2004 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid Review, Price, Road Test & Specs

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.

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.