Price Range: $15,355 - $35,000

Overview:

Chevy Silverado, the highly popular full-size pickup, continues to build on its bigger, faster, stronger, smarter qualities in 2000 with an available new fourth door and a variety of performance and convenience improvements.

The new optional driver-side fourth door on Extended Cab models, available in dealerships in late 1999, provides easy cargo loading and passenger entry/exit. Silverado’s new self-dimming rearview mirror helps reduce dangerous glare from trailing vehicles and now features outside temperature and compass displays for convenience. LS and LT models also include new programmable power door locks that allow the driver to customize locking and unlocking features to their individual preferences.

"We’re never satisfied with the status quo," said Silverado Brand Manager, Rick Scheidt. "Although Silverado was redesigned just last year, we’re always looking for areas to improve. Now, with the new fourth door option, we’re giving our customers an even more comfortable and convenient pickup."

Powertrain improvements include more horsepower for the Vortec 4800 V8 SFI engine which has increased to 270 hp @ 5200 rpm — a boost of 15 hp over last year. The Vortec 5300 V8 SFI powerplant also receives 15 additional horses, checking in at 285 hp @ 5200 rpm with torque raised to 325 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm — 10 more lb.-ft. than before. The Vortec 6000 V8 SFI engine when matched with the automatic transmission includes a high extension torque converter for more full-power launch over a longer period of time.

new tonneau cover helps keep exterior cargo dry during inclement weather.

The Silverado model lineup includes a 1500 Regular and Extended Cab and 2500 Regular and Extended Cab. A Sportside Box is available on select 1500 models. Customers can also choose a Short or Long Box, two- or four-wheel drive, with standard LS or LT trim levels.

Silverado contains features that seem to belie the fact that it’s a rugged Chevy truck — such as standard retained accessory power that allows electronic features to operate for up to 20 minutes after the ignition is turned off. And depending on model, a choice of vinyl, cloth or leather seating surfaces add comfort to even the longest trip, while standard passenger assist handles make entering and exiting easy. Extended Cab rear doors include handy interior storage compartments and swing-out windows. The rear-seat bottom cushion folds up to create more cargo room while rear-seat heat ducts keep aft passengers as comfortable as those in front.

With Silverado, safety is always a priority. Key features include: driver and right front-passenger air bags,* side door beams, crush zones and an energy-absorbing steering column — all designed to help protect occupants in the event of a collision. Standard Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) with Automatic Exterior Lamp Control automatically activate exterior lights under low-light driving conditions for greater visibility. The 4-wheel antilock disc brake system (ABS) is standard, while available foglamps increase visibility during inclement weather.

With its impressive comfort, power and reputation for durability, it’s clear why Silverado remains a top choice among pickup owners.