My "Professional" Opinion: Chevy Silverado 1500

"Firewrx234" (firewrx234) 12/05/2014 at 08:19 • Filed to: My Professional Opinion, Silverado

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As a car salesman at a Chevy dealership, I often get asked about what I think about different cars in our lineup and, although I find this somewhat ironic, I figured I'd start a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! based on my encounters with the entire Chevy Lineup.

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Warning: If you have a distinct opinion about the aforementioned vehicle...be advised this may not please you

Today, I plan on focusing on the Chevy Silverado 1500. When it comes to the 1500, there are a lot of great qualities but also a few things that bother me a bit.

Ride

The ride on the Silverado is one of its highest points! It will get great marks from me and everyone that I've had go on a test drive. It is smooth, quiet, and very luxurious for as capable as the truck is.

I've driven quite a few modern trucks while working at my dealership. The Silverado has the (arguably) the best ride and quietest of any that I've driven. It seems to glide over the road while still giving good feedback without feeling numb.

Power

The 2014-15 Silverado 1500 has a huge amount of capability that most people don't realize. First and foremost, the 1500 has the ability (if equipped properly) to tow up to 12,000 lbs!!! That's HUGE for a half-ton! The 5.3L V8 can get you 22 MPG on the Highway or 18 Overall. The 4.3L V6 will get you similar mileage on the Highway (22 MPG) but will save you 1 more MPG overall at 19 MPG. There is also one more engine that is nearly impossible to find and most often forgotten about, the elusive 6.2L. This engine will get you just about 21 MPG on the Highway and 17 MPG overall. All 3 of those engines have Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation...I know, I know, a dirty term in GM's history but I've seen no problems pop up yet on the new engines). So, if you're trying to choose an engine by fuel economy...think again.

Now, when it comes to horsepower and torque ratings, that is where things differ. The 4.3L V6 will get you a respectable 285 HP and 305 lb-ft of Torque. That's really similar to the last gen V8's that got about 300 HP and 325 lb-ft of Torque. Now, the 5.3L V8 got a decent boost up to 355 HP and 385 lb-ft of Torque. And the King of the bunch, the 6.2L gets an amazing 420 HP and 450 lb-ft of Torque...Nothing to complain about on that one!

But I do have a major gripe with the acceleration on these trucks...The big issue is that you don't ever feel the power in the 5.3L. It seems like the trucks have so many Nannies in the compu

ter that it won't let the ponies free unless you're towing something. The best way to explain this is that the 4.3L feels MORE responsive and MORE peppy than the more powerful 5.3L. And when it comes to the 6.2L, it has a lot of the Nannies as well but there's enough HP there to escape the watchful eye of the computer if you try.

Technology

With the new technology in these trucks, you will always have something to play with. There is everything in these from color touch screens with Bluetooth and handsfree calling to USB ports and house 110V outlets scattered all over this truck. When I'm demonstrating all the features on these trucks, I have to hold back quite a bit because the customer tends to get a little overwhelmed and loses track. The Driver Information Center computer screen in the center of the dash can tell you everything from Tire Pressure to Oil Pressure to the Radio station to Directions...You never run out of things to see on the dash.

Interior
The interior is just a cheap as you'd expect it to be for a GM vehicle. The only way to curb that a bit is to get a High Country Silverado that comes with a ridiculous amount of Saddle-Colored Leather EVERYWHERE...you either love it or hate it when it comes to that as well. Worst of all is that you don't get any choices on interior when it comes to the High Country...It's Saddle Leather or nothing.

GM has tried to make the interior a little less cheap feeling by making all of the cheap-looking materials soft-touch. This is nice and all but they should just make it look less terrible...Thanks In Advance GM!

Exterior

The Exterior scores high with me. It's bold and sends a message that it's a Chevy. They've added new standard features to the LT and LTZ trucks...the Easy-Lift and Lower Tailgate. Basically that just means that the tailgate goes down slowly and is light to lift and locks in with out needing to be slammed. Another new standard feature that is really well regarded by my customers is the corner step in the bumper. This seems so simple from the outside and should have been added YEARS ago. Another great option in my opinion is the addition of LED Cargo lights that are installed under the bed rails. So, if you've got a Tonneau cover and you want to see what's in your bed, you can!

Drivetrain

The drivetrain on these trucks is Solid. They give you a sense of can-do attitude and the will to keep going. My personal favorite piece is the Auto-Locking Rear Differential. I'm including an old video of it being demonstrated because I can't find the newest one anywhere:

Questions/Comments?

Please feel free to leave any questions or comments you might have. I am makingmake this an ongoing series, where the future pieces will focus on an individual car in the Chevy lineup. Suggestion on a specific car you'd want to see a write-up on? Let me know!

