A great workhorse
With the 2008 Chevy Silverado LT 4x4 (which my colleagues Luc Gagné and Michel Deslauriers also tested), GM is ever so close to offering a perfect all-around pickup. I won't be surprised to see it claim the AJAC's Truck of the Year award.
Subtle
Unlike Dodge, Ford and other pickup truck manufacturers, Chevrolet chose to keep things simple. Granted, the Silverado is far from small, but the lines prove classic and true to its heritage. Come to think of it, I've never seen a Chevy truck out-style a rival. While designers enhanced the front grille to give the Silverado a more massive appearance, the overall design remains pretty basic. This truck is known as a tough, reliable workhorse and the 2008 model builds on that reputation.
Short box
My tester was a 4-door Crew Cab LT model with a 5'8'' long cargo box. Thank God, the tailgate is finally lockable. My question is: when will we see a hydraulic damping system to assist in manipulating this heavy tailgate (like the Toyota Tundra)?
The rear bumper is the only thing that helps you access the cargo box, so you need to grab onto whatever's within your reach. On the plus side, I particularly liked the front and side C-channel rails in my tester. Despite the severe cold and inches of snow, I had an easy time moving the cargo hooks and using them to my liking. It's the best system I've ever come across. I also appreciated the plastic bedliner; I easily removed snow and ice that had built up during a severe snowstorm. Because it's slippery, the rail system proves essential to safely secure items.
Tall stance
Regardless of our body size, my colleagues and I unanimously complained about the lack of a grab handle and side step on the driver's side, meaning you have to grab the steering wheel to climb on board. Fortunately, every other passenger benefits from such a handle. My wife remembered that one needs to be careful when sliding out of the cabin; otherwise, they're likely to bang their head against the door frame.
Inside, everyone seemed to enjoy the comfort provided by the cloth-covered seats. On the other hand, the layout of the front bench generated mixed reviews -- it's a matter of body size. Personally, I liked the full-length 40/20/40 split: when the middle section is folded, it becomes a practical storage compartment. Yet, for some drivers, it occupies too much space. In addition, said "bench" feels more like a used couch than a real seat, considering the poor side support. That's the price you have to pay for such a work truck.
Another unanimous complaint was the position of the interior door handle: it's infuriatingly low. My colleague Luc pointed out to me that, in LTZ models, these handles are much more ergonomically positioned. Chevrolet ought to do the same in LT and WT models.
With the 2008 Chevy Silverado LT 4x4 (which my colleagues Luc Gagné and Michel Deslauriers also tested), GM is ever so close to offering a perfect all-around pickup. I won't be surprised to see it claim the AJAC's Truck of the Year award.
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| Subtle looks hide fearsome power and capability. |
Subtle
Unlike Dodge, Ford and other pickup truck manufacturers, Chevrolet chose to keep things simple. Granted, the Silverado is far from small, but the lines prove classic and true to its heritage. Come to think of it, I've never seen a Chevy truck out-style a rival. While designers enhanced the front grille to give the Silverado a more massive appearance, the overall design remains pretty basic. This truck is known as a tough, reliable workhorse and the 2008 model builds on that reputation.
Short box
My tester was a 4-door Crew Cab LT model with a 5'8'' long cargo box. Thank God, the tailgate is finally lockable. My question is: when will we see a hydraulic damping system to assist in manipulating this heavy tailgate (like the Toyota Tundra)?
The rear bumper is the only thing that helps you access the cargo box, so you need to grab onto whatever's within your reach. On the plus side, I particularly liked the front and side C-channel rails in my tester. Despite the severe cold and inches of snow, I had an easy time moving the cargo hooks and using them to my liking. It's the best system I've ever come across. I also appreciated the plastic bedliner; I easily removed snow and ice that had built up during a severe snowstorm. Because it's slippery, the rail system proves essential to safely secure items.
Tall stance
Regardless of our body size, my colleagues and I unanimously complained about the lack of a grab handle and side step on the driver's side, meaning you have to grab the steering wheel to climb on board. Fortunately, every other passenger benefits from such a handle. My wife remembered that one needs to be careful when sliding out of the cabin; otherwise, they're likely to bang their head against the door frame.
Inside, everyone seemed to enjoy the comfort provided by the cloth-covered seats. On the other hand, the layout of the front bench generated mixed reviews -- it's a matter of body size. Personally, I liked the full-length 40/20/40 split: when the middle section is folded, it becomes a practical storage compartment. Yet, for some drivers, it occupies too much space. In addition, said "bench" feels more like a used couch than a real seat, considering the poor side support. That's the price you have to pay for such a work truck.
Another unanimous complaint was the position of the interior door handle: it's infuriatingly low. My colleague Luc pointed out to me that, in LTZ models, these handles are much more ergonomically positioned. Chevrolet ought to do the same in LT and WT models.
 |
| The door handle on the passenger's side is more than just stylishly executed. |