2005 Best Overall Values

2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Best Overall Value--1/2-Ton Pickup 4WD
Best Truck Value Over $26,000: Silverado 1500 Crew Cab LS 2WD

As American as apple pie, the Chevrolet Silverado is a common sight on our highways, byways, and driveways thanks to its rugged platform, musclebound powertrains, and value history. In fact, Silverados of all stripes have an impressive track record of winning Best Overall Value awards, from 1/2- to one-ton configurations. In the light-duty range, the 2WD models took home the trophy this year, though 4WD models (last year's winner) still fair very well in our five-year cost of ownership analysis. The model range evolved incrementally for '05, with the key trend being improved efficiency. Numerous small changes were made to elevate fuel economy, with the most visible being the effort to enhance aerodynamics by sealing holes where possible. This includes foglamp and tow-hook locations on trucks not equipped with those options, along with the center front air deflector hole, rear brake light position, and side running boards. Under the hood, Silverados now all come with electric cooling fans, improved air-conditioning unit, and new voltage control system. All combined, the Silverado boasts a 1-mpg improvement. For those wanting even more from a tank of gas, Chevrolet boasts the first mainstream production hybrid pickup truck. Termed a "mild hybrid," this Silverado supplements the 5.3-liter/295-horse V-8 with a compact generator positioned between the engine and transmission for quick stop/starts. The results of this trick, 42-volt system is a 10-percent gain in fuel economy and a lower overall cost than more-common full hybrids.