And if you got this far, thanks for reading!

Sweet Trav > Firewrx234 12/05/2014 at 08:33

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It's a truck.

I want a big honking V8, A bed, A powertrain that will last 200k+ and not much else.

people who whinge about the interiors on trucks "not being nice" need to go buy a Cadillac.

Trucks are tools, not daily drivers. Does your Craftsman socket wrench have padded leather and 4G LTE connectivity? No? Then neither should your truck.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Sweet Trav 12/05/2014 at 08:53

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3 years down the line.....

"To better connect with the younger demographic, we're releasing a torque wrench that allows users to connect it to a twitter account. Here is a sample of one such tweet 'Just tightening up the bike #spring #12FtLbs' - we believe this technology, and consumer, to be the future of the craftsman brand"

Sweet Trav > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 12/05/2014 at 08:54

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That is the day I put down my tools and burn my car.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Sweet Trav 12/05/2014 at 08:56

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#HotShit, #YOLO, #IronicTweeting

FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 > Firewrx234 12/05/2014 at 09:24

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I was test driving these last weekend, and I told the salesman that I did not want crew cab that was built in Mexico, I wanted one that was built in Michigan. He looked at me blankly, I explained to him that if the VIN starts with 1G it was built in Flint and 3G it was built south of the boarder. He then gave me some crap about not being able to sort by VIN so I got up and went to the next GM dealership.

They were much more helpful. My biggest gripe with the truck (and this applies to all modern half tons) is that the front bench seat really is two captains seats with a weird console/seat thing in the middle. Also, I wish you could spec the 6.2 on a lower trim. I'd pay an extra 2 grand for it. I think the pathetic little screen they put in the lower trim trucks is a waste of space, just give a regular old stereo. Also why is there an SD card slot in the center armrest?? Lastly, I was quite surprised about how cramped the extended cab is in the back. For all the hoopla about switching the doors to the C pillar opening I expected it to be a better place to sit and it isn't.

Still a good truck but there are way more 2014 F-150s out there than Silverados, I think I'll probably pick up an F-150 this month instead.

Milky > Sweet Trav 12/05/2014 at 09:26

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I've also heard the argument that if you spend 40+ hours in/around your truck for work, you want it to be nice on the inside.

jariten1781 > Firewrx234 12/05/2014 at 09:30

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Are they still doing those stupid plastic 'chrome clad' wheels? I wouldn't buy a truck with those things out of principle.

Firewrx234 > jariten1781 12/05/2014 at 09:37

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No...those terrible things are gone.

Firewrx234 > Sweet Trav 12/05/2014 at 09:38

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Thank you so much for being a reasonable human being and understanding what a truck is.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Firewrx234 12/05/2014 at 09:46

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Max payload? And why hasn't max payload for a MIDSIZED truck not increased dramatically since 1997...?

Firewrx234 > FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 12/05/2014 at 10:13

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I agree on the little screen radio. It's almost embarrassing for me to show those in the truck. The SD card slot is there if you want to listen to music that's on the card, or if you have pictures on it and you have the 8" screen, then you can view a slideshow (for what reason, I don't know but you can)

The Double cab was created just to give the truck more solidity in the cab and to cut down on wind noise. With the new pillar they can add triple door seals. They also added a whole 2" to the rear seating...think about that...just 2" so take it for what you will.

And there are more F-150s sitting on lots for a reason ;)

Firewrx234 > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 12/05/2014 at 10:15

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The Colorado can handle a max payload of 7000 lbs if equipped properly.

nermal > Firewrx234 12/05/2014 at 10:15

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I just recently got a GMC 1500, same thing pretty much. You are correct about the under-bed lighting and bumper step, both are incredibly useful. Also, I like that it has a 4wd Auto mode. This mode is wayyyyy better for driving on roads with light snow, and makes turning at an intersection much easier. My previous Jeep only had the 4wd Lock mode, so it made tight turns difficult.

The projector headlights were a big thing for me as well, I drive a lot at night and they make a big difference.

I also have the max-tow package, so have the 3.73 gears and heavier suspension. I like the firmer ride and the extra powahhhhh as a result. You are correct though, it doesn't feel that fast, but it will definitely move if you stomp the throttle. It won't light up the tires though, as it should with that much power.

As far as gripes go, the key is crap. The last 6 cars I've had have all had an integrated key and remote, but on the truck they're separate, just like they were in 1992 when the first ones came out. Plus, with where it's placed, if I have anything else on the key ring it bangs off the steering column and is annoying.

Another gripe is the tires. My sticker had a $250 charge for all-terrain tires, but the truck has Goodyear SR-As on it. Apparently, GM thinks they qualify as all-terrain, even though they're listed as highway all-season at Goodyear (and Tirerack).

nermal > FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 12/05/2014 at 10:19

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My Mexican truck seems to be doing great so far!

