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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab

Overview

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2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Review

By KBB.com Editors

The Ford F150 may hold the title of best selling individual pickup truck (and vehicle, for that matter) in the country, but when you combine the sales of the Chevrolet Silverado with the nearly-identical GMC Sierra, it's a different story. The General Motors pickups outsell the Ford handily and also outsell all the import label pickup trucks combined. Fresh from its complete remake in 2007, the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado sees major advances in its chassis, more precise steering and a quieter, more upscale interior. Thanks to the new line of Active Fuel Management-equipped V8 engines the Silverado offers segment-leading fuel economy. And, for those with an ecological bent, a Flex-Fuel E85-capable engine is also available.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you want to tailor your pickup truck to your exact requirements, the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado enables you to do just that with a wide variety of configurations, bed lengths and trim levels. The Silverado's V8 engine lineup offers Active Fuel Management technology and Flex-Fuel E85 capability.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The only quibble we have with the Silverado is the baffling array of choices buyers have—multiple trim levels, cab sizes, bed lengths and even instrument panels. Plus, the continued availability of the Silverado Classic (the previous design) further muddies the waters for potential buyers.

What's Significant About This Car?

Changes are limited to a few interior upgrades, the addition of XM Satellite Radio and an available integrated trailer brake control.

Driving the Silverado 1500 Crew Cab

Driving Impressions Because it rides on the new GM full-size truck platform, the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado offers a markedly better ride-and-handling combination than the previous generation. The new platform includes a fully-boxed...

frame (for more chassis stiffness), coil-over-shock front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering, and the result is a surprisingly maneuverable and comfortable vehicle. A lengthy test drive over rough, washboard gravel roads revealed a quiet and composed cabin. While the available 4.3-liter V6 could probably get most jobs done, the Silverado can also be equipped with a variety of V8 engines, most with 5.3-liter displacement. A 6.0-liter 367-horsepower aluminum-block V8 is available as well. Power delivery with each V8 engine is more than ample, and the electronically-controlled Hydra-Matic automatic transmission delivers it smoothly and without hesitation. GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is standard on Crew Cab models, and is available on Extended Cab models as an option.

Favorite Features

Big knobs
In a welcome bow to those who work hard to earn their keep—and who live in frigid climes—the Silverado has knobs, switches and door handles that can be easily operated while wearing gloves.

Active Fuel Management
The Active Fuel Management system available in four different V8s cuts the operation of four cylinders when they are unneeded and enhances fuel economy.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Details

Interior

The Silverado features two distinct interiors. The WT and LT trim levels feature the "pure pickup" interior with larger controls and a double glovebox, while the LTZ trim has a "luxury-inspired" interior. Both instrument panels are mounted lower and farther forward for an increased feeling of spaciousness and visibility. The back-seat area in the Crew Cab models offers significantly improved room and comfort, and the stadium-style rear seat has a 60/40-split design and folding center armrest. A lockable storage bin is built into a new 40/20/40-split bench front seat. The bin can accommodate a laptop computer and features a 12-volt power outlet.

Exterior

With the widest track in the segment, the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado is substantial but it eschews the bulbous but juvenile muscularity of some of its competitors. Instead, it looks tailored and subdued front to rear. Highlights include narrow gaps between body panels, enabled by the new version's significantly stiffer frame that limits body flex. The new horizontal grille is divided by a thick bright metal bar that flanks a bold Chevrolet "bow tie" symbol. Designers also took special pains to integrate the pickup box while at the same time making it taller. Entry to the rear seat/storage area of Extended Cab models is eased with new rear access doors that open 170 degrees, and power-operated rear side windows lower completely into the access doors.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2008 Chevrolet Silverado WT includes a four-speed automatic transmission, tire pressure monitoring system, anti-lock brakes (ABS), air conditioning and two auxiliary power outlets. The 1LT adds cruise control, compass and temperature-display rearview mirror, power windows, door locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry and CD/MP3 player audio system. Opting for the 2LT level nets you the 5.3L V8, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, six-way power front bucket seats and 17-inch wheels. The LTZ adds 12-way power heated front bucket seats, leather seating, power-folding power-adjustable heated mirrors, Bose audio with MP3-compatible six-disc CD changer and auxiliary input jack, remote starting system and heated washer fluid system.

