This is an eye-catching full-size pickup. Our truck was two-tone, red over silver. The dividing line between the colors was a substantial bright metal/compound black bodyside molding in line with the front and rear bumpers. The bumpers (the rear is stepped), a distinctive horizontally split grille and the mirrors were bright metal.Pop-open rear quarter windows are part of the extended cab configuration; the sliding rear window is an option. The Sportside style involves a narrower pickup bed than a slab-sided or Fleetside pickup. However, this is a full-size pickup, and the width of 49.1-inches is enough for 4-by-8 panels. The cargo box sides are notched for timbers to support two-tier loading. The extended cab version of the Sportside is available only with the short-78.7 inches-pickup box. You'll have to leave the tailgate down or remove it entirely to carry' anything that is more than 6 feet, 8.8 inches long. The new center high-mounted stoplight is located over the rear window land is flanked by two white lights-controlled from the driver's seat-that illuminate the cargo bed. Fit-and-finish are much better than they used to be and are car-like in quality. Our Sportside had the optional chrome wheels. The look worked: This truck announced its presence.
Inside, the Silverado version is one of the most alluring, comfortable and useful extended cab pickups available. The layout is sedan-like. Front high-back bucket seats flank a wide console with storage space and a tray. Cup holders are configured for two sizes. The driver gets a fold-down armrest next to the console as well as a sturdy four-spoke steering wheel. Mirror, door and window controls are mounted atop a left armrest built into the door. People room is good. These bucket seats rank among the best in full-size pickups. Our truck had the optional six-way driver's seat. And both seats had reclining features. Controls, switches and gauges are easy to see and reach. We have an ongoing complaint with GM products about the inclusion of the cruise control on the same stalk as the wipers-we think it's awkward and would like to see the cruise control on the steering wheel. The rear bench seat is comfortable but would be a squeeze for three adults. You have two options back there when using it as a cargo area: Fold the bench seat bottom up (it provides 40.5 cubic feet of space) or fold the seatback down. Although Chevrolet says it has increased the forward travel of the front seats for better access to the rear seating/cargo area, the rearward adjustment of the front seats limits knee room in the rear. This seems to be a built-in problem with extended cabs because it occurred on every one we tested. |
