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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 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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2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.4

When it comes to full-size pickups, it's hard to find fault with what Chevrolet has done with its 2013 Silverado 1500. Though technically not the best-selling full-size pickup in America (that honor goes to the Ford F-150), when combined with the sales of its sister pickup, the GMC Sierra, the two handily outsell their Ford rival. To remain relevant, Chevy continues to improve on the Silverado's powerful yet fuel-efficient V8 engines and offers the industry's only full-size hybrid pickup. We know truck buyers don't care as much about fuel economy as they do sheer brute force, which is why the Silverado delivers performance at or near the top of its class in almost every category, including a maximum tow rating of 10,700 pounds when properly equipped.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you like variety in your full-size pickup, the Chevy 2013 Silverado is a virtual quick-change artist. Numerous bed lengths, body configurations, axles and cabs are available from the Silverado options list, as are many interior upgrades and E85-compatible engines.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you like your pickup to be as expressive as it is capable, the 2013 Chevy Silverado 1500's somewhat conservative styling probably won't strike your fancy. Those who need the towing power of a diesel engine will have to look to the Silverado HD 2500 or 3500 pickup trucks.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.4
Driving Dynamics

6.9
Comfort & Convenience

6.9
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.1
Value

7.1
Safety

7.9

How It Ranks

#10

out of 18

MPG

#25

out of 29

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.7 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2013

Changes for 2013 are limited to two new exterior colors and the addition of powertrain grade-braking that uses transmission downshifting to ease stress and temperature build-up on the brake rotors.

Driving the Silverado 1500 Crew Cab

2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions The combination of a rigid frame, advanced construction techniques, coil-over-shock front suspension and power rack-and-pinion steering give the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado an impressively smooth and controlled ride without sacrificing capability...

or payload limits. A stiff chassis means a stronger platform for towing and the Silverado's fully-boxed frame delivers strength in spades. Power from the base 4.3-liter V6 is adequate for those hauling light to medium loads and not towing. However, bigger jobs will require either the 5.3-liter V8, which is an excellent choice combining power and fuel economy in an affordable package, or the powerhouse of the Silverado line, the 403-horsepower 6.2-liter aluminum-block V8. Power delivery with each V8 engine is more than ample, and the electronically-controlled 6-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 2013 Silverado pickup has knobs, switches and door handles that easily can be 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.

2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Details

2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

If you go with the WT, LS or LT trim levels, you get an interior and instrument panel that is simple and straightforward. Opt for the top-of-the-line LTZ trim, however, and your Silverado 1500 pickup becomes a bit more plush, with a highly refined instrument panel complete with wood inlays, soft-touch surfaces and additional ambient lighting. On Silverado Crew Cab pickups, the rear-seat area is made almost as welcoming as on some full-size SUVs. Up front, the big 40/20/40 split-bench seat features a lockable storage bin with a built-in 12-volt outlet. Incorporating stadium-style seating allows the rear-seat passengers a better view forward.

Exterior

2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab photo

For those who find some full-size trucks to be overstyled and almost cartoonish, the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado half-ton pickup is a welcome dose of classic American styling. Thanks to the big pickup's fully-boxed frame, Chevy was able to create tight gaps between the Silverado's body panels. This architecture also makes the Silverado extremely rigid and immune to excessive body flex. The truck team at Chevy also went to great lengths to integrate the pickup box while simultaneously increasing its height. On Extended Cab models large rear-access doors are capable of opening a full 170 degrees and include windows that fully lower into the doors.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2013 Chevrolet Silverado WT pickup includes a 4-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 6-disc CD changer and auxiliary input jack and a remote-start system. The StabiliTrak electronic stability-control system is standard on all 2013 Chevy Silverado 1500 models.

Optional Equipment

Depending upon trim level, Chevy's Silverado can be optioned in several ways. For 2013, the Silverado 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 2- and 4-wheel-drive models, various cabs and bed lengths and a variety of axle ratios are also offered.

Under the Hood

2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Engine photo

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 V8 is tops in its class, offering significantly more power and torque (pulling force) with very little penalty in fuel economy. The Hybrid has a 2-mode system that can operate on electric power only at low speeds, or deliver an electric assist to the 6.0-liter V8 at highway speeds or when towing.

4.3-liter V6
195 horsepower @ 4,600 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 2,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/20 mpg (2WD), 14/18 mpg (4WD)

4.8-liter V8 Flex-Fuel
302 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
305 lb-ft of torque @ 4,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/19 mpg (2WD), 10/14 mpg (2WD, E85), 13/18 mpg (4WD), 10/13 mpg (4WD, E85)

5.3-liter V8 Flex-Fuel
315 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
326 horsepower @ 5,300 rpm (E85)
335 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
348 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm (E85)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/21 mpg (gasoline), 11/16 mpg (2WD, E85), 15/22 mpg (XFE), 11/16 mpg (XFE, E85), 15/21 mpg (4WD), 11/16 mpg (4WD, E85)

6.2-liter V8 Flex-Fuel
403 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm
417 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/18 mpg (2WD), 9/13 mpg (2WD, E85), 12/18 mpg (4WD), 9/13 mpg (4WD, E85)

6.0-liter V8 Hybrid
332 horsepower @ 5,100 rpm
367 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/23 mpg (2WD), 20/23 mpg (4WD)

Pricing Notes

The 2013 Chevrolet Silverado half-ton pickup has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting just under $24,000 for a base 2-wheel-drive Regular Cab WT. The LT Regular Cab starts closer to $29,000, while the top-of-the-line, 4-wheel-drive LTZ Crew Cab with all the options can run as high as $50,000. Before heading to your local Chevy dealership, be sure to check the Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying. We expect the 2013 Silverado half-ton pickup to retain good resale value within its segment, higher than the projected residual values for the Ram 1500, Nissan Titan and on par with the Ford F-150, but still below that of the Toyota Tundra.

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2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 1074 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

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!!"

4 people out of 5 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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