2004 CHEVROLET SILVERADO IS THE FULL-SIZE LEADER
The 2004 Chevrolet Silverado full-size pickup - GM's best-selling vehicle - continues to set new standards for performance and capability. Silverado already has a reputation as the most dependable, longest-lasting full-size pickup, but it won't rest on its laurels. From its bold exterior design to its innovative technologies such as Quadrasteer four-wheel steering, Silverado continues to raise the bar in the full-size pickup market. New for 2004 are a roomy and comfortable 1500 Series half-ton Crew Cab in two- or four-wheel drive and a 2500 Series three-quarter-ton Crew Cab rated at 8,600 pounds (3,870 kg) GVWR and available in either in two- or four-wheel drive.
"Silverado's unmatched powerplants, ranging from 200 to 345 hp (149 to 257 kw), give it a decided edge among its full-size competitors," said Gary White, Silverado vehicle line executive. "That translates into plenty of power for pulling or payload, whether you're a rancher, a tradesperson or a stockbroker." And that unmatched leadership comes in all Silverados - from the two-door Regular Cab to the four-door Extended and Crew Cab models.
A number of standard features have been added to the base Silverado for 2004, including cruise control, power door locks, black bodyside moldings, chrome bumpers and uplevel wheels. An AM/FM radio with CD player is now standard, and all 2004 Silverado models can be fitted as work trucks, except the 2500 Crew Cab.
Expanded Quadrasteer
The Quadrasteer four-wheel steering system - which offers low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability, handling and control ideal for pulling a trailer - is available on 1500 Extended Cab short-box and 2500 Crew Cab pickups, marking the first time this system has been available on a ¾-ton truck.
At low speeds, this revolutionary system enables the rear wheels to turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels. That helps the vehicle make tighter turns, such as when cornering or getting into a tight parking space. The turning diameter of 2500 models with Quadrasteer is reduced 21 percent, from 49.6 feet to 37.4 feet (15.1 m to 11.4 m).
Advanced safety
A passenger-sensing system and dual-level air bags are an integral part of Silverado. The automatic passenger-sensing air-bag system automatically deactivates the passenger-side front air bag under certain conditions to help protect smaller occupants.
The advanced dual-level air-bag system (not available on 1500HD Crew Cab and 2500HD and 3500 Series models) is a supplemental restraint system designed to detect vehicle deceleration and, based on the deceleration data, provide an appropriate amount of air-bag inflation. The dual-level air-bag system senses the severity of a crash and determines whether to deploy the air bag with primary or "lower" amount of inflation or with primary and secondary "higher" amount of inflation. Dual-stage air bags are designed to help reduce the occurrence of inflation-induced injuries by deploying the air bag less forcefully in lower speed crashes.
Two-wheel-drive Silverados offer electronic traction control to enhance surefootedness on models with a V-8 engine, automatic transmission and locking rear differential.
More cabin comfort and convenience
Silverado's advanced multiplexed electrical architecture enables the driver information center to monitor and report on as many as 34 system functions, including service indicators for "Ice Possible" and "Door Ajar." Available redundant steering-wheel controls allow owners to personalize several functions and safely access infotainment options and provide easy access to the OnStar system.
OnStar now is standard on LT and available on LS models. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the U.S. and Canada. Using the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar services include automatic notification of air bag deployment, stolen vehicle location, remote door unlock, emergency services dispatch, roadside assistance, remote diagnostics, route support, convenience services and OnStar Concierge. OnStar Personal Calling allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls through a nationwide network in cooperation with Verizon Wireless. Virtual Advisor (U.S. only) gives subscribers access to personalized information in a hands-free, voice-activated manner with no screens or displays.
A standard dual-zone heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, available with both manual and automatic climate control, provides outstanding comfort.
Cleaner engines, alternative fuels
All Silverado models with the Vortec 4300 4.3L V-6 and those sold in California with the Vortec 4800 4.8L or Vortec 5300 5.3L V-8 engines feature a more robust catalytic converter system that meets Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards.
Alternative-fuel systems are available on many Silverado models and GVW ratings (see Silverado HD section that follows). Equipped with a Vortec 6000 V-8, these models come with a dedicated compressed natural gas (CNG) or a bi-fuel system that can run on CNG or gasoline. Light-duty Silverado models with the Vortec 5300 V-8 offer an option that allows them to run on varying blends of ethanol and gasoline, to a maximum of 85 percent ethanol.
