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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 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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2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 6.6

The Ford F-150 may hold the title of best selling individual pickup 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. Despite last year's economic woes and General Motors' subsequent remaking, the Silverado continues to be a strong seller for Chevrolet, which is probably why Chevy has done very little tinkering with the 2011 version. To its credit, the line of Active Fuel Management-equipped V8 engines offered in the Silverado give it segment-leading fuel economy, and, for those with an ecological bent, a number of engine choices are now Flex-Fuel E85-capable. There is also a hybrid model, reviewed separately.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you need to tailor your pickup truck to your exact requirements, the 2011 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, Flex-Fuel E85 capability and even a hybrid model.

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 availability of the Silverado HD further muddies the waters for potential buyers.

What's New for 2011

Beyond an upgrade to OnStar 9.0, some new colors and some minor enhancements to reduce wind noise, there are no major changes for the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado.

Driving the Silverado 1500 Crew Cab

Driving Impressions Thanks to its rigid frame and advanced construction techniques, the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado offers a markedly better ride-and-handling combination than many of its competitors. The Silverado 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 6.2-liter 403-horsepower aluminum-block V8 is available as well. Power delivery with each V8 engine is more than ample, and the electronically-controlled six-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission delivers it smoothly and without hesitation.

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.

2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Details

Interior

The Silverado features two distinct interiors. The WT, LS 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 low and farther forward for an increased feeling of spaciousness and visibility. The back-seat area in the Crew Cab models offers generous room for adult-size occupants and is nearly as comfortable as some full-size SUVs; the design also features stadium-style rear seating and has a 60/40-split design and folding center armrest. A lockable storage bin is built into a big 40/20/40-split bench front seat. The bin can accommodate a laptop computer and features a 12-volt power outlet.

Exterior

With its wide front and rear tracks, the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado looks substantial without displaying the bulbous but juvenile muscularity of some of its competitors. Instead, the Silverado looks tailored and subdued front to rear. Highlights include narrow gaps between body panels, enabled by a fully-boxed frame delivering maximum stiffness and rigidity to help eliminate body flex. The handsome 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 thanks to large rear access doors that open 170 degrees, and power-operated rear side windows lower completely into the access doors.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2011 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. The LTZ adds 10-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. The StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is standard on all 1500 models.

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. 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, but all with Active Fuel Management and variable valve timing. And for those who want more power (or towing capacity) the 6.2-liter is tops in its class, offering 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 Flex-Fuel
302 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
305 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/19 (2WD), 10/14 (2WD, E85), 13/18 (4WD), 10/13 (4WD, E85)

5.3-liter V8 Flex-Fuel
315 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
326 horsepower @ 5300 rpm (E85)
335 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
348 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm (E85)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/21 (gasoline), 11/16 (2WD, E85), 15/22 (XFE), 11/16 (XFE, E85), 15/21 (4WD), 11/16 (4WD, E85)

6.2-liter V8 Flex-Fuel
403 horsepower @ 5700 rpm
417 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/18 (2WD), 9/13 (2WD, E85), 12/18 (4WD), 9/13 (4WD, E85)

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2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 1075 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 work truck

By earl (MO) on Wednesday, May 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 57,000

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: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

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

"this truck is fantastic. The only thing preventing it from being perfect is the slight surge from the brakes at slow speeds."

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Tired of this this truck!

By Steve (CA) on Wednesday, April 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 13,000

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: 3/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 2/10
Styling: 2/10
Comfort: 2/10

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

"I've yet to have any major problems with my Silverado, but I've become annoyed by it's quirks very quickly. The 5.3l engine builds power like a car, not a truck. If you tow, you'll be annoyed by it's lack of low-end power and constant need for a lower gear. It ruins it for me! The trans/engine combo is just not suited for this truck. I also hate the interior. I don't find the driver's seat or seating position to comfortable, the truck does not have much useful storage, and I keep getting so many squeaks and rattles with its cheaply made plastic panels and dash. If could change these things I would."

10 people out of 14 found this review helpful

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Best looking & most comfotable.

By Pat (VT) on Sunday, April 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 58,000

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: "Cheaper in price & much more comfort"

Cons: "Front seats don't go forward easily to gain access"

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

"I've tried many others before buying a Silverado. Priced much lower then ford. Hated the ride ford gives & didn't care for any of the others. The last 3 have all been Chevy Silverados! Yes I've owned at least 50 vehicles including ford , dodge, Etc. Do yourself a favor & test drive the Chevy Silverado! I know I'll never buy anything but!!"

5 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Premature engine problems due to bad odo/speedo?

By JHL (TX) on Friday, April 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 27,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 3/10
Comfort: 3/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"That's right, the speedometer and odometer on my truck under-recorded the miles. I've been believing the odometer and have been changing my oil at the scheduled mileage. The problem is that the mileage was off by almost 15%. If my truck said I'd gone 6000 miles, I'd actually driven nearly a thousand miles more. That can't be good for the engine. So dealer says that my engine is fine. They reprogrammed the speedometer and the odometer to record faster, but I don't trust that my engine will be okay. I'm pretty worried about keeping this truck now."

2 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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bad seats

By big john (NY) on Wednesday, March 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,000

10 4.0

overall rating 4 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 4/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 2/10
Comfort: 1/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"I took the truck from NY to Fla and the drivers seat is very hard I have a 2007 thats the same truck and it is vey nice to ride in... did they cheapen up te seats ???? An LTZ should be comfortable and this one is not."

3 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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I love this truck!

By Rob (HI) on Wednesday, March 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 65,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

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

"I bought this truck new in 2007. Ordered a Crew Cab Short Bed with the Vortec MAX 6.0 engine (NHV) No major complaints.. new chassis, very nice ride. Noted wind noise seemed excessive... all the '07-ups have this noise next to the glass. The only other notable is the lower seat covers have come off the cushions on a couple of occasions. Nothing major, just an annoyance. Overall a great truck.. 367HP, 375TQ make it a great tow rig or play toy."

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See all 1075 reviews