Overview

The all-new Chevy Silverado is here. Completely redesigned, the new Silverado is built on a stiffer chassis. Also very important, the 2007 Silverado features an all-new interior that can be outfitted for work or pleasure.

The new Silverado is designed to continue its reputation among owners as the "strongest, most dependable and longest lasting truck on the road."

The new styling is bold yet still conservative when compared with the latest pickups from Dodge, Nissan, Toyota and Ford. While the sheet metal is all new, the main reason the new Silverado looks bolder is that it's three inches wider in front and an inch wider in the rear than the outgoing generation. (The older-generation trucks will continue to be sold as the 2007 Silverado Classic. This review covers the new trucks.)

The new Silverado is, of course, available in a range of body styles with a wide variety of engines, drive trains and suspensions designed to meet every need.

We found the LTZ crew cab with the Z85 suspension offers a nice ride, soaking up vibration on gravel desert roads and offer sure-footed handling on winding paved mountain roads. The popular 5.3-liter V8 delivers good power for passing on two-lanes.

Model Lineup

The 2007 Chevy Silverado is available in several trim levels: WT, LT and LTZ, plus an LS version in standard cab, extended cab and crew cab body styles.

The WT ($17,860) is a basic work truck that comes with a driver information center, AM/FM stereo, 40/20/40 split-bench and vinyl-covered front seat, dual glove boxes, two auxiliary power outlets, tire pressure monitoring system, one year on OnStar service and a four-speed automatic transmission.

The LT ($23,510) adds a cloth-covered front seat with lockable storage under the seat, a CD player and MP3 compatibility, power windows/locks/mirrors, remote keyless entry, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and outside temperature displays, 17-inch chrome-styled steel wheels and power folding and heated exterior mirrors. The more upscale version of the LT comes with premium cloth front bucket seats with six-way power adjustment, dual-zone automatic temperature controls, audio controls mounted on the steering wheel, fog lamps, aluminum wheels, chromed bumper, and a spare tire lock.

The LTZ ($31,205) adds heavy-duty trailering equipment, an automatic locking rear differential, body-colored bumpers, reclining and heated leather front seats with 12-way power, an in-dash six-CD changer with Bose speakers, turn signal indicators in the exterior rearview mirrors and heated windshield washers.

Engines include a 195-hp 4.3-liter V6 engine; a 295-hp 4.8-liter V8; a 315-hp 3.5-liter V8 in gasoline or flexfuel (gasoline and E85 ethanol) versions; and a 367-hp 6.0-liter V8. Naturally, not all engines

Extended cab and crew cab models have back seats and windows in the side doors that power down. The crew cab has four front-hinged doors, much like a sport utility vehicle. The extended cab has rear access doors that are hinged at the rear but that open to 170 degrees to provide full access to the rear seating area.

The standard cab can be outfitted with a standard (6-foot, 6-inch) or long (8-foot) beds. The extended cab also offers a short (5-foot, 8-inch) bed, which is the only bed available on the crew cab.

Cab configuration has a significant influence on base pricing. For example, the most popular version of the Silverado, the LT, starts at $23,510 as a regular cab, at $24,345 as an extended cab and at $27,305 as a crew cab.

Two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are available in all three body styles, with 4WD costing some $2,000 more than 2WD.

Five suspension setups are available: Z83 is the standard suspension and is designed for a smooth ride; Z85 is a little stiffer for enhanced handling and towing; Z71 is for off-road driving and includes 18-inch wheels; Z60 is for maximum street performance and includes 20-inch wheels; NHT is for maximum towing capacity and includes high-capacity rear springs as well as off-road tires.

Safety features on all new Silverado models dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes, tire pressure monitoring system. Options include driver and front-seat side-impact air bags, side-curtain airbags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation technology, Autotrack active transfer case, Ultrasonic rear parking assist, OnStar.

Option prices vary by trim level and body style. Among them: a cargo management rail system for the truck bed ($175), a power sliding sunroof ($795), 20-inch wheels ($1,295), a power sliding rear window ($200), rear-seat entertainment system ($1,955), navigation system ($2,250), rear-locking differential ($395), StabiliTrak electronic stability control ($425). Accessories such as step rails and chrome exterior trim are available from Chevy Truck dealers.