2007 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 LT 4X4 2007

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1 2007 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 LT 4X The new-generation Silverado is built on a new frame with 234% more torsional rigidity. This year s line-up features four engines: a 4.3-litre V6, a 4.8-litre V8, a 5.3-litre V8 including a version that can run on a blend of ethanol and gasoline, and a 6-litre V8. The Silverado is available in WT, LT and LTZ trim levels with a choice of three body styles (regular, extended or crew cab); short (5 ft. 8 in.), standard (6 ft. 6 in.) or long (8 ft.) box lengths; and two- or four-wheel drive. Cab and cargo box With or without side steps, access is relatively easy for tall people. Getting in and out without side steps is complicated for others. The front seats are very comfortable even without adjustable lumbar support, and they can accommodate people of just about any size. As there isn t much room between the door and seat, the seat adjustment levers are hard to reach. Drivers enjoy a very good driving position. Access to the back is rather difficult even though the rear doors open a wide 170 degrees. The bench seat with its upright seatback and short cushion is not very comfortable, and head and legroom are limited for tall people. The 60/40 split cushion flips up to increase cargo space. The lockable tailgate is a breeze to use with the EZ Lift tailgate package. The pickup box has four tie-down hooks and slots for vertical and horizontal dividers. Photo: Chevrolet

2 Convenience and safety features Interior finish is very good. The quality of materials is better than before, except for the dashboard plastic that still looks cheap. Wind noise and even some wind whistles could be heard in our test vehicle. There are plenty of good storage compartments. Instruments and controls are well laid out, with one exception, the windshield wiper control that is on the turn-signal stalk. The click of the turn signals is barely audible. Everything necessary is illuminated at night except the glove compartment. The climate control system works very quickly and efficiently. Safety equipment aboard the Silverado includes two front air bags, four head restraints, stability control (optional on several models) and an antilock braking system. Side-curtain airbags are optional in the LT and LTZ versions only. The two rear head restraints do not adjust high enough for people of average or more height. Visibility is good except on a three-quarter-rear angle because of the obstruction of the wide B- and C-pillars. The A-pillars are wide, too, which reduces visibility on a front angle. Headlight intensity is good. In U.S. government crash tests, the Silverado obtained the top five-star rating for front-occupant protection in a frontal impact. The extended cab and crew cab models earned four stars for rollover resistance (the regular cab version was not tested). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Silverado a Poor rating, its lowest, for protection of occupants in a rear impact. Engine and transmission The 5.3L V8 develops 315 horsepower and 338 pounds of torque. A version of this engine can run on E85 blended fuel containing 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. This engine also has an active fuel management system that shuts down four cylinders when conditions allow, which is not very often. Acceleration and pickup are very good, and the engine has a nice growl when it accelerates, never seeming hard pressed. The four-speed automatic transmission is generally very smooth. There are times when it can be felt quite distinctly as it shifts up or down. The transfer case with automatic mode is easy to use and works well.

3 On the road The Silverado s smooth ride would be the envy of many cars. Despite some bounce and a bit of pitch when the pickup box is empty, the very good blend of suspension suppleness and firmness ensures almost continuous comfort. Roadholding is good for a full-size pickup. The power steering is well weighted, stable, quite precise and relatively quick, but it provides little in the way of road feel. The turning circle is normal but this vehicle s imposing size doesn t make it very nimble in tight spaces. The brakes are very powerful and resist well to fade. Inspection Our inspection at a CAA-Quebec technical inspection centre showed that the Silverado is very sturdy but also turned up several details that need attention. There is no rustproofing, joints are unsealed and there are several areas where dirt and humidity can accumulate. The rear fender liners, the rocker panels and the lower part of the doors have nothing to protect them from road grit picked up by the tires; the paint won t last long in those areas. There is no light in the engine compartment. The overhead camshafts are chain driven. Conclusion This new generation has what it takes to stay on top of its class. The availability of so many models and versions may complicate things for buyers but also allows them to find exactly what they need. The Silverado is a solid, comfortable vehicle that is fun to drive. PROS: sturdy build, choice of models and versions, front-seat comfort, road behaviour, lively V8 engines, powerful brakes CONS: wind noise, head restraints need attention, several large blind zones, windshield wiper control to be relocated, rear-bench comfort, areas under the vehicle need work CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 Engine: 12-valve, 4.3-litre V6; 16-valve, 4.8-litre V8; 16-valve, 5.3-litre V8; 16-valve, 6.0-litre V8 Horsepower: 195 hp at 4,600 rpm; 295 hp at 5,600 rpm; 315 hp at 5,200 rpm; 367 hp at 5,500 rpm

4 Torque: 260 lb-ft at 2,800 rpm; 305 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm; 338 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm; 375 lb-ft at 4,300 rpm Transmission: 4-speed automatic Suspension: fully independent Brakes: disc/disc Wheelbase: to 400 cm Length: to 632 cm Width: cm (without mirrors) Height: to cm Weight: 2,176 to 2,461 kg Tires: P245/70R17; P265/70R17; P265/65R18; P275/55R20; LT245/70R17 Maximum towing capacity: 4,763 kg Airbags: dual front. Two curtain airbags in option on LT and LTZ Fuel consumption with 5.3 with Flex Fuel and 4X4: Transport Canada rating: City: 15.1 L/100 km (19 mpg) Highway: 10.8 L/100 km (26 mpg) Test result: 16.7 L/100 km (17 mpg) Test temperature: 2 0 C to 19 0 C Fuel tank capacity: 98 or 128 litres Fuel requirement: regular grade gasoline or E85 Acceleration km/h: 9.2 seconds km/h: 6.5 seconds Competition: Dodge Ram 1500, Ford F-150, Nissan Titan, Toyota Tundra Warranty: Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km Powertrain: 5 years/160,000 km Surface corrosion: 3 years/60,000 km Perforation damage: 6 years/160,000 km Emissions control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module) Factory replacement parts Rear bumper: $479 Front brake disc: $160 Brake pads: $168 Muffler: $816 Front fender: $260 (right hand side: $407)

5 Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, male or female driver 30 to 40 years old): $757 to $989 Price according to trim level: WT 4X2 : $23,370 4X4 : $26,970 LT 4X2 : $28,245 4X4 : $32,395 LTZ 4X2: $36,625 4X4 : $43,625 Main options: Dual zone air conditioning: $1,235 (WT) Side curtains: $695 (LT, LTZ) Options packages: $125 to $4,215 Price as tested: $44,100 Freight and preparation: $1,270 Dealers: Quebec: 173 Canada: 697 April All rights reserved, CAA-Quebec