2004 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB 2WD NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
In the face of increased competition from Dodge, Ford, Nissan and Toyota, General Motors upgrades the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado to keep it competitive. New for 2004 is a 1500-series crew cab model to replace last year’s Silverado 1500HD pickup. A new Work Truck version slots in beneath the Base Silverado to attract commercial buyers with a lower price tag, and Base models receive additional standard equipment such as cruise control, power door locks, a CD player and a chrome front bumper. OnStar telematics is now standard on the Chevy Silverado LT, and trucks equipped with the popular Z71 equipment package receive additional features for 2004. Gone from the Silverado this year is the Ride Control adjustable suspension option, and if you want a truck with a V6 engine and a manual transmission you’ve got to get the Work Truck or the Base model. Also, buyers can now order Quadrasteer without popping first for the Trailering package. New options include an underseat storage system on extended cab models, a Limited Appearance Package on the 2WD extended cab that includes a high-performance suspension and 20-inch alloy wheels, and two different tonneau covers for the bed. A new 17-inch wheel design and revised colors summarize the changes to the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup.

Advantages of the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500:

• Stout powertrain combinations
• Slick Quadrasteer option
• Rear seat DVD entertainment on crew cab model
• Standard OnStar telematics for LT models
• Wide variety of configurations from which to choose
• Ever-present rebates and incentives lower the prices

Objections to the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500:

• Front seat comfort could be improved
• Interior materials look and feel inexpensive
• Structural rigidity not up to the standards in the class

Editor's Advice:
Truck buyers are a loyal bunch, and so our advice likely isn't worth Velcro Wranglers at a rodeo (they say that in Texas, don't they?). We like the Chevy Silverado's engines, transmissions and feature content. We don't like the Chevy Silverado's interior materials or seat comfort. Plus, newer trucks from Dodge, Ford and Nissan are built on sturdier frames and exhibit better structural rigidity. Bottom line: if you're a Chevy truck fan, nothing but a Silverado will do. AutoSite's money is on the Dodge, Ford or Nissan.