2011 Chevrolet Silverado

The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ranks 2 out of 7 Full Size Pickup Trucks. This ranking is based on our analysis of 66 published reviews and test drives of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Even though competitors offer more innovative interior features and storage solutions, the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado continues to impress reviewers with its combination of practicality and livability.

The Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram are the main competition for the Silverado. Though they were both recently redesigned, car reviewers say the Silverado still has what it takes to compete with them. Car and Driver says the Silverado (and its corporate cousin, the GMC Sierra) "continue to be a class act in this highly competitive arena," because they " still offer outstanding engine choices and features galore."

While the Silverado hangs on as a class leader, the Ford and Dodge trucks offer some features the Chevy just doesn't have. The F-150 offers features like Ford's SYNC infotainment system and its Work Solutions system, which reviewers think could be a big help if you plan on using the Silverado for business. The Dodge not only offers available in-cabin storage cubbies, but also storage bins built into the truck bed. The Ram also has a coil-over suspension that some reviewers say provides the smoothest ride in the class. Making the buying decision even tougher is the fact that all three trucks have starting prices within about $1,000 of each other.

In the competitive full-size truck class, deciding which truck is right for you is tough, but according to reviewers, so is the Silverado. The Silverado offers a staggering number of engines, trim levels, bed lengths, suspension configurations and other options. Most reviewers say that if it's a truck -- not bells and whistles -- you want, the Silverado makes a great choice.

The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado was named this year's Best Full Size Truck for the Money by U.S. News and World Report and TrueCar.com.
Other Trucks to Consider

If you're shopping for a full-size pickup truck, you should also consider the Silverado's platform-mate, the GMC Sierra, which offers similar capability and pricing as the Silverado, but slightly different styling. Take a look at the Dodge Ram and Ford F-150 for all the latest technology in the truck class -- but after checking them out, you might find the Silverado's classic truck capability outweighs the newest contraptions.
Details: Chevrolet Silverado 1500

With so many configurations available, it's easy to customize the Silverado to your needs. The Silverado 1500 is available with two-wheel or four-wheel drive; with a short, standard or long bed; with a regular, crew or extended cab, and in Work Truck, LT and LTZ trims. Reviewers enjoyed the Silverado's capabilities and comfort regardless of which combination of the award-winning truck they drove. Buyers should appreciate the Silverado's gas mileage, which is among the best in the class. Check out this month's Best Chevrolet Deals to see what incentives are available on the Silverado.

2011 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu ranks 6 out of 18 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 72 published reviews and test drives of the Chevrolet Malibu, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Though the Chevrolet Malibu is an excellent family car, it competes in a competitive class. By doing some comparison shopping, you may find an even better car that costs less.

When the current generation of the Chevrolet Malibu debuted, it leaped to the font of the class for its pleasing performance, good looks and stylish cabin. At the time, Edmunds said the Malibu “boasts a level of refinement and overall competence that puts it head and shoulders above its past generations and on par with other top midsize family sedans.” While the 2011 Malibu is still a smart choice for a midsize sedan, the competition has had time to catch up.

Among affordable midsize sedans, the Chevrolet Malibu stands out for its two-tone interior design, which has a touch more personality than others in the class, but the Malibu's interior materials aren't quite up to what the class leaders have. And while the Malibu used to be an anomaly for offering an efficient four-cylinder engine on its top-of-the-line trims, now many other cars offer the same thing -- so buyers who don't want to sacrifice luxury for fuel economy have options other than the Malibu.
Other Cars to Consider

The midsize car class no longer exclusively belongs to imports. If you're looking at the Malibu, be sure to also check out the Ford Fusion. It offers similar quality, high-tech entertainment options the Malibu doesn't match, is a bit more entertaining to drive and starts at about $2,000 less than the Malibu does. Those attracted to the Malibu for its fuel economy might also want to look at the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The Hyundai has unusual styling, but the highest highway fuel economy rating among non-hybrid midsize cars, with a longer warranty than the Chevy.
Chevy Malibu: The Details

The 2011 Malibu is available in four trim levels, with a choice of two engines and a standard six-speed automatic transmission. The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu is nearly identical to the 2010 model. If there are still 2010 model year Malibu’s on your dealer's lot, you may be able to save some money by opting for the earlier model. Be sure to check for current Chevy deals that may be available on a new Malibu. The Malibu is slated for a redesign in 2012 for the 2013 model year.

