The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Silverado Hybrid are full-size trucks, seemingly built to suit every possible type of truck user. Buyers can choose from two interior designs, four gas engines, one gas-electric drivetrain, two automatic transmissions, one two-mode hybrid transmission, and three cab styles, with bed sizes ranging from 5'8" on Crew Cabs and Hybrids; 6'6" on all versions except the Hybrid; and 8' on all versions except the Hybrid.
The Silverado basically carries on with the same well-done body style GM introduced in 2007. The "pure pickup" versions have a high dash with low-gloss black plastic and no center console for three-across seating. There's a flex-fuel, 302-hp 4.8-liter V-8; a flex-fuel 5.3-liter V-8 with 315 hp and cylinder deactivation for improved fuel economy in XFE models; and a 6.2-liter, 403-hp, flex-fuel V-8 in top-line LTZ Silverados. The Silverado Hybrid's brakes are powerful and recapture energy to charge the batteries; even saddled with more weight, the Hybrid tows 6,100 pounds with 2WD, or 5,900 pounds with automatic dual-range four-wheel drive.
The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado definitely isn't behind the curve with respect to its interior or appointments. In either the Silverado 1500 or the Silverado Hybrid, there's ample space in front, though the seats could be more comfortable and supportive for longer trips. Stadium-style rear seat on Crew Cabs has a 60/40-split design and can be folded up for more cargo space. The Silverado comes in everything from basic work-truck form, priced in the low twenties, up to fully leather-lined luxury-loaded Hybrid versions that approach $50k. Most Silverado audio systems now include USB connectivity, and for 2011, the Silverado's OnStar system has been updated to version 9.0, now including automatic crash response, crisis assist, and stolen vehicle slowdown, with a one-year subscription to the Safe and Sound plan.
the" 2011 Chevrolet Silverado" continues to impress reviewers with its combination of practicality and livability.
The Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram are the main competition for the Silverado. While the Silverado hangs on as a class leader, the Ford and Dodge trucks offer some features the Chevy just doesn't have. In the competitive full-size truck class, deciding which truck is right for you is tough, but according to reviewers, so is the Silverado. The Silverado offers a staggering number of engines, trim levels, bed lengths, suspension configurations and other options.
If you're shopping for a full-size pickup truck, you should also consider the Silverado's platform-mate, the GMC Sierra, which offers similar capability and pricing as the Silverado, but slightly different styling.
Reviewers enjoyed the Silverado's capabilities and comfort regardless of which combination of the award-winning truck they drove.
An integrated trailer brake controller is available on all models. Silverado is offered with five suspension systems, each tailored to suit specific driving requirements: Z83 – Delivers a solid, smooth ride with monotube front shocks and twin-tube rear shocks, Z85 – Designed for enhanced handling and trailer towing, with monotube front and rear shocks, Z71 – Delivers enhanced off-road capability; features specific monotube front and rear shocks, Z60 – Designed for maximum street performance and offered with 20-inch wheels, as well as monotube front and rear shocks and NHT is designed for maximum towing capacity; it includes monotube rear shocks, 17-inch wheels and off-road tires, and high-capacity rear springs.
Cloth seats are standard on WT, LS and LT models; leather seating is available on LT models along with a six-way, power-adjustable driver seat. LTZ models feature a luxury-inspired interior with a unique instrument panel, door panels, larger-capacity center console that offers 20.1 liters of undivided storage and other distinct trim. Crew cab LTZ models add a rear-seat audio system and large glove box that offers approximately five liters of storage capacity.
A stadium-style rear seat with a 60/40-split design and folding center armrest is standard on crew cab models and available on extended cab models. Rear access doors open 170 degrees for easy entry to the rear seat/storage area of extended cab models. A power sliding rear window is available on extended cab and crew cab configurations with LT and LTZ trim levels.
