Avg. Price Paid:$10,510 - $23,133
Original MSRP: $17,590 - $38,950
MPG: 15 City / 20 Hwy
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2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Review

Review Last Updated: 3/10/09

These scores and this review are from when the car was new.

Scorecard

Overall: 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 U.S. News Best Cars 9.2
Critics' Rating: 9.4
Performance: 8.4
Interior: 8.1
Safety: 9.6
Reliability:
How we calculate scores
Research analyzed for this review

Pros & Cons

  • Smooth ride and good handling
  • Attractive exterior
  • Above-average fuel economy for its class
  • Cramped backseat in Extended Cab models
  • Some features only available on pricey top-end models

Research Other Years

The Silverado 1500 delivers one of the best combinations of no-nonsense performance, responsive handling and rugged exterior styling in its class. Its wide range of trims, cab and bed lengths make it highly customizable.

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," says Car and Driver, adding, "Let's just agree that a perfect truck is hard to find, and we'll drive the Silverado till we find it."

In the wake of its 2007 redesign, 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. buyers should appreciate the Silverado's gas mileage, which is among the best in the class.

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

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