Description Of The Car

2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Introduction

The Silverado 1500 is Chevrolet’s half-ton pickup, available in Regular Cab, Extended Cab, and Crew Cab versions. The Silverado was introduced in 1999 as a replacement for the C/K with all-new styling and new V8 engines.

Typically, combined sales of the two trucks outdo the F-Series. Often first to market with unique innovations, Chevy trucks also offer the OnStar communications system that provides the convenience of 24-hour on-call assistance for everything from tow truck calls to dinner reservations. The Vortec V8 engines are known for their generous power and relatively good mileage when driven with a soft foot.





Combine this with a wide variety of cabin amenities, and the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 presents a compelling package, especially for those who do a lot of towing and hauling. The Silverado is really starting to show its age, however, compared to the newer full-size offerings from competitors, which have the Chevy trucks beaten when it comes to interior design and materials, and overall refinement. We strongly encourage you to try out the competition before you settle on a Silverado 1500.

Whats New for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 receives a new front-end appearance, with a revised grille design and a power dome hood. The grille is a dual-port design with a prominent gold bowtie, the power dome hood is similar to the Silverado 3500 hood, and a body-color bumper top cap is added. The Silverado 1500 Extended Cab is now available with a short 5-foot 8-inch bed, the same bed as the Crew Cab, with LT trim and the Vortec 5300 V8 engine rated at 295 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque. The VortecMax Performance Pack includes a high-output Vortec 6000 V8 engine rated at 345 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque, a heavy-duty trailering package, a locking rear differential, and a new 9.5-inch rear axle.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:

Regular, extended- and crew-cab body styles are available on the Chevy Silverado 1500, and there are six basic trim levels: Work Truck, LS, LS2, LT1, LT2 and LT3. Designed to be affordable on-the-job companions, Work Trucks offer few amenities, but you do get dual-zone manual air conditioning and an AM/FM radio. LS1 models offer a few more features like cruise control, a CD player and deluxe cloth upholstery. The LS2 adds power windows, locks and keyless entry. The LT1 adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The LT2 includes a power driver seat and Bose audio. The LT3 includes steering wheel audio controls and alloy wheels. An off-road package provides a heavier-duty suspension and skid plates, while a Limited Edition package offers a performance suspension, 20-inch wheels, a locking differential and towing preparation.

Powertrains and Performance:

Five engine choices are available for the half-ton Chevrolet Silverado -- a 195-horsepower, 4.3-liter V6; a 285-hp, 4.8-liter V8; a 295-hp, 5.3-liter V8; a 310-hp, 5.3-liter V8; and a 345-hp 6.0-liter V8 as part of the VortecMAX Package. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on regular cabs with the V6 engine. Optional on that model and standard on all other Silverados is a four-speed automatic. The maximum towing capacity with the 5.3-liter V8 is 9,100 pounds, while the 6.0-liter V8 can pull up to 10,000 pounds. All models come in two- or four-wheel drive. A hybrid powertrain option is available on extended cabs with the 5.3-liter, but the system does not provide any power boost. Its main function is to conserve fuel via automatic engine shutdown and startup at stops, as well as provide on-the-job power through four 120-volt AC outlets.

Safety:

All Chevy Silverado trucks include four-wheel antilock brakes as standard equipment. The Silverado received a rating of "Marginal" (third lowest out of four possible rankings) in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safetys offset crash test. In government crash tests, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 received four stars (out of five) for driver protection in frontal impacts and three stars for the front passenger.

Interior Design and Special Features:

Inside, Silverado buyers will find a logically laid-out interior, with clear, uncluttered gauges. Materials quality is unimpressive, and build quality, though improved over the last few years, is still below that of the competition. The cabin is roomy, particularly on crew cab models.Driving Impressions: The 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is comfortable enough to be a daily driver, yet its still powerful enough to use as a dedicated work truck. Acceleration ranges from adequate to vigorous, depending on which V8 you select, and the automatic transmission shifts with authority. The steering feels vague on center, but its light and precise enough for easy maneuvering. The automatic engine shutdown and startup feature work seamlessly in the hybrid truck. Additionally, the hybrids electric power steering feels at least as good as the traditional setup.

Pros:

I have the Silverado SS Ext. Cab AWD and I love it! I have the power and torque for halling or towing (more standard hp and torque than Ram or F-150), and the performace of a sports truck. I also have the AWD option which is useful in the snow and off-road. I tested other Silverados that werent the SS and F-150s. The Silverado SS, I thought, was the best of everything I tested. Also because I bought a GM truck I get the longest lasting truck on the road which is what I need, a dependable truck. I love this truck and I would recommend it to everyone who wants a fast truck with the ability to do everything you need a truck to do. Gotta love GM!!

Cons:

Nothing so far.

Overall Review:

100% truck... 100% Super Sport!!!