2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SS Classic Review

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

The 2007 Chevrolet Silverado SS Classic is certainly fast for a pickup truck. But if this is your thing and you've got much deeper pockets, the Viper-powered Ram SRT-10 is really the only game in town.

Pros

Sport truck performance along with extended-cab utility, respectable towing ability.

Cons

Can't compete with the crazy-fast SRT-10, cabin lacks personality, handling not as sporty as expected.

What's New for 2007

Chevy will be introducing a fully redesigned Silverado soon but has decided to keep the current-generation truck in production a little while longer. The 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SS "Classic" signifies the end of this generation's run. There are no significant changes when compared to last year's model.

2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SS Classic Vehicle Overview

Introduction

Introduced late in the 2003 model year, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SS was the company's answer to Ford's speedy version of the F-150 known as the Lightning. With the SS, Chevy offered 345 horsepower along with all-wheel drive in an extended-cab Silverado. The following year, Dodge brought out the Ram SRT-10, featuring the same 500-horsepower V10 engine found in the Viper supercar.

With the Lightning no longer in production, it's down to just the Silverado SS and the Ram SRT-10 in the muscle truck segment. Earlier versions of the Silverado SS had two main advantages: an extended-cab body style and all-wheel drive. Those are both gone, however, as Dodge now has a crew-cab version of the SRT-10 and Chevy recently switched from the AWD drivetrain on the SS to a less expensive rear-drive setup.

True, the SRT-10 costs nearly $20,000 more than the Silverado 1500 SS. But in our opinion, the SS just isn't that special. Its handling and braking abilities are merely adequate, and its cabin has the same low-buck design found in every other Silverado Classic. Even the SS's V8 can be had as part of a "Vortec Max" package on any regular Silverado 1500. Shoppers desiring a true sport truck should look elsewhere.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SS Classic is a full-size pickup truck. An extended cab is the lone body style offered. A sport-tuned suspension, air-conditioning, a CD player and full power accessories come standard. Setting the SS apart from the other Silverado models are a monochrome paint scheme, a more aggressive front fascia with gray air scoops and 20-inch alloy wheels. Options include a CD changer, Bose audio, leather seating, automatic climate control, OnStar, XM satellite radio and a sunroof.

Powertrains and Performance

The Silverado SS Classic comes with a high-output 6.0-liter V8 (345 horsepower, 380 pound-feet of torque) that sends power to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration is swift, with a 0-60-mph sprint taking around 7 seconds, and the transmission furnishes crisp gearchanges. Towing capacity is respectable at 7,500 pounds.

Safety

Antilock brakes and dual-stage front airbags are standard. NHTSA frontal impact crash testing resulted in a four-star rating (out of five) for the driver and three stars for the passenger. In the IIHS' frontal offset test, Chevy's 1500 series pickup scored a "Marginal" rating, the second lowest of four.

Interior Design and Special Features

Apart from white-faced gauges and an "SS" badge on the dash, the cabin of the SS is basically the same as the upscale Silverado LT's. A few unique styling elements, such as two-tone upholstery and metallic accents, would have gone a long way toward making the SS feel like something special. In its favor, the SS makes for a reasonable family truck, as it offers very comfortable seating up front for adults while even larger kids should be happy with the accommodations in back.

Driving Impressions

Although it wears 20-inch tires and has a "high-performance" suspension, the Silverado SS Classic is merely adequate in terms of sporty dynamics. In everyday driving, the handling and ride are fine, but when pushed, the truck doesn't take a quick set in corners and there's more body roll than we'd expect. Straight-line acceleration is much more impressive (that is, when the Ram SRT-10 is out of the discussion), and the 6.0-liter V8 pulls smoothly and effortlessly whenever pressed.