The SD card and USB / charger ports in center console are quite useful. I like that I can load tunes on a card and plug it in, then have easy access thru the stereo, without having to mess with my phone. Plus, there's a little portal under the lid so that you can plug a charger in, then just run the end out to the front without pinching it, and charge your phone in the cupholder. It's a nice little touch.

nermal > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 12/05/2014 at 10:19

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I have a crew cab with the max-tow package, payload is 1700 lbs. YMMV depending on options and whatnot.

Sweet Trav > Milky 12/05/2014 at 10:21

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Nice, no thanks, if im grubby and muddy, i want wash off vinyl seats and rubber floormats. AND GODDAMNED BUTTONS for the radio none of this touch screen bullshit.

Sweet Trav > FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 12/05/2014 at 10:23

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5.3 > 5.0 The mod motor is a piece of crap.

Also check fleet sales, you can get a WT base with the 6.2l there if you can find a fleet dealer that will sell you just one.

FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 > Firewrx234 12/05/2014 at 10:24

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Good points about the double cab. Hadn't considered that. As for Ford vs. Chevy, I like the engine in the Chevy more but the price and the fact that Ford has a whole lot more domestic parts content are pretty hard to argue against.

Cap'n Jack Sparrow > Firewrx234 12/05/2014 at 10:25

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I LOVEEEE the locker on my '14 Silverado!

FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 > nermal 12/05/2014 at 10:26

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I'm sure the mexican trucks are put together fine, just prefer to buy made in USA. The salesman didn't explain the music on the SD card thing, I suppose that could be useful. I occasionally use my CD player now when I'm too lazy to take my phone out.

Firewrx234 > nermal 12/05/2014 at 10:27

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The "All-Terrain" add, I've seen everything from Goodyear to Michelin...Honestly when it comes to tires...they don't have a pattern. As long as the A/T looks like it has more tread than the "Eco" tires they put on the other trucks then it qualifies.

Firewrx234 > FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 12/05/2014 at 10:29

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Fair enough. I respect your opinion on the matter :)

Sweet Trav > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 12/05/2014 at 10:29

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Payload and towing capacity are two separate things.

Payload = what you can put in the bed. for a half ton truck its always around a half ton, by defintion.

Towing = max trailer towing.

Sweet Trav > FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 12/05/2014 at 10:31

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Crew cabs are also made in Ft. Wayne FYI.

FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 > Sweet Trav 12/05/2014 at 10:37

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I think piece of crap is a bit strong, but I do agree that the 5.3 is a better motor. I looked around on some fleet sections of dealers around me and didn't see a 6.2. Are you sure this is an option?

FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 > Sweet Trav 12/05/2014 at 10:39

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Are you sure, I thought they were only made in Flint and Silao.

Sweet Trav > FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 12/05/2014 at 10:50

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So, I cant find it, and perhaps they updated their system. but i swear a few days ago i specd a 1500 4wd single cab WT with a 6.2l.

or maybe i am going crazy

Sweet Trav > FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 12/05/2014 at 10:50

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excuse me not crew cab, double cab.

FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 > Sweet Trav 12/05/2014 at 10:51

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If you find out otherwise let me know, the 6.2 would probably sway me in favor of the chevy.

nermal > Firewrx234 12/05/2014 at 10:52

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Right, still dumb and deceiving that they used highway tires and advertised as all-terrain though. At the minimum, I expect them to use a tire that the tire manufacuter also advertises as all-terrain.

Sweet Trav > FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 12/05/2014 at 10:53

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I would call a fleet dealer and ask if they will let you do a special build, you probably wont get all the incentives, but you'll get exactly what you want.

Milky > Sweet Trav 12/05/2014 at 10:57

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I am by no means saying you are wrong …. but the market has spoken.

Sweet Trav > Milky 12/05/2014 at 11:01

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Burn it all.

Also, modern truck buyers are like gun owners buying an AR-15 when a shotgun will protect your home just as well.

"You know a small 4 cylinder cross over will make a better commuter car, yeah but I like to pretend I occasionally do work"

I say we put miserable awful slow old N/A diesel engines in ALL trucks to people will stop buying the damned things.

Milky > Sweet Trav 12/05/2014 at 11:06

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That move would bankrupt Detroit, trucks is how the big three make money here. Your gun analogy was spot on btw. "I want my Murica and I want it now!"

