Previously offered only for fleets, but is now available to the public.
By Neil G. Chirico
The Chevy Silverado (and GMC Sierra) Hybrid was previously offered only for fleets, but is now available to the general public. It's a mild hybrid that uses only a small amount of electric-motor-assist, while the vehicle is moving (the motor engages to a smooth early lockup of the torque converter to improve efficiency) deriving most of its claimed 13-percent benefit from engine shutdown while the truck is stopped. Our 4x4 half-ton model (two-wheel drive is standard), with automatic transmission, came in dark-gray metallic with matching medium-gray interior. Options include the LS Decor (no charge) and Safe and Sound ($2485) packages. Safe and Sound encompasses an AM/FM/CD/ cassette with Bose speakers, a six-way power driver's seat, one year of OnStar, and three months of XM Satellite Radio. The Light Duty Power Package ($1675) offers a Vortec 5300 V-8 engine, locking differential, and HD trailering equipment. Upgraded leather seating surfaces set us back $800, while an Autotrac active transfer case added $375. A heated, auto-dimming, power-folding, turn-signaling, power-adjustable driver-side mirror ran $215.
Aluminum wheels cost $200, and dual-climate A/C increased our total by $195. Redundant radio controls added $125, and a heavy-duty suspension at another $95. Fifth-wheel/trailer-towing wiring was $35, and the Hybrid system ran $2500 and mandated several of the above options. Package savings netted a $2000 adjustment, bringing the bottom line to $37,743 (including $850 in destination charges). Will the engine's start/stop feature add up to savings equal to its cost? We'll let you know.
| 2004 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid |
| Base price | $31,045 |
| Price as tested | $37,743 |
| Vehicle layout | Front engine, 4WD, 4-door, 5-pass |
| Engine | 5.3L V-8, OHV, 2 valves/cyl,plus elect motor |
| Hp @ rpm | 295 @ 5200, engine; 23 @ 540, elect motor |
| Torque @ rpm | 330 @ 4000, engine; 240 @ 0-500, elect motor |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| 0-60 mph, sec | 8.2 |
| EPA mpg | 17 city/19 highway |
| Total mileage | 3898 |
| Average test mpg | 15.0 |
| Problem areas | None |
| Maintenance cost | $0 |
| Normal-wear cost | $0 |