Chevy Silverado Places Second In Consumer Reports’ Test
The Toyota Tundra and Chevrolet Silverado placed first and second in Consumer Reports’ tests of four full-sized, crew-cab pickups for the September issue. In separate tests of heavy-duty diesel pickups, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 easily outpointed competitors from Dodge and Ford.
The Tundra slightly outscored the Silverado in CR’s tests, though both achieved “Very Good” overall scores. The half-ton, crew-cab trucks were tested against the Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram 1500, which are built on older platforms and received “Good” overall scores.
The previously-tested Chevrolet Avalanche remains Consumer Reports’ top-rated full-sized pickup; the Avalanche, too, achieved a “Very Good” score.
For the first time ever, Consumer Reports also tested three heavy-duty (three-quarter-ton) pickups from Chevrolet, Dodge, and Ford. Exclusively offered by domestic manufacturers, these trucks have higher towing and payload capacities than the half-ton vehicles. In that group, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 achieved a “Good” overall score. Both the Dodge Ram and Ford F-250 earned “Fair” scores.
The Silverado is considerably improved over the previous model. It has a fairly comfortable ride and easier access and cargo loading than the others. A new rack-and-pinion setup has improved steering feel and response. Interior quality has also improved and the payload rating is generous. The Silverado 1500 LT ($37,235 MSRP as tested) is equipped with a 315-hp, 5.3-liter V8 that delivers good performance. It pulled the 7,400-pound test trailer to 60 mph in 22.6 seconds. The four-speed automatic transmission delivers smooth shifts and is very good overall. Like the Tundra, the Silverado’s brakes were rated “Fair” overall.
2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS
Chevrolet offers two different packages for the SS model. The basic TrailBlazer SS (1SS) is equipped similarly to the LS but features a larger V8, sport-tuned chassis, 20-inch wheels and a monochromatic exterior with black mesh grille. The uplevel version of the TrailBlazer SS (3SS) has the above performance upgrades but comes with all the LT’s amenities. Apart from a white-faced tachometer and “SS” monograms on the seats, there’s nothing special about the SS interior.
The TrailBlazer SS packs a 6.0-liter V8 punch borrowed from the Corvette, and in this application it’s rated at 391 horses and 395 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission and two-wheel drive are again offered, but instead of 4WD, the SS substitutes an all-wheel-drive system to improve on-pavement performance at the expense of off-road capability.
Prices range from $31,320 to $37,125
