Chevrolet’s popular Silverado pickup truck matches six of its rugged Vortec V–8 engines with a six–speed automatic transmission for 2009, using Active Fuel Management to improve gas mileage, especially on the highway where lower cruising rpms mean less fuel consumption. Active Fuel Management reduces cylinder activity from 8 to 4 when extra horsepower isn’t needed.
Other 2009 tweaks include options such as Bluetooth phone connectivity, XM Satellite Radio with a real time traffic information on the Navigation system, new 18 and 20–inch chrome wheel designs and a rearview camera system. Our test–drive was the 1500 all–wheel–drive crew cab LT1 that included, among other upgrades, interior and exterior plus packages, a safety package, a power pack plus package that upgraded the standard 4.8–liter to a 5.3–liter Vortec engine, off–road suspension system, cargo management system, 18–inch wheels, trailer brake and power sliding rear window. They brought the total price tag to $39,010.
Options are both the boon and bane of pickup trucks since they are needed to soar above the base models for customization. Consider: Silverado has three cab styles, three cargo box lengths, three wheel sizes, four trim levels, five suspension systems, eight engines and two and four wheel drive automatic transmissions. Even with many model choices and package options, Silverado received J.D. Power’s “Highest Ranked Large Pickup in Initial Quality” in 2008.
Silverado’s matching of the V–8 engines with a six speed automatic results in one of the better highway mileage ratings for pickup trucks with a quiet interior at highway speeds. Silverados are built on the same truck platform as GMC’s Sierra. Our truck used the Z85 suspension system with monotube front and rear shocks designed for enhanced handling and trailer hauling (up to five tons). It produced a smooth, comfortable ride but resulted in typical pickup–truck–lean in tight turns.
Inside, the high rear seat aids passenger visibility, the rear seats fold down 60/40 and a folding center armrest can be flipped up for extra cargo space. Seats are comfortable and the interior Plus Package makes for a nicely trimmed interior with large audio/climate controls now sitting lower on the dashboard and easier to reach. Dashboard gauges tilt slightly upward and speed/rpm gauges are readable with sunglasses on. The over/under glove box is a nice touch. There are plenty of storage spaces and grab handles exist for all doors except the driver. OnStar provides a crash alert if the truck is involved in an accident. |
