Introduced for the 1999 model year, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is the light pickup truck manufactured and sold by General Motors' Chevrolet imprint. The 2008 Silverado was one of the early model-year entries of the second generation of production. It has five main trims: Work Truck, LT1, LS, LT2 and LTZ. Each has different combinations of cab size and drivetrain options between two/rear-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD).
The 2008 Chevy Silverado has several types of engines, depending on the level of trim configuration. These include the 4.3-liter 195 horsepower V6, the 4.8-liter 295-horsepower V8 and the 5.3-liter 315-horsepower V8. The 6-liter 367-horsepower V8 was made optional for some of the LT1, LT2 and LTZ trim combinations. The standard transmission is a four-speed automatic with overdrive. Fuel economy varies according to engine, with a range of 13 to 15 miles per gallon (mpg) for city driving and 17 to 20 mpg for highway driving.
Driver and passenger airbags are standard on the 2008 Chevy Silverado, as well as anti-lock braking. The LT1, LS, LT2 and LTZ trims plus the Work Truck Crew Cab 4WD also have power door locks, vehicle anti-theft systems and keyless entry. Side head curtain airbags were made optional for all trims except for the Work Truck and LS.
The standard interior features of the 2008 Chevy Silverado 1500 include tilt steering, tire inflation/pressure monitor, voice-activated telephone, trip computer, telematic system, stereo system with AM/FM/CD player and a front split bench seat. All trims except for the Work Truck have additional standard features such as power windows, cruise control and steering wheel-mounted controls. The LT1, LT2 and LTZ trims had the option of getting components such as sunroofs and CD changers, and only the LTZ has standard leather seats.
The 2008 Chevy Silverado's Standard Box and Long Box versions of the Work Truck and LT1 trims are two-door vehicles, while the other configurations have four doors. Although the vehicles virtually share the same width and height at 80 and 73 inches, respectively, they differ in curb weight (4,687 versus 5,426 pounds) and length (206 versus 248 inches). The Standard Box combinations are the smallest trucks, while the Extended Cab Long Boxes are the largest. The 2008 Silverado has 17-inch wheels.
The original manufacturer's suggested retail price for the 2008 Chevy Silverado ranged from $17,590 for the Work Truck Standard Box 2WD to $38,950 for the LTZ Crew Cab 4WD. As of 2010, Kelley Blue Book estimates the price range value of the 2008 Silverado at around $16,000 to $30,000.