Optional Equipment

Depending on trim, the Silverado can also be optioned in several ways. It offers five suspension systems, each tailored to suit specific driving requirements. They include Z83 for a solid, smooth ride, Z85 for enhanced handling and trailer towing, Z71 for enhanced off-road capability, Z60 for street performance with 20-inch wheels and NHT for maximum towing capacity. The StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is standard on Crew Cab models and available on select Extended Cab models. A choice of two- and four-wheel-drive models, various cabs and bed lengths and a variety of axle ratios are also offered.

Under the Hood

While we expect the 4.3-liter V6 and 4.8-liter V8 to be more than adequate in work truck applications, we recommend the 5.3-liter V8 engines, some with cast iron blocks and some with aluminum. And for those who want more power (or towing capacity) the 6.0-liter with Active Fuel Management and variable valve timing is a gem. It offers significantly more power and torque (pulling force) with very little penalty in fuel economy.

4.3-liter V6
195 horsepower @ 4600 rpm
260 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/20 (2WD), 14/18 (4WD)

4.8-liter V8
295 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
305 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/19 (2WD), 14/18 (4WD)

5.3-liter V8 Flex Fuel
315 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
338 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 11/15 (2WD, E85) 15/20 (2WD, Gas), 11/14 (4WD, E85), 14/19 (4WD, Gas)

5.3-liter V8
315 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
338 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/20 (2WD), 14/19 (4WD)

6.0-liter V8
367 horsepower @ 5500 rpm
375 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/18 (2WD), 13/17 (4WD)

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2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 1079 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

8.8/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

8.9/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

9.0/10

Love my truck

By Dan (CT) on Tuesday, July 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 21,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Easy to drive"

Cons: "no change holder/power outlet no back window slide"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"First truck I've owned, got a new job with less commuting (5 miles a day now) so it was the first time I could afford a truck. I wasn't sure what I wanted was looking midsize at first because of gas prices. Silverado doesn't compare to any of the midsize trucks. Active fuel management does not bother me but yes if you slam on the gas for two seconds it wont really move its hard to explain but I cant see how it is annoying unless you are racing the truck. I appreciate chevy trying to do something to extend MPG. I also do hear an electronic squeal when sitting in cab of truck with it OFF. Do not hear it when driving and it doesn't concern me much. Might not even of mentioned it if not for other reviews saying it. Truck drives very nice. As with some other reviews chevy did cheap out on the interior a little and I don't see how they cant get a power outlet in the bed like a 25,000 dollar Tacoma can. Other then these few litte things I am very happy with my truck and would look chevy with my next truck purchase."

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Best Truck ever!!

By Billy (NE) on Sunday, July 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 29,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great ride good mpg for a pu"

Cons: "short bed"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I own a 2011 and it is one of the best pickups I have ever owned. Despite what other reviewers have said I can get about 20 mpg hyw if I stay below 70 and 15 city. Truck tows great and drives like a catty. I have the crew cab so I do wish the bed was longer, but it works for most of my needs. I have even put an 09 HD FDXB in the bed with the tail gate down. Other than that awesome truck. I have low miles so no problems so far."

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I have been pleased with my truck .

By copperhead78 (WV) on Sunday, July 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,100

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "ample power for everday use ."

Cons: "some options cant be had on base models"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned several silverado's over the years so reliability isn't a big issue with one . For a everyday truck they are hard to beat . By far the best thing about the Silverado is you can option one as nice as you want for comfort but still have a truck that will work all day also. If you go with the extended cab and have one child the car seat will fit in the middle of the seats in the back and you can still be able to put both front seats all the way back . My daughters safety means everything to me and her seat faces rear now due to her age and we found more than enough room for her and us . Depending on your driving habits expect a realistic 15-17mpg out of one . 20+mpg is possible if you have a light foot . I would recommend the 5.3L engine there is very little fuel economy difference between it and the 4.8L and you will like the 5.3L on hills a whole lot better . All the controls are pretty simple to use and easy to spot . If you buy a 4x4 get the Z71 package it rides somewhat better than the regular package dose . Storage in the cab is nice plenty of places to put stuff and there is a lockable storage under the console in the front . Buy one if you like a balance of decent fuel economy, capable tow ratings and want a well optioned truck without spending too much money on it ."

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Great truck

By kkingu (MS) on Wednesday, July 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 70,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Very dependable"

Cons: "I got the crew cab wish I had the long bed as well"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have driven it 6 years and it has never broke down on the road with me. MPG is not a big issue with me but the 4.8 V8 gives me 19 around town and 20 on the highway. When I go somewhere I never think of my truck not getting me there. It has been so dependable."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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