2004 Chevrolet Silverado SS

The SS is fitted with a unique Z60 high performance chassis package, which includes P275/55R-20 Goodyear Eagle tires, the largest to ever grace a Silverado. These monster tires are mounted on 20x8.5-inch wide special SS wheels. The SS is lowered 20mm in front and 50mm in the rear, and the track is 18mm wider than a regular Silverado. The independent front torsion bar suspension and the two-stage, multi-spring rear suspension provide exceptional road holding and cornering capability. However, even though we find the ride to be satisfactory on asphalt roads, the SS has the nasty habit of bouncing almost uncontrollably on the concrete freeways found in and around Los Angeles. This problem is also found in similar GM trucks such as the GMC Denali pickup. It appears that the stiff springs, aggressive shock valving and the Silverado SS' wheelbase all combine in just the wrong way to make the freeway ride quite rough in our area.

A large 3.5-inch outlet pipe has been specially tuned for a NASCAR-inspired roar.

The Silverado SS uses a 1500 extended cab short bed body. Its sleek appearance is augmented by the truck's aggressive stance and monochromatic color-scheme that covers the special SS grille, front and rear fascias and side skirts. The front treatment includes a wide center-band air scoop, flanked by two rectangular corner scoops. Their diamond-pattern mesh is harmoniously integrated with that of the grille, which features Chevy's new gold bowtie emblem. "Silverado SS" badges accent the front doors and left rear quarter panel. The truck's bodysides are clean, with understated moldings. It's available in a choice of three exterior colors: Onyx Black, Arrival Blue and Victory Red.


On the inside, the SS features a custom interior finished in Dark Pewter and equipped with uplevel LT trim. The rather comfortable full-feature leather bucket seats have special "SS" embroidered headrests and there's an "SS" emblem on the unique SS instrument panel, which has white backlit gauges with orange pointers. SS customers have a choice of an in-dash 6-disc CD changer or a combination single-disc CD/cassette player with their AM/FM stereos. Standard equipment includes a premium 6-speaker Bose audio system, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a center console and eight-button steering wheel controls. GM's next-generation OnStar system and XM Satellite radio are optional.


"Customers can have all the fun of owning a sporty extended cab pickup with refined performance and still get optimum trailering/hauling capability whenever they require it," said Scheidt. "If Silverado is 'Like a Rock,' then Silverado SS is 'Like Rock 'n' Roll.'"


Depending on the options, the Silverado SS starts at about $40,000 and goes up to around $41,500, making it less than a steal. However, with the SS emblem on the side, Silverado SS owners give the world notice that their vehicle has the right stuff. (www.chevrolet.com)