2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT

The Silverado 1500 is Chevrolet's full-size pickup, the one you'll cross-shop with the F-150 and Ram 1500. It rides like a proper truck, with a sturdy feel over bumps and a confident, planted stance on the highway. The cabin is straightforward and roomy, with big controls and plenty of space for three across the bench seat. You get a real bed out back, and the tailgate drops low for easy loading, so it earns its keep as a workhorse. The LT splits the difference between the basic Work Truck and the loaded LTZ, adding power windows and locks without the luxury price. Its 5.3L V8 makes 302 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque, routed through a four-speed automatic to the rear wheels, which gives it a strong pull off the line and 16 mpg combined.