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2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Bengt Halvorson's avatar Bengt Halvorson, EditorBengt Halvorson

TheCarConnection.com scanned a wide range of available reviews on the new Chevrolet Silverado to pull together this conclusive review. In addition, TheCarConnection.com drove the Silverado to give an expert opinion and help find the best information and advice on how it matches up to the competition.

Likes:

  • Smooth ride and crisp handling without payload sacrifices the features of a luxury SUV
  • Above-average fuel economy for the class

Dislikes:

  • No factory-installed bedliner option
  • Four-speed automatic has fewer gears than competition

Buying Tips:


The GMC Sierra is almost exactly the same product at almost exactly the same price, but you might consider it instead of the Chevy because of GMC dealerships’ typically higher customer satisfaction ratings.

The Silverado is Chevrolet’s full-size, light-duty pickup truck. It was completely redesigned for 2007, and changes for 2008 are relatively minor. Like most of the other full-size pickup models, such as the Ford F-150, Dodge Ram, and Toyota Tundra, the Silverado is available in a wide range of models—including three different cab styles, and two different interior designs—to suit the needs of everyone from contractors and farmers to style-conscious commuters who need towing or hauling ability for the weekend.

The engine range goes the distance to an all-aluminum, 6.0-liter V-8 cranking out 367 horsepower, though the popular 315-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 will offer enough power for most needs and comes with Active Fuel Management to help improve fuel economy. While the Silverado’s engines are fully competitive, its line of four-speed automatics is a bit behind the five- and six-speed competition. But for many shoppers, its steering and handling are at the top of the pack and help make the big truck feel less cumbersome on real streets.

Features are also a Silverado strong point; it can be optioned up with nearly everything that might be available in a luxury SUV.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado, also consider:

Reason Why:

The Silverado’s softer styling—especially inside—stands apart from its chief competitors, nearly all of which have more imposing, macho styling. The Silverado’s V-8 engines are more powerful yet also more economical than equivalent engines in the F-150, but the engine lineup is more powerful than for the light-duty F-150, and it's more fuel-efficient. The new Tundra includes more safety features than the others, along with more storage compartments and interior utility, while the Ram is sorely outdated, especially inside (it’s set to be replaced by an all-new 2009 truck).

The Bottom Line:

The 2008 Chevrolet Silverado has moved upmarket without forgetting about its work-truck roots.

TheCarConnection.com scanned a wide range of available reviews on the new Chevrolet Silverado to pull together this conclusive review. In addition, TheCarConnection.com drove the Silverado to give an expert opinion and help find the best information and advice on how it matches up to the competition. Likes:Smooth ride and crisp handling without payload sacrifices the features of a luxury SUVAbove-average fuel economy for the classDislikes:No factory-installed bedliner optionFour-speed automatic has fewer gears than competitionBuying Tips: The GMC Sierra is almost exactly the same product at almost exactly the same price, but you might consider it instead of the Chevy because of GMC dealerships’ typically higher customer satisfaction ratings. The Silverado is Chevrolet’s full-size, light-duty pickup truck. It was completely redesigned for 2007, and changes for 2008 are relatively minor. Like most of the other full-size pickup models, such as the Ford F-150, Dodge Ram, and Toyota Tundra, the Silverado is available in a wide range of models—including three different cab styles, and two different interior designs—to suit the needs of everyone from contractors and farmers to style-conscious commuters who need towing or hauling ability for the weekend. The engine range goes the distance to an all-aluminum, 6.0-liter V-8 cranking out 367 horsepower, though the popular 315-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 will offer enough power for most needs and comes with Active Fuel Management to help improve fuel economy. While the Silverado’s engines are fully competitive, its line of four-speed automatics is a bit behind the five- and six-speed competition. But for many shoppers, its steering and handling are at the top of the pack and help make the big truck feel less cumbersome on real streets. Features are also a Silverado strong point; it can be optioned up with nearly everything that might be available in a luxury SUV. Other Choices:If you like the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado, also consider:GMC SierraFord F-150Dodge RamToyota TundraReason Why:The Silverado’s softer styling—especially inside—stands apart from its chief competitors, nearly all of which have more imposing, macho styling. The Silverado’s V-8 engines are more powerful yet also more economical than equivalent engines in the F-150, but the engine lineup is more powerful than for the light-duty F-150, and it's more fuel-efficient. The new Tundra includes more safety features than the others, along with more storage compartments and interior utility, while the Ram is sorely outdated, especially inside (it’s set to be replaced by an all-new 2009 truck). The Bottom Line:The 2008 Chevrolet Silverado has moved upmarket without forgetting about its work-truck roots. TheCarConnection.com scanned a wide range of available reviews on the new Chevrolet Silverado to pull together this conclusive review. In addition, TheCarConnection.com drove the Silverado to give an expert opinion and help find the best information and advice on how it matches up to the ...

Other Choices:

The Silverado’s softer styling—especially inside—stands apart from its chief competitors, nearly all of which have more imposing, macho styling. The Silverado’s V-8 engines are more powerful yet also more economical than equivalent engines in the F-150, but the engine lineup is more powerful than for the light-duty F-150, and it's more fuel-efficient. The new Tundra includes more safety features than the others, along with more storage compartments and interior utility, while the Ram is sorely outdated, especially inside (it’s set to be replaced by an all-new 2009 truck).

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 near you

See the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999

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