2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic SS 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), the Vortec 4800 V8 (255 hp), or the Vortec 5300 V8 (270 hp). In 2003, the Silverado SS was released, featuring a performance-tuned drivetrain and a 6.0-liter, 345 hp, Vortec High-Output V8. 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 SS promises sports-car-like performance with the functionality of a truck. While it does manage to feel and handle like a car, it offers no significant performance gains over the competition. To make matters worse, the SS badge is mostly meaningless, as all of its unique features can be ordered as options on any Silverado. On the plus side, the price has dropped substantially since it's moved to the "Classic" designation.
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 of 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, 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
+ Car-like handling
+ Well-rounded
+ Comfortable interior
Cons
- Performance doesn't live up to the "SS" badge.
- Older design
- Boring style
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Dodge Ram 1500 can carry 200 more pounds and has standard leather seats for the same price. The SS only has 28 more hp than the Nissan Titan, but the Titan adds traction control, leather seats, a CD changer, and 300 more pounds of payload capacity. For about $1,000 more, the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 offers leather seats and can carry 400 more pounds, though it has 30 less hp.
What Others Are Saying:
"The SS accelerates with a bit more authority than your regular high-spec light-duty Silverado, and it sits down a little on its chassis. These are both welcome improvements, but they hardly transform the driving experience; this SS is more Semi-Sport than Super Sport." - Automobile Magazine
"If you're looking for a sport truck, pay the extra $9785 and get a two-door SRT-10. There just isn't any practical way to make a box nearly 19 feet long and six feet tall, weighing 5023 pounds, feel nimble." - Motor Trend
"Still, it's hard not to refer to the SS as a sports truck. For such a big, heavy vehicle, the SS puts up acceleration, braking, and handling numbers that are more akin to those in our last V-6 sports-sedan comparison test. Yes, the Lightning and the SRT-10 are faster, more legitimately sporting trucks, but the SS offers the space, versatility, and all-season capability the others don't." - Car and Driver
Read more about the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic SS at the Chevrolet manufacturer web site.
Published on Friday, October 5, 2007 - Email to a friend
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