2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic 1500HD Review
The Chevrolet Silverado has been completely revamped for this year, but General Motors is still offering the older model as the Silverado Classic. The Classic is essentially the same truck that's been on the market since 1998. The first incarnation of this truck debuted for the 1999 model year, and was offered in either a regular cab or three door extended cab, with three choices of engine: The Vortec 4300 V6 (200 hp, regular cab only) , Vortec 4800 V8 (255 hp), or the Vortec 5300 V8 (270 hp). For the 2000 model year, a four door option was added, and the 4800 and 5300 were boosted significantly (270 and 285 hp, respectively). A 300 hp Vortec 6000 V8 was introduced in 2001. In 2003, both the Silverado and its twin, the GMC Sierra, received mild styling upgrades. Also that year, the Silverado SS was released, featuring a performance-tuned drivetrain and a 6.0-liter, 345 hp, Vortec High-Output V8. The 1500HD is a heavy duty variant of the 1500, capable of towing up to 10,300 pounds. The Classic will only be available for this model year, as it will be completely replaced by the new Silverado in 2008.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Chevrolet Silverado Classic 1500HD offers a great deal on an older, but capable truck. Striking a good balance between the 1500's smooth ride and the 2500's sheer power, the 1500HD is a well-rounded work truck. While it may not be as advanced or refined as its modern competitors, it's a great deal on a durable truck.
What's New For 2007:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
The Chevrolet Silverado has been practically unchanged for almost a decade, and for good reason. J.D. Power and Associates gives the Silverado Classic 1500HD 5 stars for overall design quality and 3 stars for overall performance and design. Driver opinions and owner satisfaction with the Silverado remain high. However, no vehicle is problem-free. The main issue that has plagued the Silverado is fluid leakage, usually in extreme situations. Another issue that has occurred is out of spec parts being installed, such as in 2003-04 when an improper brake relief valve led to difficulty in steering while braking, or in 2000, when an out of spec spring clip was able to disable the anti-lock brake system. However, under normal driving conditions, and with proper maintenance, you should expect average to above average reliability out of the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic. Like all new GM vehicles, it comes with GM's new powertrain warranty that covers the powertrain for five years or 100,000 miles and includes free roadside assistance, including transportation, for that period. However, its bumper to bumper warranty coverage is the standard three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The 2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic is a rather large vehicle, which gives it an advantage in the case of an accident. Regardless, its crash test ratings are rather poor. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Classic only a marginal rating on frontal crash tests, and a poor rating on rear tests. Side tests were not performed. It fared somewhat better in government crash tests, earning four out of five stars in driver frontal collisions, three out of five stars in frontal passenger collisions, and four out of five stars in rollover tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. By today's standards, the Silverado Classic is seriously lacking in safety features. Anti-lock brakes are standard, and traction control is available on all models, but stability control and side air bags are not available. The 2006 Silverado had recalls issued for a potential fuel leak in the 8.1L V8 and a weak power steering hose.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ High towing and payload capacity...
+ ...without sacrificing ride quality
+ Well priced
Cons
- Lacking in safety features
- Outdated design
- Short on refinement
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Toyota Tundra SR5 Crew Max, at $1,000 more, offers side airbags, traction control, and 80 more hp, but is dwarfed in payload capacity. The Silverado Classic costs the same as the Ford F-150 SuperCab, but has a larger engine and far more payload capacity. The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab SXT has 45 more hp, but costs $3,000 more and has a bit less payload capacity.
What Others Are Saying:
"As for the differences between the Silverado and Sierra, well, GM would have you think these trucks aren't twins. But the fact is, the only difference between these trucks is front sheetmetal and badging. Pick the styling you like better, or play the GMC and Chevy dealers against each other. Either way, you get a great truck." - Popular Mechanics
"Like other U.S. trucks, the array of body styles, load ratings, and features defies quick description. The Silverado and Sierra have been upstaged by Ford's newer F-150, but they're still among the most popular trucks going." - Car and Driver
"General Motors likes to boast that when you combine Chevrolet and GMC full-size pickups, that they outsell Ford's F-series. But Chevy wants to beat the blue oval on their own, and they hope the latest Silverado will move them over the goal line. That will be a tough feat, but we wouldn't want to bet against them." - Motorweek
Read more about the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic 1500HD at the Chevrolet manufacturer web site.
Published on Saturday, September 8, 2007 - Email to a friend
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