The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - 2001 LT, 2002 LT 1500 HD

In their 2000 redesign, Chevrolet and GMC kept their styling, but changed the drivetrain, suspension, and interior, easily surpassing the brand-new Ford F-series in efficiency and comfort, and leading the class in power, braking, and gas mileage. The new 2002 1500 HD model is unique - it provides a full-ton pickup's towing capacity, without the weight, height, and ride of a half-ton or full-ton pickup. With its standard 6-liter engine, the 1500 HD can tow over 10,000 pounds - quite an accomplishment. The HD model is certainly worth a look if your towing needs are that severe.

We have tested the Ford F-250, Silverado 1500, and Dodge Ram 2500. The Silverado has one clear advantage over all other full size pickups - brakes that pull the huge vehicle from sixty to zero in less time and a substantially shorter distance than the Ford or Dodge (the Ford has the longest stopping distance). Brakes are critical on a machine that is not only heavier and higher than a car, but also intended to tow or carry a heavy load.

The braking distances for the Silverado are not just carlike, but actually similar to a car with good brakes. The acceleration is also carlike, reaching sixty miles per hour in about nine seconds, which puts it in the same class as the Honda Accord.

GM's engines have been tweaked and refined to (generally) offer superior power over the Dodge and Ford full size trucks. They operate quietly, which is good because there is also very little wind noise, and the vent fan is quiet - overall, the interior of the Silverado is quieter than a pickup cab has any right to be. Certainly, it is quieter than the Ram.

Our test 1500, an LT Extended Cab, had a heavy duty suspension, four wheel drive, and a 5.3 liter V-8 engine producing 285 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Our test 1500 HD, on the other hand, had a more powerful 6.0 liter V-8 engine, but was otherwise similarly equipped. All heavy-duty pickups tend to bounced around on the road when the bed is not loaded, but we were surprised at how little bouncing and jouncing the Silverados did compared with the Ford and Dodge. Bumps were well cushioned, and though road imperfections were felt, they were not jarring, and were not heard. The 1500 HD in particular deserves commendation for its ride-to-capacity ratio.

When turning around 90 degree corners in town, we found it far too easy to squeal the Silverado's rear tires. On the highway, the handling is better, with no feeling of top-heaviness at reasonable speeds. The 1500 HD seemed to have better handling, surprisingly given its heavier duty suspension.

The automatic transmission worked smoothly but firmly; the 2002 1500 HD's seemed more responsive, kicking down more readily.

The Silverado's four wheel drive is activated by a pushbutton, but in general people will stay in automatic mode, and let the truck decide when to go into four wheel drive. If you have driven an all wheel drive car, be aware that four wheel drive greatly expands the turning circle, so that some ordinary turns will require moving back to two wheel drive. Thus, it may actually be advisable to stay in two wheel drive mode most of the time.

Both the Silverado and Ram have well-designed interiors, with good instrument panels and controls. The stereo has best-in-class sound as well as real knobs for audio adjustments. The Chevrolet also provides an oil change indicator, a low tire pressure warning system, transmission temperature gauge, memory seats, and a "power memory" which allows use of the radio and power windows after the key is taken out, until the door is opened.

Inside the cab, things are very civilized albeit trucklike. Both have a cavernous center console, with its well designed coin holder built into the front. The Silverado has three accessory sockets, but you do run the risk of sticking your finger into one of the sockets when opening the door. The Chevy also requires an odd motion to open the doors. The HD had four "real" doors, though, instead of a "suicide door" which makes you open the front door to get access to the rear door.

We were impressed by Chevrolet's optional tonneau cover. It installs or is removed easily, and keeps the bed dry and clean while hiding any objects from casual thieves.

These are both work trucks, which should only be purchased by people who really, really need them. The S-10 is smaller but can tow or carry a hefty load, without being quite as expensive or hard to park. That quickly becomes an issue with the extended cab and full-size bed, since the truck doesn't fit into most parking spaces, and can be a nightmare in a crowded parking lot or curvy road.

If you really do need a full size truck, the Silverado is the best in its class. Its reliability has been well established, brakes and handling are unusually good, and the optional diesel engine in the 2500 and 3500 models is terrific. No wonder that GM's full size trucks have taken over as the sales leader (if GMC and Chevrolet are combined) - and, given the strength of the Silverado's brakes, we hope all potential Ford buyers take heed and visit their Chevrolet dealer.