2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extra Cab LT - 2007 4x4 Of The Year

Chevy has been using the Silverado name since the '70s, and the 11/42-ton pickup is only getting better in this latest iteration. A stouter frame design (known to the engineers as the GMT900) reduces cab and bed twist. Coilover-shock front suspension eliminates those low-hanging torsion bars of years gone by, and all new bodywork offers a unique wider look that you'll either love or hate. We tested this truck of trucks and found that it fulfills all the basic needs of a pickup; V-8 power, tons of storage space with tie-downs in the bed and numerous cubbies, bins, and storage spots in the cab, and a fairly compliant suspension. In addition the new 170-degree rear doors allow excellent entry and egress (pay attention, FJ Cruiser). However once you take this truck off the blacktop you'll find that "4x4" doesn't mean much more than a transfer case and front drive axle in the General's newest P.U. First, can someone explain to us the front bumpers on this (and all the other GM) truck? Approach angle is horrible! We understand the need for better wind-tunnel and mileage numbers, but otherwise we've seen snowplows that grab fewer rocks off road. Yes, we like the sturdy tow hooks, but shouldn't the centerline of the wheel be lower than the front bumper? And next, how about a real lever-activated transfer case? Dials on the dash are for HVAC or headlights, not transfer-case activation. That may seem petty, but while we waited, shifted through each gear, pulled forward a few feet and then backed up a few feet to try and convince the computer to tell some linear actuator to shift the transfer case, the Jeep and Toyota were already up the trail or down the road with their lever-actuated bits. And finally, is it really that hard to outfit a ZR1-designated off-road package truck with somewhat of a larger more aggressive tire? Even the H3 comes with bigger rubber. This truck is a great truck, it hauls stuff just like a truck should, but off-road its performance will need some help from the aftermarket in the form of bumpers, engine power upgrades, and suspensions to clear bigger tires.

Verdict
Off-road use was a low design priority

Black paint, front power leather bucket seats (driver and passenger), steering-wheel radio controls, power locks and windows, inside mirror with auto dimming, compass, and temperature, dual power-heated outside mirrors with turn signal, chrome surround grille, body side moulding, leather-wrapped steeling wheel, remote keyless entry, rear access door with power window, autotrac transfer case, Ebony/Light Cashmere interior color scheme, black outside paint, power-sliding rear window, LT2 Convenience Package (remote vehicle starter, heated windshield washer fluid, locking tailgate, EZ lift tailgate, Onstar turn-by-turn navigation, XM satellite radio, cargo management system), Off-Road Suspension Package (locking rear differential, skidplates, high-capacity air cleaner)