Chevy is known to "run deep." That's especially true of this Silverado truck. This impressive piece of 355-horsepower, V8 machinery is not only versatile, but it’s comfortable, powerful and gets decent mileage for a vehicle of its size.
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Other staff views
Alan Cesar
SuperDork
Enormous. Man, trucks have gotten huge.
This machine was incredibly well appointed and fit four people in extreme comfort—perhaps even luxury. The V8 comes with cylinder deactivation and the front features a very deep air dam, so it gets reasonable highway fuel economy for such a gigantic machine. It also accelerates surprisingly well. Certainly got my attention the first time I matted the pedal. Whoa, Bessie.
I can see where someone would find use for this, but it's a bit ungainly for a daily driver. Parking lot maneuvers are tough thanks to its size. I don't ever see myself needing a vehicle like this, but if I was looking for something to tow a race rig cross-country, this one would be on my list of trucks to shop.
Tim Suddard
Publisher Emeritus
This is a pretty nice truck, but not as revolutionary as the ads make it sound like it would be. Overall, it's a comfortable, competent hauler. The tight turning circle stood out as best feature, but the ride quality was poor and it's still difficult to park this monstrosity. I kept running over curbs.
David S. Wallens
Editorial Director
Yes, it's big, and this is coming from a guy who drives a 5120-pound Pontiac wagon.
If you're using it as a truck--like, to haul crap--then it's totally justifiable. I am constantly amazed at the refinements given to these supposedly simple vehicles. Sure, it's a truck, but there's some serious neat details packed inside.
I'm also impressed by the EPA numbers: 16/23. Wow. Remember when pickups just got a two-barrel carb and used up however much gas they pleased? This one has direct injection and variable valve timing. Nicely done, Detroit.
As a daily driver, I just don't get it. Even with the refinements, it's big to park, a pain to get into, and doesn't offer the best outward visibility. So, even though it's a polished truck, I still wouldn't want to drive it every day.
Comments
Alan: Trucks have been this big (in width) since about 1960. The cabs have gotten bigger to allow more than 2 or 3 people to ride comfortably.
David: As a daily driver it makes perfect sense unless you live in a congested urban environment with Trader Joes Prius size parking space.
Tim: For a truck, it rides great. In fact, it rides better than any Porsche 911 I have ever driven.
The fact is that there is a reason that the trucks produced by GM and Ford are the top 2 selling vehicles in the US, and have been for years. They are comfortable, safe, practical and the most reliable vehicle made in the world, period.
In the meantime, I will enjoy driving my GMC Duramax crew cab for the next several hundred thousand miles and will do so in comfort and safety. It is how most of us motorsports enthusiasts get our cars to the track and other fun car events.
I don't necessarily disagree with being overkill for a daily driver, but at the cost these things are now days, it almost has to be. If you need a truck, this fits the bill, but at $50k, it's hard to buy it AND a daily driver.
Perhaps that's why the add on's and features have increased over the years because people want those things for a daily and can't justify two vehicles.
-Rob
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