zzdcar' Expert Review
by the zzdcar Experts
What’s new
An available PRO TEC composite truck box and optional traction control are the biggest changes for the Silverado this year. New colors have been added and the OnStar vehicle assistance system debuts as a midyear option.
zzdcar says
Chevrolet makes a pretty good pick-'em-up if powerful engines are your thing. But it has a ways to go to match the Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra when it comes to the quality materials and assembly.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2dr Regular Cab 2WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$234/mo for Silverado 1500 Base
Silverado 1500 Base
2dr Regular Cab 2WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M) - $16,045 MSRP2dr Regular Cab 2WD LB (4.3L 6cyl 5M) - $16,345 MSRP2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M) - $19,110 MSRP2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (4.3L 6cyl 5M) - $19,410 MSRP4dr Extended Cab 2WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A) - $21,444 MSRP4dr Extended Cab 2WD LB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $22,439 MSRP4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $25,189 MSRP4dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $25,489 MSRP2dr Regular Cab LS 2WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M) - $20,191 MSRP2dr Regular Cab LS 2WD LB (4.3L 6cyl 5M) - $20,491 MSRP2dr Regular Cab LS 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M) - $23,241 MSRP2dr Regular Cab LS 4WD LB (4.3L 6cyl 5M) - $23,541 MSRP4dr Extended Cab LS 2WD SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A) - $24,266 MSRP4dr Extended Cab LS 2WD LB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) (Most Popular) - $25,261 MSRP4dr Extended Cab LS 4WD SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $28,011 MSRP4dr Extended Cab LS 4WD LB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $28,311 MSRP4dr Extended Cab LT 2WD SB w/out OnStar (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $28,665 MSRP4dr Extended Cab LT 2WD LB w/out OnStar (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $28,965 MSRP4dr Extended Cab LT 2WD SB w/OnStar (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $29,140 MSRP4dr Extended Cab LT 2WD LB w/OnStar (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $29,440 MSRP4dr Extended Cab LT 4WD SB w/out OnStar (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $31,825 MSRP4dr Extended Cab LT 4WD LB w/out OnStar (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $32,125 MSRP4dr Extended Cab LT 4WD SB w/OnStar (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $32,300 MSRP4dr Extended Cab LT 4WD LB w/OnStar (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $32,600 MSRP
vs
$233/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
Now into its third year of the current design, Chevrolet has worked out the Silverado's kinks, earning it a reputation as a fast and comfortable truck. With class-leading engine power and clean looks, Chevrolet's bestseller promises to further improve its image with innovative features that make it a unique truck in the otherwise bland world of half-ton pickups.
For the first time ever, Chevrolet is offering the PRO TEC truck box on its extended cab 4X4s with the Z71 option. A factory alternative to an aftermarket bedliner, this all-composite box is 50 pounds lighter than its steel counterpart. It offers protection from dents and scratches along with superior resistance to corrosion. The tailgate is also lighter for easier opening and closing while its load-carrying capacity increases to 1,000 lbs. compared to 600 lbs. for the steel version.
Several engine choices are available for Silverado, ranging from a 4.3-liter V6 to a 5.3-liter V8. Most buyers select 4800 and 5300 Vortec V8 engines, generating 270 and 285 horsepower respectively. Automatics come equipped with a tow-haul mode that improves performance under heavy loads.
Holding all this together is a three-section frame that is stiff, light and easy to assemble, giving the big truck a smooth ride and a quiet interior. State-of-the-art steering, suspension and braking systems help make driving the Silverado a joy. Four-wheel disc antilock brakes are standard, and steering feel is tight for a large truck, thanks in part to the power rack-and-pinion gear on models under 6,400 GVWR. Electronic traction assist is now available for 2WD models for those who don't want the added expense and complexity of four-wheel drive.
Inside, Silverado buyers will find logically laid-out switchgear, though the plastics feel like they're sourced from the same supplier contracted by Fisher Price. The cabin is roomy, particularly on extended cab models. Standard rear doors on the latter make entry and exit to the rear bench seat easy, and if front passengers are willing to sacrifice a bit of legroom, the back of the extended cab is quite comfortable. Front seatbelts are mounted to the seats themselves so rear passengers don't need to chop through a web of fabric to get in and out.
With its powerful range of V8 engines, terrific four-wheel disc brakes, and legitimate rear seat passenger room, the Silverado should have no problem continuing its success in the highly competitive full-size truck market.
2001 Silverado 1500 Highlights
Type: Regular CabExtended CabExtended Cab
Trim: BaseLSLTBase
Base MSRP | $21,444 |
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Engine Type | Gas |
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Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
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Cost to Drive | $220/month |
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Seating | 6 seats |
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Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
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Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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