 is rugged but sufficiently refined for everyday cruising. "With a decent suspension and responsive steering," writes the Arizona Republic, the Silverado 1500's "drivability was good enough to be a capable commuting vehicle for someone who wants a pickup on the weekend for hauling toys or projects." Check out our full Performance Review to learn what off-roading, hauling and towing specifications the Silverado provides for weekend chores. continue

Silverado-1500 Exterior - 7.9 (Good)

Many reported that onlookers, even those that use pickup trucks on a daily basis, had positive reactions to the Chevy Silverado's styling. USA Today reports the "best acknowledgment probably was the attention from tradesmen at job sites, guys who really drive and use pickups." Continue with our full Exterior Review to read about risks Chevy took with the still-new design of its Silverado. continue

Silverado-1500 Interior - 8.1 (Very Good)

Reviewers report the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado has one of the best interiors offered for a full size pickup. The Kansas City Star says "Seams are few and gaps are small" inside the truck. "The front seats are exceptionally comfortable, and the back seat folds flat for extra load space." Our full Interior Review outlines the differences between Chevy's two interior packages for the Silverado -- Work Truck or Luxury Truck. continue

Silverado-1500 Safety - 9.6 (Excellent)

Four Wheeler Magazine says the "new GM trucks are loaded with class-leading safety features," which crash tests support. The 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 does very well in federal government crash tests. Continue with our Safety Review for more on the Silverado's safety features and crash test scores. continue

Silverado-1500 Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2008 Chevrolet Silverado is backed by a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Check out our full Reliability Review for further information on Chevy's transferable powertrain warranty. continue