Sweet Trav > Milky 12/05/2014 at 11:09

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I mean I'm not for legislating what people have, but maybe we need to look at downsizing non commercial trucks for environmental reasons. Or Carbon fiber everything on strong frame and they can have a 2.0t 4 cylinder to power them lol.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Sweet Trav 12/05/2014 at 11:21

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Yeah, I am aware. My point was, that for those of us thst don't want to tow, an increase in payload (say, 5000lbs for the 1500) would go a long way to encourage me to buy a new truck.

Firewrx234 > nermal 12/05/2014 at 12:56

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If I'm honest, I've never seen them put those on as an A/T. I've only ever seen them put on A/T designated tires.

nermal > Firewrx234 12/05/2014 at 13:10

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For reference:

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/1…

Firewrx234 > nermal 12/05/2014 at 13:17

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Trust me, I'm on your side. I feel that is a major overstatement of the tire and quite a shame honestly.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Firewrx234 12/05/2014 at 22:32

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We have a 2011 3500. Great trucks. I love me some GM trucks! Nice to know the 2015 is a good truck,

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Sweet Trav 12/05/2014 at 22:54

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Mod motor is a piece of crap over the 5.3... GM even says when new, it is normal to burn 1.5 quarts of oil every 3k miles. That is a fucking joke. My '95 4Runner burns less than a quart in 5k miles. If you had have said 5.3>Ecoboost, then you would have had a valid point. That engine is a useless POS.

TheMightyTexMex > FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 12/06/2014 at 00:28

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Im sorry, but do Mexicans build low quality vehicles?

1.21 JIGGA WATTS!!! > Firewrx234 12/06/2014 at 00:29

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I'd like to ask why so many people get the crew cab, 5.5' box, and then stick a 20" crossover toolbox in the back. I swear I'm not trolling, but I see it all the time, and I can't fathom the reason behind it. For the vast majority of people, when you buy a truck, you either use it to haul or tow something...usually often enough to justify your own vehicle.

Why would someone decide to buy a truck (expensive across the board new/used) and then compromise a large portion of your box space? It seems counter productive. That's the reason why I like ext./double cabs. (owner of a '06 1500 extended cab with 6.5' box). Granted, I hate the suicide doors and their tendency to make me think they don't get fully shut every time I hear rushing air while on the interstate. But I don't mind the look of the double cabs. Sure, they aren't as comfy as a crew cab, but if you're looking for comfort over space utilization, why EXACTLY did you buy a truck?

I look at my truck as a utility to move equipment/supplies/etc. as its primary purpose and a people move as a secondary. Sure, I can fit 6 people in my truck, but they aren't going to be the most comfortable and I'm okay with that. That's why I like seeing double cabs more than crew cabs, but more so seeing the 6.5' box over the 5.5' box. It just makes more sense to me.

/just my two cents

Sweet Trav > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 12/06/2014 at 10:22

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the mod motor is an undersquare joke. It doesn't make the torque the LS/LT Motor does and it does it with being no lighter. The fact that it may or may not consume oil is irrelevant when I have personally seen a fleet of these things run to 300k without a single engine failure.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Sweet Trav 12/06/2014 at 13:30

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I'm sure there will be plenty of 5.0's to do that as well. There have been plenty of those terrible 6.0 Powerstrokes to make to 400-500k miles. The "awful" 5.4 has made it to 300k miles. But question, what year were the fleet trucks you were talking about? The massive oil consumption didn't begin until the engine got the cylinder deactivation stuff.

FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 > TheMightyTexMex 12/06/2014 at 19:15

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No saying they build low quality trucks. Just prefer to support american workers manufacturing american goods.

The Compromiser > Firewrx234 12/06/2014 at 19:54

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I just today, saw a GMC, black, chrome package, higher end optioned, SLAMED. A reasonable height for continued use, but definitely wheels tucked up a bit. BEAUTIFUL. Dead flat, front to back. I'm starting to prefer the GMC grills to the Chevrolet setup. I have never ever felt like that before.

Firewrx234 > The Compromiser 12/06/2014 at 21:26

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When leveled out, these trucks look great lifted, slammed, or even just leveled stock height

TheMightyTexMex > FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 12/06/2014 at 23:47

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Makes sense. Aren't Toyota, Nissan, and Ford the only ones who still build in America?

FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 > TheMightyTexMex 12/07/2014 at 11:25

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Nope, all the half ton manufactures still make some or all of there half tons in the US. Usually they are broken up by cab configurations. Chrysler builds all its crew cabs in the US and the rest in Mexico. GM is the opposite, it builds most of its crew cabs in mexico and the rest in the US.

TheMightyTexMex > FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 12/08/2014 at 00:26

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Welp. Learned something new today.

If I was gonna buy a pickup I'd buy a Ram 1500 Crew Cab Sport (in black, with the black wheels)

Though I'd feel bad that I wouldn't use it for truck stuff...

Maybe I should just remain a car guy lol