2006 Chevy Silverado 1500 Review
zzdcar' Expert Review
by the zzdcar Experts
What’s new
For 2006, there's a new "VortecMAX" performance group that includes a 345-hp, 6.0-liter V8, a heavy-duty tow package and a stronger rear axle; thusly equipped, the half-ton Silverado is on more equal footing with the Titan and the Hemi-equipped Ram. The Quadrasteer four-wheel steering option has been dropped, and the optional camper-style mirrors have been replaced by a folding and extending design with a built-in convex spotter glass. Other changes include slightly updated front-end styling and minor adjustments to trim levels and body configurations.
zzdcar says
Powerful drivetrains, stout underpinnings and unique options make the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado a pickup worth considering, but the Ram, F-150 and Titan have it beat when it comes to interior design and overall refinement.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Work Truck 2dr Regular Cab 6.5 ft. 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$228/mo for Silverado 1500 Work Truck
Silverado 1500 Work Truck
Work Truck 2dr Regular Cab 6.5 ft. SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M) - $15,840 MSRPWork Truck 2dr Regular Cab 8 ft. LB (4.3L 6cyl 5M) - $16,115 MSRPWork Truck 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M) - $19,270 MSRPWork Truck 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 8 ft. LB (4.3L 6cyl 5M) - $19,515 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Extended Cab 6.5 ft. SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A) - $21,115 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Extended Cab 8 ft. LB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $24,165 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Extended Cab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $25,845 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Extended Cab 4WD 8 ft. LB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $27,060 MSRPLS 2dr Regular Cab 6.5 ft. SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M) - $19,725 MSRPLS 2dr Regular Cab 8 ft. LB (4.3L 6cyl 5M) - $20,165 MSRPLS 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M) - $23,225 MSRPLS 4dr Extended Cab 6.5 ft. SB (4.3L 6cyl 4A) - $23,590 MSRPLS 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 8 ft. LB (4.3L 6cyl 5M) - $23,670 MSRPLS 4dr Extended Cab 8 ft. LB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $25,565 MSRPLS 4dr Extended Cab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $27,250 MSRPLS 4dr Extended Cab 4WD 8 ft. LB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $28,460 MSRPLT1 2dr Regular Cab 6.5 ft. SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $23,000 MSRPLT1 2dr Regular Cab 8 ft. LB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $23,290 MSRPLT1 4dr Extended Cab 6.5 ft. SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $25,610 MSRPLT1 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $26,335 MSRPLT1 4dr Extended Cab 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $26,580 MSRPLT1 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 8 ft. LB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $26,625 MSRPLT1 4dr Extended Cab 8 ft. LB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $26,785 MSRPLT1 4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $28,165 MSRPLT1 4dr Extended Cab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $28,410 MSRPLT1 4dr Extended Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $29,380 MSRPLT1 4dr Extended Cab 4WD 8 ft. LB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $29,580 MSRPLT1 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $31,115 MSRPLS2 4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $24,615 MSRPLS2 4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB w/Sport Package (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $26,110 MSRPLS2 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $28,135 MSRPLS2 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB w/Sport Package (4.8L 8cyl 4A) - $29,630 MSRPLT2 4dr Extended Cab 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $28,080 MSRPLT2 4dr Extended Cab 6.5 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $28,230 MSRPLT2 4dr Extended Cab 8 ft. LB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $28,520 MSRPLT2 4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $30,095 MSRPLT2 4dr Extended Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $31,250 MSRPLT2 4dr Extended Cab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $31,540 MSRPLT2 4dr Extended Cab 4WD 8 ft. LB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $31,685 MSRPLT2 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $32,920 MSRPLT3 4dr Extended Cab 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $29,965 MSRPLT3 4dr Extended Cab 6.5 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $30,115 MSRPLT3 4dr Extended Cab 8 ft. LB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $30,405 MSRPLT3 4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $31,980 MSRPLT3 4dr Extended Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $33,135 MSRPLT3 4dr Extended Cab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $33,425 MSRPLT3 4dr Extended Cab 4WD 8 ft. LB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $33,575 MSRPLT3 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 4A) - $34,810 MSRPSS 4dr Extended Cab SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) (Most Popular) - $32,930 MSRP
vs
$233/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
Chevrolet's modern full-size pickup has been around in one form or another since the early '60s. Currently in its sixth generation, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, as it's now called, boasts classic styling and a wide variety of body styles and drivetrains. A perennial competitor to the full-size offerings from Ford and Dodge, Chevrolet generally finishes a close second to Ford in sales, mostly due to the fact that it shares customers with the almost identically equipped GMC Sierra.
