2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD Crew Cab LT2
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If it's been some time since you've driven a Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab, get in line. This is one nice vehicle. With a planned trip to Indianapolis for the weekend, I assumed I'd be driving the small compact sedan I had been driving all week. Until that is, the Silverado showed up in the lot and I was reminded it had been scheduled. My 85 year-old mother wasn't so sure. Getting her up into the passenger seat was the first obstacle. She, however, was won over by the sophisticated "new" age of trucks. Nothing like they once were, trucks today offer so much more in driving pleasure.
Since the trip to Indy, mom has sung the Silverado's praises to anyone who will listen! A very comfortable, road-worthy truck, it's no wonder Motor Trend named it Truck of the Year. Today's trucks don't want for much and are a far cry from those of the past. More than respectable to own and drive a truck as your primary set of wheels today, the Silverado appeals to a much wider audience than ever thought.
Our test Silverado 1500 Crew Cab LT2 with 4-wheel-drive came in Deep Ruby Metallic with Light Titanium leather interior. If one can just muster up the height to climb inside, there are all kinds of amenities that await the driver and passenger alike. Such things as a driver information center, 6-gauge cluster with tach, dual 12-volt AUX power outlets, tilt steering wheel, cruise and tire pressure monitoring system, the new Silverado lacks for little.
We especially enjoyed the uninterrupted holiday music provided by XM Satellite (first 3 months included), the ample size center console with compartments galore and plenty of cup holders. The LT2 version comes equipped with front bucket seats with power driver and passenger seat, steering wheel radio controls, ISRV mirror with auto dimming, Dual power heated OSRV mirrors, chrome surround grille, bodyside moldings, leather wrap steering wheel, remote keyless entry, illuminated vanity mirrors, and autotrac transfer case.
Toting a backseat full of Christmas gifts and a metal bed frame, the truck was packed fairly full. We didn't get a chance to use the bed but didn't need to because all the stuff fit inside once the back seats were folded down.
Options on our Silverado (a whopping total of $7390) included a LT2 Convenience package including remote vehicle starter system, heated window washing fluid, OSRV mirror with driver side auto dimming, power fold and ADJ heat, turn signal and universal remote ($595); a Safety Package (head curtain side air bags, adjustable pedals, rear parking assist, $715); EZ Lift Tailgate Package (locking tailgate, EZ lift tailgate, $95); Navigation System-touch screen with CD/DVD/MP3 format replacing the standard radio, $2,250; rear seat entertainment system, with Bose premium speaker system and rear audio controls, $1,955; leather appointed seats, $800; Power sliding sunroof, $685; Power sliding rear window, $200 and cargo management system, $95.
It's easy to understand why the Silverado won "Truck of the Year". Riding in the '08 Crew Cab rates right up there with any luxury sedan. The ride is quiet, smooth and powerful with Chevy's V8 Vortec engine. We were sold.
Reviewed by Susan Frissell, Womenwithwheels.com