2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended / Crew Cab | Review | Buying Guide
A high-output version of the 5.3-liter V8 engine is the big news for 2005 with the extended and crew cab versions of Chevrolet’s full-size pickup. Adding to an already diverse line of models and trims, this new high-octane 1500 model is even more powerful than the rest of the brawny bunch.
But that’s not all that’s new this year. There are new colors, new tires, new wheels and more. In addition, the OnStar driver safety and security system, featuring Gen 6 hardware with analog/digital coverage and upgraded hands-free capabilities, is also available.
Both extended cabs and crew cabs include a 3-person rear bench seat. Extended cabs are available with 6.5 and 8.1-ft Fleetside cargo beds. Crew Cabs come only with the short Fleetside. An optional 6.5-ft flare-fender Sportside box is also available.
Under the Hood
Base and uplevel LS extended cabs feature a 4.3-liter Vortec V6 engine with 195 horsepower at 4600 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 2800 rpm. It is mated to either standard 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic transmission. Two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations are also available.
Standard on LS crew cabs and top-line LT extended cab models is a 5.3-liter Vortec V8 engine. It generates up to 295 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 335 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. A 4.8-liter Vortec V8 is optional. It pumps out 285 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm.
The new engine for 2005 is available with extended cabs with a standard 6.5-ft bed. It is another 5.3-liter Vortec V8 model, but it is able to pump out up to 310 horsepower for some real heavy-duty applications. If more power’s what you want, you just got it.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
Like every other year, 2005 sees no drop in the level of safety with the Silverado. New are front disc/rear drum antilock brakes—standard on all models except those with Quadrasteer. The Silverado’s automatic passenger-sensing airbag system automatically deactivates the passenger-side front airbag under certain conditions to help protect smaller occupants.
Chevy also offers a special Z71 Off-Road Package with 4WD 1500 models. It includes 46-mm gas-charged shock absorbers, off-road jounce bumpers, specific stabilizer bars, a skid-plate package, a high-capacity air cleaner and unique Z71 decals for the pickup box.
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