2008 Chevy Silverado Review

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 underwent a major redesign for 2007. Considering this, not a whole lot changed for 2008, except the addition of standard satellite radio, new exterior colors and a new gauge cluster. Last year's major changes included exterior restyling, vastly improved interior quality, roomier cabins, higher maximum towing and payload capacities, and improved gas mileage. The Silverado shares a platform with the Tahoe and Suburban full-size SUVs. These models were the first on this all-new platform. The Silverado comes in regular, extended and Crew Cab body styles and offers short, standard and long cargo box lengths; there are eight powertrain combinations, many suspension packages and four trim levels. Of course there's also rear- or four-wheel drive, as well as heavy-duty versions. The 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 carries over from 2007.

Powering the '08 Silverado

 The Silverado uses a 4.3-liter V-6 and 4.8-, 5.3- and 6.0-liter V-8 engines paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The 5.3-liter engine includes fuel-saving cylinder-deactivation technology and is flexible - capable of running on E85 ethanol and/or gasoline. The 6.0-liter grants the maximum towing capacity of 10,500 pounds. This capability also requires one of five suspension choices called NHT. The other four Z-based suspension names (like Z71) are for a smooth ride, enhanced trailer towing and handling, offroad capability and street performance. More interesting than the powertrains are Chevy's moves toward other, more-refined systems that have been finding their way into SUVs and other trucks: Coil springs have replaced torsion bars in the front suspension, and the recirculating-ball steering has given way to the lighter, simpler and more precise rack-and-pinion design. Five suspension setups are available: Z83 is the standard suspension and is designed for a smooth ride; Z85 is a little firmer for enhanced handling and towing; Z71 is for off-road driving and includes 18-inch wheels; Z60 is for maximum street performance and includes 20-inch wheels; NHT is for maximum towing capacity and includes high-capacity rear springs as well as all-terrain tires.

Chevy Silverado Design

 The large, gold Chevy bowtie badge is set against a wide, three-bar chrome grille. The grille is flanked by stacked headlamps sporting the latest reflector-optics. The front bumper incorporates rectangular fog lamps. The most obvious difference in the new Silverado is a departure from the eyebrow-looking headlights of the previous model and a move toward more conventional stacked headlights flanking an enormous grille. The windshield is more swept back, yet the nose is taller and more squared off. The end result is better aerodynamics, which plays a part in the improved fuel economy. Unlike the Tahoe, which blends its bumper into the front end, the Silverado's remains a separate entity. Wheels range from 17 to 20 inches in diameter. New exterior colors include Dark Cherry Metallic and Deep Ruby Metallic.

Inside the Silverado

 The Silverado WT and LT come with what Chevy calls the pure pickup truck interior while the LTZ features a more luxurious interior. Interior changes for 2008 are minor, including brighter pointers in the gauge cluster on all models. XM Satellite Radio is now standard on all Silverado models. In addition to added front-seat legroom, headroom and hip room, Chevy made the interiors seem roomier by moving the dashboards down and forward a few inches. Storage capacity has grown thanks to a double glove compartment (in the WT and LT) and even-larger center storage consoles. Even the optional 40/20/40-split front seat offers a lockable bin in the center seat and another in its backrest/armrest.  Chevrolet says the rear seats are more supportive and offer more legroom in both extended and Crew Cabs. The crews have split rear seats that raise to provide more storage space.

2008 Silverado Lineup

The official trim levels are WT (work truck), LS (Crew Cab only), LT and LTZ. The Z71 Off Road package also has some exterior changes along with its suspension modifications. The LT has chrome bumpers and the LTZ's are body-colored. Regular cab WT models may be upgraded with an LS package and some larger cab models have an LS version about $1,000 above a WT.

The WT is a basic work truck that comes with a driver information center, AM/FM/XM stereo, 40/20/40 split-bench, vinyl-covered front seat, dual glove boxes, two auxiliary power outlets, tire pressure monitoring system, OnStar and a four-speed automatic transmission.

The LT models start with LT1 which adds a cloth-covered front seat with lockable storage under the seat, a CD player and MP3 compatibility, power windows/locks/mirrors, remote keyless entry, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and outside temperature displays, 17-inch chrome-styled steel wheels and power folding and heated exterior mirrors. The more upscale LT2 comes with premium cloth front bucket seats with six-way power adjustment, dual-zone automatic temperature controls, audio controls mounted on the steering wheel, fog lamps, aluminum wheels, chromed bumper, and a spare tire lock.

The LTZ adds heavy-duty trailering equipment, an automatic locking rear differential, body-colored bumpers, reclining and heated leather front seats with 12-way power, an in-dash six-CD changer with Bose speakers, turn signal indicators in the exterior rearview mirrors and heated windshield washers.

Conclusions

The Silverado competes with other full-size trucks like the Ford F-150, Dodge Ram, Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan. For updates and more information on this model, visit the official Chevy Silverado site. Antilock brakes are standard on all models. The StabiliTrak electronic stability system is standard on Crew Cabs and optional on extended cabs but not available on regular cabs. In addition to the required airbag complement, side curtain airbags are optional for all three body styles. They deploy along all the side windows in the event of a side impact or a rollover. The Silverado comes with OnStar, with the first year of Safe & Sound service free. This plan includes automatic OnStar notification in the event of a collision, stolen vehicle tracking and remote door unlocking should you lock your keys in the truck. The Chevrolet Silverado, redesigned for 2007, aims to continue its reputation as the 'strongest, most dependable and longest lasting truck on the road. For another look at this truck, read a review of the '08 Chevy Silverado by Car Connection.