2007 Chevrolet Silverado LT: Nothin' Like a Truck

Loading the truck I kept thinking, "There's nothin' like a truck when you really need it." So I guess the moral to the story is when you really need to haul a lot of stuff, this truck will do it better than anything else around. And that creates a warm feeling of loyalty for Chevrolet. But does that mean you have to own it for the two or three times a year you need it? Or is it enough to have a generous friend (like Edmunds.com) to help you out?

Now, onto the gripes.

Once the truck was loaded it was obvious I needed to tie it all down securely for the 120-mile trip back to Los Angeles. I discovered that the only tie downs are located at the bottom of the bed. This meant I had to work my arm through all the junk and thread the rope through a small hook at the bottom of the bed. Very awkward. I remember other trucks I've driven putting these connectors at the top of the bed where they would be much more accessible.

My other gripe was that it only got 15.6 mpg on the trip and cost $76 to fill up. This takes me back to my earlier comment. I wouldn't want to drive this around all year just on the chance that I would need this huge bed and towing capability a few times.

And finally, I also noticed the rough upshift. At one point it really lurched as if there was a lot of play in the drive train. I don't know if this means the transmission is wearing prematurely or if it is just poorly designed. But with only 16,298 miles on this truck it doesn't bode well for it's long term prospects.

Philip Reed, Edmunds.com consumer advice editor, 16298 miles