Large pickup truck; Built in Mexico, Canada, USA
  • crew cab
  • ext. cab long bed
  • ext. cab short bed
  • ext. cab short bed
  • reg. cab long bed
  • reg. cab short bed
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $8,200 – $34,700*


2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500


2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500


2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500


2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500


2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Front


2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Rear


2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Front


2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Rear


2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Interior


2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Front-2


2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Profile

Pros:
  • Transmission operation
  • Control layout
  • Interior materials
  • Quietness (for a truck)
  • Seat comfort
  • Brake performance
Cons:
  • Fuel economy
  • Steering/handling

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.

Overview

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.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

Silverados came with a choice of five engines, each driving a four-speed automatic transmission, or, starting in 2009, a six-speed for some V8s. The base 4.3-liter V6 made 195 horsepower. The 4.8-liter V8 made 295 hp, the 5.3-liter V8 made 315, the 6.0-liter V8 made 367, and the new-for-2009 6.2-liter V8 made 403. Also new for 2009 was a gas/electric hybrid with a 332-hp 6.0-liter V8 with electric-motor assist. Some versions of the 5.3-liter V8 were E85-capable. Rear-wheel drive was standard, but two 4WD systems were available.

ohv V61
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.3/262
Engine HP 195
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 260
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

15/20

ohv V81
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.8/293
Engine HP 295
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 305
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

14/19

ohv V81
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 5.3/325
Engine HP 315
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 338
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
15/20
15/21
ohv V8/electric
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 6.0/364
Engine HP 332
Engine Torque (lb-ft) NA
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

21/22

20.1

ohv V81
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 6.0/364
Engine HP 367
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 375
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
13/18
14/19
13.8

ohv V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 6.2/378
Engine HP 403
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 417
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

13/19

1. EPA Note: Figures shown are for 2008 models with RWD. The Environmental Protection Agency changed its procedure for 2008 to yield more realistic estimates. Therefore, estimated mileage is lower than for prior years.

Road Test

Only extended and crew cabs with the 5.3-liter V8 were available for testing. Acceleration is adequate at all speeds, aided by a smooth-shifting transmission that kicks down quickly for more power. Tow/Haul mode adjusts shift points for best performance with heavy loads. Maximum towing capacity was 10,500 pounds. Although no Silverado Hybrid has been tested, a nearly identical GMC Sierra Hybrid performed similarly.

Fuel economy is about as expected for a big pickup truck. A test rear-drive extended-cab Silverado averaged 15.6 mpg. A GMC Sierra Hybrid averaged 20.1 mpg, impressive for this type of vehicle. Chevrolet recommends regular-grade fuel for all engines. Some versions of the 5.3-liter V8 are E85-capable.

With the standard Z85 suspension, the Silverado’s ride is compliant and fairly comfortable, suffering less reverberation over bumps than in most pickups. Ride quality is somewhat stiffer with the optional Z60 suspension, which includes 20-inch tires rather than the standard 17s. Firmer yet is the off-road-ready Z71 suspension, which exhibits considerably choppiness on-road over pavement cracks and washboard surfaces.

Steering is nicely weighted, if a bit numb. Body lean is noticeable in fast turns and quick changes of direction with the Z85 suspension, but on par with other large pickups. A Z60 or Z71 suspension improves handling slightly. Responsive brakes have fine pedal feel.

Quietness is a Silverado strength. Road and engine noises are well muted, and the 5.3 V8 sounds refined. Wind noise intrudes slightly, only above 60 mph.

Gauges are clear and easily read. The wiper switch remains inconveniently mounted on the turn-signal stalk. Chevrolet’s “Pure Pickup” interior places radio and climate controls high on the dashboard, just out of easy reach. Despite its work-truck intentions, materials in the Pure Pickup interior don’t look bargain-basement. Luxury interiors mimic the Tahoe/Suburban, with dressier details and controls mounted lower, but in easy reach. Despite ample use of hard plastic with Luxury trim, its ambiance qualifies as upscale.

The optional navigation system absorbs some audio functions, but higher trim levels offer redundant controls on the steering wheel.

Adults have ample room up front. Bucket and bench seats are comfortable, if somewhat lacking in side support. Visibility is generally good, though extended cab has wide rear pillars that block the view to back corners. Available power-adjustable pedals would be a boon for shorter drivers.

Headroom is generous in the backseat, and crew cabs have abundant leg space. With front bucket seats, the center console restricts foot space for the center rear-seat passenger. The extended cab’s seatback is set at a comfortable angle, but legroom grows tight with the front seat positioned far aft. Wide-opening rear doors on extended cabs are a convenience in tight spaces, and offer power windows; but if fully open, those doors cannot be closed by a seated passenger.

In extendeds and crew cabs, the rear seat cushion flips back against the seatback, leaving a large cargo area with a nearly flat floor. Pure Pickup interiors feature upper and lower gloveboxes; Luxury versions have only the lower one. Bucket seats come with a roomy console bin.

