Used 2007 Chevrolet Silverado (Classic) 1500 Extended Cab

The Silverado SS is one of only two full-size hot-rod pickups made in America (the other is the Dodge Ram SRT10). Though it retains the previous generation Silverado Extended Cab chassis and drivetrain (Chevy dubs it "Classic"), the Silverado SS is still a potent performer worthy of a test drive. The SS badge carries with it a 345-horsepower 6.0-liter engine and a performance suspension ideally suited for enthusiastic driving. And although the lowered suspension somewhat limits off-road excursions, the Silverado SS still performs the everyday duties full-size pickup owners require.

The Silverado SS delivers quite a punch thanks to its 345-horsepower, high-output V8. Acceleration is brisk off the line and power for passing and merging is excellent. The stiff suspension allows the truck to corner with less lean than a standard Silverado and, unlike many sport-tuned vehicles, it does not give up anything in the way of ride comfort. Without the option of all-wheel drive, it’s easy to get the rear end to step out, especially when accelerating rapidly through sharp turns. We also wished for more aggressive seats befitting this truck’s sporty intention.

The Silverado SS is outfitted with the top-of-the-line Silverado LT interior, which is downright plush by pickup standards. The SS package adds a custom cloth 40/20/40 split-bench seat, SS badges and white backlit gauges. Despite the numerous standard features, we wish Chevrolet had added a few more sporting touches, such as perhaps an A-pillar-mounted tachometer and performance bucket seats. The hard plastics and busy instrument panel design look and feel dated, and the soft lower seat cushions had us feeling fatigued after just a few hours.

To give the SS its own menacing appearance, Chevrolet adds a lower front fascia with dual rectangular air intakes, a 3.5-inch side-exit exhaust, a body-colored rear bumper and huge 20-inch wheels fitted with Goodyear performance tires. The SS package is offered only with the 1500 Extended Cab Short Bed model, giving it a reasonably space-efficient cab but a less-than-optimal cargo capacity. The sport suspension rides lower to the pavement but provides enough ground clearance to avoid bottoming out when traveling over rough roads or carrying heavy loads.

20-Inch Rims
The Silverado SS’ 20-inch rims look as though they were custom-built for this truck.

6.0-Liter V8
This high-output V8 engine puts the "sport" in Super Sport.

The Silverado SS features a 6.0-liter V8 engine, sport suspension, 4.10:1 limited-slip rear axle, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), 20-inch chrome-finished aluminum wheels, SS trim (including revised front fascia, color-keyed grill and SS badges), air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, heated power-folding mirrors, cruise control, rear defroster, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, remote keyless entry and an AM/FM stereo with CD.

Notable options for the SS include the Dale Earnhardt Intimidator Package, power glass moonroof, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, OnStar telematics, AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD changer and Bose speakers, reclining and heated power driver’s and passenger’s seats and steering wheel-mounted touch controls.

The 6.0-liter V8 engine is a masterpiece of power, performance and economy, delivering 345 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 380 pound-feet of torque at a low 4,000. The big V8 purrs like a kitten at idle and roars like a lion with the throttle wide open. It also contributes to the Silverado SS having a 10,000-pound tow rating, the highest rating for a half-ton pickup. The electronically-controlled four-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and adeptly handles the engine’s impressive torque. Considering the engine’s substantial power output, fuel economy in the mid-teens is more than acceptable and on par with other, less powerful competitors.

6.0-liter V8
345 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
380 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/19