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2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Bottom Line

March 6, 2009

By Bengt Halvorson's avatar Bengt Halvorson, EditorBengt Halvorson

TheCarConnection.com's truck editors drove the new Silverado in order to give you an expert opinion. TheCarConnection.com's SUV enthusiasts also researched available road tests on the new Silverado to produce this conclusive review and to help you find the truth where other car reviews might differ.

Likes:

  • Class-leading fuel economy
  • The luxuries of an SUV
  • Smooth ride and crisp handling without payload sacrifices

Dislikes:

  • Optional bedliner is not offered by the factory

Buying Tips:


GMC dealerships score consistently higher in customer satisfaction than Chevrolet dealerships, and since the GMC Sierra is nearly the equivalent model to the Silverado, you might want to take a look over there.

The 2007 Chevrolet Silverado was graced with a complete redesign, and in 2009, it returns with minor upgrades. The Silverado, like it competition, is available in various models, including two interior designs and three cab styles. With its great payload and towing capabilities, the Silverado is versatile enough to serve the needs of Midwest farmers, suburban contractors, and Texas hipsters alike.

For 2009 the Silverado features a new six-speed automatic transmission with 5.3-, 6.0-, and 6.2-liter engines, while a more powerful, E85-capable 6.2-liter V-8 is available in the crew cab. By lowering the freeway rpm, the new Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic helps achieve better fuel efficiency and reduced noise levels. Furthermore, the Silverado’s towing capacity is now 7,000 pounds, a 400-pound increase. The E85-capable 6.2-liter features variable valve timing and is rated at 403 horsepower; base Silverados do just fine with a 195-horsepower, 4.3-liter V-6.

The 2009 Silverado is one of the easiest full-size pickups to drive, with great communicative steering and refined, responsive engines. The 5.3-liter is TheCarConnection.com editors' pick, as it has plenty of power for most needs without much lower fuel economy than the base V-6.

The stadium-style rear seat that's offered on the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado has a 60/40-split design, and it can be easily folded up to provide an uninterrupted load floor. For extra versatility, either section of the split seat can be stowed independently, allowing room for both cargo and a rear-seat passenger, and the rear access doors on extended-cab models open 170 degrees.

Inside, the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado is very quiet, with little road or wind noise, and the upscale instrument panels that top-trim models get is very carlike, with a smooth, low design and high-quality feel. Models that are more work-oriented get a simpler, more upright design, with larger door handles and controls.

The Silverado boasts an options list as long a luxury-brand SUV, including new 2009 offerings such as Bluetooth phone connectivity, XM Satellite Radio with new NavTraffic feature, and OnStar 8.0 with Turn-by-Turn navigation and Destination Download. Additionally, a rearview camera system is available on extended and crew cab models.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, also consider:

Reason Why:

The Toyota Tundra includes more safety features than other trucks, along with more storage compartments and interior utility, though the materials inside aren't top-notch. The V-8 engines powering the Silverado models are stronger and more economical than equivalent engines in the F-150—an undeniably strong selling point versus the Ford. The softer styling of the Chevrolet Silverado sets it apart from the perceived machismo of competing models. The Silverado's toughest competition comes from Dodge, where the all-new-for-2009 Ram gets a vastly improved ride, better handling, and some innovative cargo options; the Ram's engine lineup is strong as well. The Ram's interior isn't quite up to the level of the Silverado's, but it's worth a look.

The Bottom Line:

With work truck roots and upmarket style, the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado is very big and very versatile.

