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Posted April, 2007

Road Test: 2007 Chevy Siverado vs. Ford F-150

By Thomas E. Bonsall

Recently, we had the opportunity to test back-to-back two of the most popular vehicles in America: the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado and the 2007 Ford F-150. In fact, the F-150 is THE most popular vehicle in this country and has been for years. The Silverado is near the top, as well.

The two vehicles are surprisingly similar. The Silverado we tested was the Series 1500 4WD Crew Cab LT2 model. The F-150, also a crew cab, was the 4X4 King Ranch Lariat model. The base prices: Silverado, $34,940; F-150, $38,365. (There are less expensive F-150 crew cab models than the King Ranch Lariat.)

Mechanically, both vehicles are peas in a pod. They use V8 engines of basically the same size. The Silverado's is a 5.3 liter powerplant, while the F-150's displaces 5.4 liters. Both are equipped with four-speed automatic transmissions. The F-150 we tested was rigged up to use Ethanol. On the other hand, the Silverado carried a slightly better EPA fuel economy rating (16 city/20 highway) than did the F-150 (14 city/18 highway). The final sticker price, including destination charges, were $40,974 for the Silverado and $44,945 for the F-150.

Comparing the Silverado and the F-150 is difficult for two reasons: First, it's mostly futile to even make the attempt since Chevy and Ford truck buyers are pretty much stuck in their ways. You're either a Chevy man or a Ford man and that's the name of that. It's a quasi religious thing. Second, the two trucks are just so much alike in size, amenities and performance. Tweedlechevy and Tweedleford.

So it really comes down to the details and to personal preferences. The only real gripe I had with the F-150 was the driver's seating position. It was too high and two far forward. I felt as if I had my face in the windshield. The seating position in the Chevy was much better, and that probably influenced me with regard to the second reason I preferred it to the Ford: It was fun to drive. It grew on me in a way the Ford didn't. I also preferred the Silverado's styling, both inside and out, but, of course, that is a highly subjective judgment.

Unless you really need one for your work, a full-sized crew cab pickup of any description is a ridiculous vehicle to own in a congested urban area. Wheeling one through rush hour traffic requires a high level of driving skill — higher than many drivers possess, I am sure — and parking one downtown can be a near impossibility.

As with so much in life, you pays your money and you takes your choice. Our choice would be the Chevy, but the Silverado and the Ford F-150 are each first class vehicles of the type. You won't go wrong either way. R&D