Chevrolet Silverado Test Drive

 Last year, I test drove the 4 door version of this truck. It was a loaded "High Country" model, costing over $52 000.

This one, a "1500 2WD" starts at a much more reasonable (And more "truck like") $26 000.
Mine had a few options, like a Spray On bed liner, 4.2 Inch color screen, Trailing Equipment.
Mut mostly a $1445 "Black out edition" package. ("Big Black")
For a total of $31 400. (Including a very expensive $1195 Destination charge)

 As you can see, it is big. Very big. And high, very high.

And that Black out package gives it quite a menacing look.
A look that, I must say, was quite popular among most of my friends. (especially the ladies)

The bed is really roomy, with a heavy gate (This is not for girl scouts).
The whole thing would make John Wayne look effeminate.

 Inside, things are pretty simple. As expected.
Which is just fine. Everything is well put together and feels really solid.
The small screen is not the best, but again, just fine for this. It even includes a welcome back up camera.
The stereo sounded surprisingly good.

 There is not much storage behind the seats. Just a small space.
The armrest folds up to reveal a 3rd middle seat. With a real seat belt!
Nothing like the ones from the 70's with the old fashion "airplane style" seat belts.

 Even in this base model, the doors have a really nice finish.

The drive in this particular model is, well... Very, very truck like.

Very different than the smooth "High country" model I drove last year.

(It is also much higher)

It is quite smooth on a flat stretch of highway. But as soon as the road isn't perfect, watch out.

It is a constant mix of shaking, shuddering and jumping around. The suspension basically absorbs nothing. It can actually be quite scary at times.

The 6 transmission is super smooth and very responsive.

The big 4.3 Liter V6 works quite well in this truck. It is so quiet and smooth I thought it was a V8.

It also has enough power. And is rated at 18/24MPG.

I was only able to get about 16/17 around town. (Which is still fine)

But easily got 27 on the freeway.

Which seems really good for such a giant.

It might not be comfortable, but it sure is quiet. Amazingly quiet, at all time.

I would even say, "Lexus quiet".

After almost getting used to the super rough ride, I really enjoyed my week with the big truck.

Sure, I have zero need for this.
But this is a really nice vehicle for people who need a truck.
It is not that expensive. It feels like it will last forever. Mileage isn't that bad.
The back up camera helps a lot with parking (Although I still couldn't fit in any Trader Joe's parking lots around my area...)
So why not?

And. As you can see. This is the best place to have a picnic under the stars with a good friend...

1500 2015 auto chevrolet drive news pickup review silverado test truck -

5 ( 88 ratings )

- Wednesday, August 05, 2015