Typically, combined sales of the two trucks outdo the F-Series. Often first to market with unique innovations, Chevy trucks also offer the OnStar communications system that provides the convenience of 24-hour on-call assistance for everything from tow truck calls to dinner reservations. The Vortec V8 engines are known for their generous power and relatively good mileage when driven with a soft foot.
Combine this with a wide variety of cabin amenities, and the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 presents a compelling package, especially for those who do a lot of towing and hauling. The Silverado is really starting to show its age, however, compared to the newer full-size offerings from competitors, which have the Chevy trucks beaten when it comes to interior design and materials, and overall refinement. We strongly encourage you to try out the competition before you settle on a Silverado 1500.
Performance & mpg
Five engine choices are available for the half-ton Chevrolet Silverado -- a 195-horsepower, 4.3-liter V6; a 285-hp, 4.8-liter V8; a 295-hp, 5.3-liter V8; a 310-hp, 5.3-liter V8; and a 345-hp 6.0-liter V8 as part of the VortecMAX Package. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on regular cabs with the V6 engine. Optional on that model and standard on all other Silverados is a four-speed automatic. The maximum towing capacity with the 5.3-liter V8 is 9,100 pounds, while the 6.0-liter V8 can pull up to 10,000 pounds. All models come in two- or four-wheel drive. A hybrid powertrain option is available on extended cabs with the 5.3-liter, but the system does not provide any power boost. Its main function is to conserve fuel via automatic engine shutdown and startup at stops, as well as provide on-the-job power through four 120-volt AC outlets.
Safety
All Chevy Silverado trucks include four-wheel antilock brakes as standard equipment. The Silverado received a rating of "Marginal" (third lowest out of four possible rankings) in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's offset crash test. In government crash tests, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 received four stars (out of five) for driver protection in frontal impacts and three stars for the front passenger.
Driving
The 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is comfortable enough to be a daily driver, yet it's still powerful enough to use as a dedicated work truck. Acceleration ranges from adequate to vigorous, depending on which V8 you select, and the automatic transmission shifts with authority. The steering feels vague on center, but it's light and precise enough for easy maneuvering. The automatic engine shutdown and startup feature work seamlessly in the hybrid truck. Additionally, the hybrid's electric power steering feels at least as good as the traditional setup.
Interior
Inside, Silverado buyers will find a logically laid-out interior, with clear, uncluttered gauges. Materials quality is unimpressive, and build quality, though improved over the last few years, is still below that of the competition. The cabin is roomy, particularly on crew cab models.
2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 models
Regular, extended- and crew-cab body styles are available on the Chevy Silverado 1500, and there are six basic trim levels: Work Truck, LS, LS2, LT1, LT2 and LT3. Designed to be affordable on-the-job companions, Work Trucks offer few amenities, but you do get dual-zone manual air conditioning and an AM/FM radio. LS1 models offer a few more features like cruise control, a CD player and deluxe cloth upholstery. The LS2 adds power windows, locks and keyless entry. The LT1 adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The LT2 includes a power driver seat and Bose audio. The LT3 includes steering wheel audio controls and alloy wheels. An off-road package provides a heavier-duty suspension and skid plates, while a Limited Edition package offers a performance suspension, 20-inch wheels, a locking differential and towing preparation.
2006 Silverado 1500 Highlights
Type: Crew CabRegular CabExtended CabExtended CabTrim: Work TruckLSLT1LT2LT3SSWork Truck
Base MSRP | $21,115 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $234/month |
Seating | 6 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 7,900 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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