2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | Review | Buying Guide
Half-ton regular cab Silverado models are something of the base package for Chevy’s formidable full-size truck. However, what that means is that they still provide all the ruggedness, power and workmanship expected in a large pickup, just without the interior room and some of the more fancy items you might find with crew cabs.
Regular cabs have two doors and seat three with a front bench seat. They are available with conventional 6.5 and 8.1-ft Fleetside cargo beds or a 6.5-ft flare-fender Sportside bed.
There are plenty of additional configurations to choose from as well. From stripped-down Work models to off-roading specialists, there is most likely a Silverado version for all lovers of the ½-ton pickup truck segment.
Under the Hood
Base and uplevel LS trims feature a 4.3-liter Vortec V6 engine with 200 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.
Customers looking for more oomph can choose one of two optional engines. The first is a 4.8-liter Vortec V8 with 285 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. The second is a 5.3-liter Vortec V8 with 295 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 330 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. It is only offered with 4-speed automatic transmission.
For off-roading enthusiasts, Chevy offers a special Z71 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.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
Even though entry-level Silverados are called Work models, it’s not as if you’re riding around in an Army vehicle. There are still quite a few amenities to make the ride comfortable. Some of the names on the list include air conditioning with dual-zone manual climate controls, an AM/FM radio, a digital clock, an engine-hour meter, map lights and a rubber floor covering.
Stepping up a few notches on the model scale will get you an AM/FM/CD player, cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows and door locks, a trip computer and quite a bit more. But it will cost you some.
OnStar is optional with LS models, and provides you with a variety of helpful services for safety and convenience. Also optional is satellite radio.
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