2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Classic Hybrid Review
The Chevrolet Silverado has been completely revamped for this year, but General Motors is still offering the older model as the Chevrolet Silverado Classic 1500 Hybrid. The Classic is essentially the same truck that’s been on the market since 1998, with a tacked-on “mild” hybrid system. While the engine doesn’t run off electricity, the steering does, and the engine is automatically shutoff when the truck is stopped. 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:
While the regular classic offers a good value on a dependable truck, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Classic Hybrid really shows off its age. While its total lack of modern safety features is a bit less noticeable in the Classics’s base model, it really hits close to home on the hybrid. There are alternatives that cost about the same, but are much safer. To make matters worse, the hybrid doesn’t even save you all that much gas.
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 1500 variations three and a half to five out of five stars for initial quality ratings. 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, 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
+ Standard power outlets included
+ Low price
+ Great powertrain warranty
Cons
– Dated
– Poor crash test scores
– Missing safety features
Head-To-Head Competition:
A comparable Dodge Ram costs almost $4,000 more, but comes with anti-lock brakes, four-wheel drive, and an automatic. However, the Classic has more horsepower and better mileage. A similar Ford F150 costs $3,000 more and adds ABS and more cargo room, but lags behind in horsepower. Also for about $3,000 more, you can buy a Nissan Titan, which has slightly worse gas mileage, but comes with standard ABS, all-wheel drive, traction control, more payload capacity, a CD changer, and an automatic.
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 sheet metal 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 1500 Classic Hybrid at the Chevrolet manufacturer web site.
