Initial Quality – In the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Initial Quality Study, the Chevrolet Silverado light-duty models were the top-ranked pickups, receiving an Initial Quality Power Circle Rating of 5 out of 5.

Performance and Design – In the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, the Chevrolet Silverado light-duty models received a Performance and Design Power Circle Rating of 4 out of 5.

Predicted Reliability – The Chevrolet Silverado was redesigned for 2007, and is too new to have been included in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Dependability Study, which measures dependability of 2006 model-year vehicles. However, based on the performance of previous Chevrolet Silverado pickups during the past five years in both our Initial Quality and Vehicle Dependability studies, the Predicted Reliability Power Circle Rating for the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado is 3 out of 5.

Fuel Economy – The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado is available with a wide array of available powertrains, including 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V-8s designed to operate on E85. When using gasoline and according to the EPA, fuel economy estimates for the Silverado range from a low of 12 mpg city for a 4WD model equipped with a 6.2-liter V-8 engine and an automatic transmission to a high of 22 mpg for a 2WD model equipped with a hybrid gasoline/electric powertrain. Our review vehicle, a Silverado 1500 4WD Crew Cab with the 6.2-liter V-8 engine and an automatic transmission, averaged 12.5 mpg during our test driving. Combined with its 26-gallon fuel tank, this actual fuel economy figure results in an approximate 325-mile range between fill-ups of regular unleaded.

Safety – According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 gets 5-star ratings for occupant protection in both frontal impacts and side impacts (side-impact data for rear occupants does not apply to regular cab models). The Silverado also receives a 4-star rollover rating from the NHTSA, in both 2WD and 4WD formats.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Chevrolet Silverado a “Good” rating in the offset frontal impact crash test, a “Poor” rating in the side impact crash test, and an “Acceptable” rating for rear impact protection.

Environment – The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado is available with a wide array of available powertrains, including 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V-8s designed to operate on E85. When using gasoline and according to the EPA, the Silverado consumes a minimum of 16.3 barrels of petroleum annually with the hybrid gasoline/electric powertrain and a maximum of 24.5 barrels of petroleum annually with the 6.2-liter V-8 and automatic transmission. The resulting carbon footprint ratings range from 8.7 tons of air pollution per year to 13.1 tons of air pollution per year. The Chevrolet Silverado receives a national air pollution score of 6 out of 10 and, with the 5.3-liter or 6.2-liter V-8 engine, a California/New England score of 7 out of 10. All other powertrain combinations, including the Silverado Hybrid, receive a California/New England score of 6 out of 10.