TheCarConnection.com's truck editors drove the new Silverado in order to give you an expert opinion. TheCarConnection.com's SUV enthusiasts also researched available road tests on the new Silverado to produce this conclusive review and to help you find the truth where other car reviews might differ. Likes:Class-leading fuel economyThe luxuries of an SUVSmooth ride and crisp handling without payload sacrificesDislikes:Optional bedliner is not offered by the factoryBuying Tips: GMC dealerships score consistently higher in customer satisfaction than Chevrolet dealerships, and since the GMC Sierra is nearly the equivalent model to the Silverado, you might want to take a look over there. The 2007 Chevrolet Silverado was graced with a complete redesign, and in 2009, it returns with minor upgrades. The Silverado, like it competition, is available in various models, including two interior designs and three cab styles. With its great payload and towing capabilities, the Silverado is versatile enough to serve the needs of Midwest farmers, suburban contractors, and Texas hipsters alike. For 2009 the Silverado features a new six-speed automatic transmission with 5.3-, 6.0-, and 6.2-liter engines, while a more powerful, E85-capable 6.2-liter V-8 is available in the crew cab. By lowering the freeway rpm, the new Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic helps achieve better fuel efficiency and reduced noise levels. Furthermore, the Silverado’s towing capacity is now 7,000 pounds, a 400-pound increase. The E85-capable 6.2-liter features variable valve timing and is rated at 403 horsepower; base Silverados do just fine with a 195-horsepower, 4.3-liter V-6. The 2009 Silverado is one of the easiest full-size pickups to drive, with great communicative steering and refined, responsive engines. The 5.3-liter is TheCarConnection.com editors' pick, as it has plenty of power for most needs without much lower fuel economy than the base V-6. The stadium-style rear seat that's offered on the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado has a 60/40-split design, and it can be easily folded up to provide an uninterrupted load floor. For extra versatility, either section of the split seat can be stowed independently, allowing room for both cargo and a rear-seat passenger, and the rear access doors on extended-cab models open 170 degrees. Inside, the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado is very quiet, with little road or wind noise, and the upscale instrument panels that top-trim models get is very carlike, with a smooth, low design and high-quality feel. Models that are more work-oriented get a simpler, more upright design, with larger door handles and controls. The Silverado boasts an options list as long a luxury-brand SUV, including new 2009 offerings such as Bluetooth phone connectivity, XM Satellite Radio with new NavTraffic feature, and OnStar 8.0 with Turn-by-Turn navigation and Destination Download. Additionally, a rearview camera system is available on extended and crew cab models. Other Choices:If you like the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, also consider:Toyota TundraDodge RamGMC SierraFord F-150Reason Why:The Toyota Tundra includes more safety features than other trucks, along with more storage compartments and interior utility, though the materials inside aren't top-notch. The V-8 engines powering the Silverado models are stronger and more economical than equivalent engines in the F-150—an undeniably strong selling point versus the Ford. The softer styling of the Chevrolet Silverado sets it apart from the perceived machismo of competing models. The Silverado's toughest competition comes from Dodge, where the all-new-for-2009 Ram gets a vastly improved ride, better handling, and some innovative cargo options; the Ram's engine lineup is strong as well. The Ram's interior isn't quite up to the level of the Silverado's, but it's worth a look. The Bottom Line:With work truck roots and upmarket style, the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado is very big and very versatile. TheCarConnection.com's truck editors drove the new Silverado in order to give you an expert opinion. TheCarConnection.com's SUV enthusiasts also researched available road tests on the new Silverado to produce this conclusive review and to help you find the truth where other car reviews might ...

Other Choices:

The Toyota Tundra includes more safety features than other trucks, along with more storage compartments and interior utility, though the materials inside aren't top-notch. The V-8 engines powering the Silverado models are stronger and more economical than equivalent engines in the F-150—an undeniably strong selling point versus the Ford. The softer styling of the Chevrolet Silverado sets it apart from the perceived machismo of competing models. The Silverado's toughest competition comes from Dodge, where the all-new-for-2009 Ram gets a vastly improved ride, better handling, and some innovative cargo options; the Ram's engine lineup is strong as well. The Ram's interior isn't quite up to the level of the Silverado's, but it's worth a look.

Next Steps:

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See the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 in Other Years:

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

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