Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Base 4x4 Extended Cab 8 ft. box 157.5 in. WB

The Chevrolet Silverado is the second-best-selling pickup in America, but that still adds up to a lot of trucks.By consciously avoiding the more radical concept styling of its competitors, the bluff-nosed, square-shouldered Silverado seems to have found its own secure niche in the hearts of many American truck buyers.

But don't let Silverado's conservative demeanor fool you.This truck is every bit as technically advanced, every bit as car-like and user-friendly as its aero-look competitors.It rides, handles, and stops as well as, maybe better than, the best of them.It's quick and it's comfortable.

The base price is higher for 2002, but it now buys more standard equipment, including the chrome bumper and grille that Chevrolet claims most buyers want.Silverado prices still start about $700 below Ford's F-150.Option packages have been streamlined for value and convenience.

Introduced last year, this is the first full production year for the new 1500 HD model, which combines light-duty 1500-series styling in a heavy-duty six-passenger crew cab with a 300-horsepower Vortec V8.

Also available for 2002 is Quadrasteer, an electronically controlled four-wheel-steering system that makes parking much easier and pulling a trailer a breeze.Heavy-duty pickup trucks don't get any better than the heavy-duty Silverado line.General Motors completely re-engineered its heavy-duty pickups last year.Based on our driving experience, the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra appear to be the best heavy-duty pickups on the market.

That's a strong statement, but they boast the most power, the heftiest gross vehicle weight rating and the highest gross combined vehicle weight rating available.More noticeable on a daily basis is their superior refinement.They offer excellent handling, the smoothest ride and the most up-to-date interiors.

Two monster engines are available in addition to the standard 6.0-liter V8: an 8.1-liter Vortec V8 that develops 455 foot-pounds of torque, and the mighty new Duramax 6600 diesel V8 that generates 520 foot-pounds of torque.Each is available with the truly impressive Allison five-speed automatic transmission.