Bench seats have been available with a flip-down center armrest that doubles as a large storage bin. Few other small-item cubbies are provided.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2008 Silverado Crew Cab w/5.3 V8, Z85 susp.

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 6
60%
Fuel Economy - 3
30%
Ride Quality - 6
60%
Steering/Handling - 3
30%
Quietness - 6
60%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Front - 9
90%
Room/Comfort Rear - 8
80%
Cargo Room - 4
40%

Other

Value - 8
80%

Total: 60

Specifications

crew cab
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
143.5 230.2 80.0 73.8
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
2039 26.0 6
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
41.2 40.5 41.3 38.7
ext. cab long bed
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
157.5 249.2 79.9 73.6
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
1687 34.0 6
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
41.2 39.2 41.3 34.3
ext. cab short bed
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
133.9 220.6 79.9 73.8
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
1829 26.0 6
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
41.2 39.2 41.3 34.3
ext. cab short bed
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
143.2 230.2 79.9 73.9
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
2160 26.0 6
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
41.2 39.2 41.3 34.3
reg. cab long bed
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
133.0 224.6 79.9 73.7
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
1812 34.0 3
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
41.4 NA 41.3 NA
reg. cab short bed
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
119.0 205.7 79.9 73.9
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
1952 26.0 3
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
41.4 NA 41.3 NA
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2008 Silverado 1500 crew cab

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Air conditioner
Description: The A/C may not work or the modes won’t change on the manual temperature controls of extended cab and crew cab vehicles due to a wiring problem. (2007-08)
Cold-starting problems
Description: Silverado with Duramax dieesel engine might not start because offaulty fuel injection pump. (2011)
Oil leak
Description: An oil leak at the oil pressure sensor may cause the low oil light to come on and oil level to become low. (2006-07)
Oil pump
Description: Sticking oil-pressure relief valve may cause low or no oil pressure. (2007-13)
Audio system
Description: When using a portable music player (e.g. iPod) there may be noise in the car’s speakers whenever the vehicle’s power adapter is used and a ground loop isolator (from Radio Shack) is required between the device and the power outlet to prevent the noise. (2007-08)
Steering problems
Description: A clunk in the steering column that is both felt and heard on rough roads or off-road can be eliminated with an improved upper-intermediate shaft. (1999-07)
Windows
Description: Power windows may be misaligned and move slowly or not at all. (2008-13)
Battery
Description: The battery may go dead while the car is parked due to the fuel pump running with the key off due to a faulty relay. (2007)
Cupholders
Description: The console cup holders allow drinks to fall out when cornering unless the original mats were replaced with liners having ears that retain the drink. (2007)
Electrical problem
Description: Numerous electrical problems (door locks, power windows, speakers, courtesy lights etc.) may quit working because a wiring harness gets damaged by the seat belt on the crew cab model. (2007)
Electrical problem
Description: Optional engine-block heater could cause fire. (2007-13)
None
Description: The DVD monitors in the front seat headrests may quit working because the video feed cable comes loose requiring installation of cable clamps. (2007-08)
None
Description: Engine may not start because of excessive compression leakage past valves. (2009-13)
Fueling problems
Description: The fuel line may rub against the floor pan causing a buzzing or rattling sound. (2008-10)

Recall History

2007 Silverado 1500
Description: On certain Federal-Mogul replacement wheel hub assemblies, inboard retention nut could loosen, resulting in ABS indication, noise, and/or wheel separation.
2007-09 Silverado equipped with a heated wiper washer fluid system
Description: A short circuit on the printed circuit board for the washer fluid heater may overheat the control-circuit ground wire. This may cause other electrical features to malfunction, create an odor, or cause smoke, increasing the risk of a fire. Dealers will install a wire harness with an in-line fuse free of charge.
2007-13 Silverado with aftermarket Cequent tow packages
Description: Trailer lights might not work because of incorrect aftermarket trailer-wiring harness.
2007-13 Silverado with aftermarket Marathon seat covers
Description: Seat cover could interfere with full deployment of airbags.
2007-2013 Silverado with aftermarket K2 headlights
Description: K2 headlights lack amber side reflectors and don’t meet Federal safety standards.
2011 Silverado LD
Description: The rear axle cross pins were not properly heat treated and could fracture and become displaced within the rear axle. Should the pin shift out of position, it could create an interference condition and cause the rear axle to lock. The driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without warning. Dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge.
2011 Silverado LD
Description: The intermediate steering shaft attaching bolts may not have been tightened to the proper specification. This could allow the joints to separate, and the driver could experience loss of steering increasing the risk of a crash. GM dealers will inspect and ensure that the intermediate steering shaft bolts are tightened to the proper specification. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about July 13, 2011.
2012-13 Silverado HD with 6.6-liter diesel engines
Description: Fuel gauge may give inaccurate reading which could result in unexpected stalling.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

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