2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Review
The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado full-sized pickup is available in numerous cabs and bed configurations in both 2WD and 4WD: Regular cab, extended cab and crew cab, with bed sizes ranging from a 5’8” short bed, 6’5” standard bed up to an 8’ long bed. The Silverado offers 4 choices in engines depending on trim that range from a 4.3 liter V6 producing 195hp/260lb-ft torque up to the granddaddy of engines a 6.2 liter V8 rated at 403hp/417lb-ft of peak torque. Properly equipped the versatile Silverado can tow up to 10,7000lbs.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
A dizzying array of cabs, configurations and capabilities makes the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado a top contender, giving buyers the opportunity to build a truck customized for their individual needs, wants and tastes.
What’s New For 2012:
In 2012 the Chevrolet Silverado only received minor modifications, including an updated navigational system that’s now hard drive based, the LS and LT models received a restyled front grille and bumper, as well as trailer sway control included as part of the stability control system.
What is the Predicted Reliability:
In an initial quality study performed by J.D. Power based on owner reported issues, the Chevrolet Silverado received an overall initial quality rating of 3.5 out of a possible 5, with a high score of 5 awarded for features and accessories mechanical quality. Body and interior design quality, along with features and accessories design quality both garnered a 4; while powertrain mechanical quality along with body and interior mechanical quality rated a 3.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
In IIHS safety testing the Silverado received a score of Good for frontal offset crash protection and a score of Acceptable for side impact crash tests. The NHTSA awarded the Silverado with an overall score of 4 Stars, with 5 Stars for side crash protection. The Silverado comes with standard safety equipment including OnStar, antilock disc brakes, electronic stability/traction control, front seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. 4-wheel disc brakes are available as part of the Max Trailering package.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Powerful V8 engine options
+ Comfortable seating
+ Quiet, smooth ride
Cons
– V6 isn’t very powerful
– Limited amount of storage in cabin
– Turning circle is large
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Chevrolet Silverado comes in at a slightly lower starting price than the Ford F-150 and is comparably priced to the GMC Sierra 1500. While both the Silverado and Sierra 1500 have max towing capabilities of 9100lbs, the F-150 is only rated at 8300lbs. Max payload capacity also favors the Silverado and Sierra with the Silverado’s max capacity rating of 1937lbs and the Sierra a bit higher at 1940lbs; the F-150 has a max payload capacity of 1710lbs. Both V6 engines in the Silverado and Sierra 1500 produce 195hp with the F-150 coming in slightly higher with a V6 302hp engine.
What Others Are Saying:
"GM’s full-size pickup trucks (Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra) are aging in the face of newer trucks from Dodge and Ford. Despite this, the GM twins are still compelling because of their excellent engines, tasteful styling, and spacious interiors. Configurable in a zillion different ways, one can be made just the way you want it." – Car and Driver
"With class-leading towing, hauling, and power, plus better fuel economy, and a more refined ride, the new Chevy Silverado doesn’t need a toothy new grille to make a statement." – MotorWeek
Read more about the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado at the Chevrolet manufacturer site.