Quality entertainment systems
Impressive entertainment systems - from available Bose sound systems to a Panasonic DVD Passenger Entertainment System - add to Silverado's creature comforts. These systems (except the base fleet radio) feature the next-generation Radio Data System, and can interface with services such as the optional XM Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only). On Crew Cab models, available rear-seat audio controls allow second-row passengers to enjoy a separate audio source from front-seat occupants.
XM Satellite Radio provides 100 coast-to-coast, digital-quality channels of original music, news, sports and talk. Consumers can subscribe to the basic service for $9.99 a month - less than the cost of a single CD. In addition, GM customers with GMAC financing can choose to include the XM subscription in their car payments.
Customers can choose
Silverado consistently offers a variety of configurations to fit customers' specific needs - with half-ton and three-quarter-ton offerings in Fleetside or Sportside trim and in 2WD or 4WD Regular, Extended and Crew Cabs. Customers can also choose a 6½-foot or 8-foot (2-meter or 2.4-meter) box. Silverado features an impressive Vortec gasoline engine lineup - Vortec 4300 V-6, Vortec 4800 V-8, Vortec 5300 V-8 and Vortec 6000 V-8 - ranging from 200 hp (149 kw) to 345 hp (257 kw). Payload capacities range from 1,593 to 3,224 pounds (717 to 1,451 kg), and Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings from 6,100 to 8,600 pounds (2,745 to 3,870 kg).
Offering the strength of a three-quarter-ton model frame, plus a Crew Cab's four full doors, is the Silverado 2500. It's powered by a standard 300-hp (224-kw) Vortec 6000 V-8 engine with a gross combination weight rating of 16,000 pounds, and a payload of as much as 3,143 pounds (1,414 kg). Maximum trailer weight is 10,300 pounds (4,635 kg).
The ultimate in four-wheeling fun and capability is available on the Silverado Z71 Off-Road Package on half-ton 4x4 models. The Z71 package includes 46-mm gas-charged shock absorbers, off-road jounce bumpers, specific stabilizer bars, a skid-plate package, a high-capacity air cleaner and distinctive Z71 decals for the pickup box.
Expanded offerings for 2004 Z71 models include cruise control, high capacity air cleaner, rear defogger, power door locks, carpeting, remote keyless entry, rearview mirror, AM/FM stereo with CD and cassette player, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows, fog lamps, color-keyed grille and deep-tinted glass.
New tire, wheel choices
New tire choices for 2004 Sliverado include P265/70R17 on-/off-road white outlined-letter tires available on 4WD 1500 LS and LT Models and P265/70R17, on-/off-road, white outlined-letter tires available on 4WD 1500 LS and LT Models. A set of four six-lug polished cast aluminum 17-inch x 7.5-inch wheels, including a steel spare, is also available.
Silverado SS taps into Chevy heritage
Continuing with Chevy's "Super Sport" heritage, Chevrolet is in full production with the Silverado SS, created from a 1500 Extended Cab short-bed to add fun and excitement without forfeiting Silverado's proven strengths and capabilities.
The SS badge made its debut on the 1961 Chevy Impala. For more than four decades, SS vehicles have provided on-road enthusiasts with outstanding performance, great handling and sleek, muscular designs. The Silverado SS is a contemporary expression of Chevy muscle, responding to enthusiasts who have migrated to full-size pickups.
For power, a standard high-output LQ9 version of the Vortec 6000 V-8, with 345 horsepower (257 kw) and 380 lb.-ft. (515 Nm) of torque, provides Silverado SS with exhilarating off-line acceleration and relaxed cruising. It mates to a Hydra-Matic 4L85-E four-speed automatic overdrive transmission, whose 3.06 first gear and 0.70 final gear contribute to the truck's impressive performance.
To enhance the package, a standard full-time, all-wheel-drive (AWD) viscous-coupled transfer case provides exceptional on-road, wet or dry pavement, handling.
The innovative Z60 high-performance chassis package is also unique, and includes Silverado's largest-ever, 20-inch wheel and tire combination, providing exceptional road holding and cornering capabilities.
