
Long-Term Update: 2004 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid
First-generation not-really-a-hybrid product
By Neil G. Chirico
Photography by Brian Vance
One thing we've noticed on many of the GM products, which also applies to our Silverado Hybrid, is that the instrument-panel designers are cramming too many features into the info-display beneath the speedometer. It's a pain scrolling through endless menus to find odometer and tripometer information. And don't dare to open the door or shut off the ignition (as you probably would at a gas station); that takes away the odometer or tripometer readout you fought so hard to find.
Nine-Month Update
| Total mileage | 12,445 | | Average fuel econ | 14.8 mpg | | Problem areas | None | | Maintenance cost | $41.76 (first service) | | Normal-wear cost | $0 |
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While we've struggled finding a lot of love for this first-generation not-really-a-hybrid product, it does have redeeming values that would be easily recognized were it being used primarily as a work truck. The big batteries can power tools, laptops, etc. at a work site, making it the ideal portable generator. We know the General has a full hybrid coming, which may combine battery assist with cylinder deactivation. That likely would yield the 1-2 punch in terms of real-world fuel-economy improvements that full-size pickups and SUVs would benefit from.