2011 Chevy Tahoe

The world has fewer full-size sport-utility vehicles these days--maybe a good thing--but one of the diehard survivors will be the Chevrolet Tahoe. Spun from the same running gear as GM's full-size pickup trucks and other big utes like the Cadillac Escalade, the Tahoe is the less lengthy companion to the likes of the Chevy Suburban. It's pitched as the traditionally strong performer in a crowd including the gas-powered utes like the Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia, and Nissan Armada. As a Hybrid, it takes on the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class with the clean BlueTEC diesel and the BMW X6 Hybrid, but more likely, GM's own Cadillac Escalade Hybrid and Yukon Hybrid.

The Tahoe nameplate arrived in the 1995 model year, replacing the Blazer badge and was teamed with a four-door model. Based on the big GM trucks, the Tahoe was powered in most cases by a big 5.7-liter V-8. A turbodiesel version found few applications and few buyers. In this generation, sold until the 1998 model year, GM added a driver-side airbag and a luxury-trim Limited package, which was sold in the 2000 model year. This version overlapped with the entirely new "GMT800" Chevy Tahoe, which was new for the 2000 model year.

The 2000-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe again offered a choice of V-8 engines, either a 4.8-liter V-8 or a 5.3-liter V-8, separated only by 10 horsepower. A four-speed automatic took care of shifting in all versions, and the Tahoe came in rear- or four-wheel-drive versions. A more genteel look wasn't quite matched by a lackluster interior, but with good towing capacity and additions like stability control and more airbags, the Tahoe rode the SUV wave of popularity to become a best seller in the Chevy truck lineup.

GM advanced its plans to replace the GMT800 trucks and SUVs with a GMT900 family of vehicles--and the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe proved the move worthy in mechanical terms, even if SUV sales were about to fall off a proverbial cliff. The new Tahoe's crisp lines, and improved body rigidity lent it a mature, even sophisticated look--one matched by a handsome interior. All the towing and hauling capability carried over, with a more comfortable five- or six-seat interior package--but the powertrains got a fuel-economy boost that was offset on the marketing side by the addition of a 403-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8. The Tahoe returned for the 2010 model year as one of the best-performing SUVs available, even in fuel economy, thanks to the recently added, 22-mpg Tahoe Hybrid.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze

The new-to-America Cruze is Chevrolet's latest small car and comes powered by either a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter four-cylinder, or a 1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder -- both with the choice of either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission.

The turbocharged engine puts out 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft. of torque and should be capable of up to 40 mpg on the highway. The 1.8-liter puts out 136 horsepower and 123 lb-ft. of torque.

The Cruze is offered in four standard trim levels, as well as a specialty option package, known as RS Appearance, which includes rocker moldings, unique front and rear fascias, front fog lamps and a rear spoiler.

Cruze LS
The Cruze is available in several trim levels, including the base LS level, which comes with a 1.8-liter Ecotec engine and a six-speed manual transmission standard. Standard safety equipment includes 10 airbags, StabiliTrak ESC, ABS and more. Chevy also points out that even the base LS will come standard with A/C, power locks and windows and remote keyless entry.

Cruze LT
Opting for the LT essentially swaps out the less efficient 1.8-liter four-cylinder for the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, swaps the six-speed manual for an automatic with an equal number of gears, and bumps the wheels up to 16-inches.

Cruze Eco
The Cruze Eco relies on the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine and a six-speed manual to achieve the platform leading fuel economy of 40 mpg highway, and will come with 17-inch alloy wheels and ultra low-rolling resistence tires, as well as a package to improve aerodynamics.

Cruze LTZ
Jumping to the range-topping LTZ will result in the same 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, but with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Drivers enjoy a six-way power seat, leather seating surfaces, steering wheel and shift knob. Also standard will be cruise control, Bluetooth, USB, steering-wheel radio controls, automatic climate control, ultrasonic rear-parking assist, 18-inch wheels and remote start.

The Cruze features several high-tech options and features such as available navigation with 40 gigabyte hard drive with pause-and-play radio and the ability to download music onto the hard drive, XM satellite radio, a premium Pioneer 9-speaker stereo system featuring a 250-watt amplifier, heated lather seats and OnStar.

The U.S. model sees the rear independent suspension replaced with a Z-link suspension, but gains an acoustic laminate windshield for added interior quietness. The Cruze will also feature rack-mounted electric power steering -- a features that delivers a marginal fuel gain and reduces required steering input for low speed maneuvers.

Outside, the Cruze takes styling cues from the new Malibu, and promises to be a much sharper car than the current Cobalt.

Based on what was once called the Delta 2 platform, the all-new Cruze rides on GM's Global Compact Vehicle Architecture. The primary engineering and development comes from GMDAT -- GM's Korean partner (although there has been strong input from the North American and European planning groups).