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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 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab

Overview

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2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

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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Buying this car?

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 1060 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

Great truck! Love the stabilitrak control

By CanadianBeaver (Canada) on Monday, February 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 9,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Great truck! Love the stabilitrak control great for winter driving. Love all the features and comfortable to drive"

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I am a ford guy and I'm driving a GM

By TXEdition (TX) on Tuesday, February 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 11,400

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Fun and plenty of power"

Cons: "Needs some minor upgrades"

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

"Bought this truck in Oct 2011 (brand new)from dealer AFTER my F150 was stolen. It is a crew cab silver Silverado Texas Edition w/ 5.3l I can personally say after taking this vehicle for a 1 mile test drive I was sold. Yes literally a 1 mile test drive. Went strait back to dealer and wrote a PHat check and it was mine. That day I was shopping for a used car so long story short I love it. This truck has gone from stock to highly modded quickly. I am into the vehicle about 60k at the moment but, "she'll walk a thunderbird like shes standing still"! Solid truck overall! Am going to pick up a new silverado this summer but keeping this 1 for me. New 1 will be for the wife. Truck is a huge attention getter! Attempted to be stolen twice. But it grabs attention everywhere and anywhere! Wish you the best!"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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