2005 Chevrolet Silverado RST Price, Accessories, Wheels & Tires

At the track, it was certainly nothing to write home about, with a 0-to-60-mph time in the mid-sevens. Braking was only respectable at 138 feet from 60 mph, but feel and grip of the system makes it seem much more confident than the number implies.

During our time behind the wheel around town, we found the RST lacked the typical clunks and rattles we've experienced in other modified pickups. The compact size and stance of the RST, combined with the 20-inch rims and color-matched bumpers and grille, make it stand out. We were constantly flagged down by fellow commuters and given thumbs-up or approving nods. Our only complaint is that without a supercharger, the smallish V-8 quickly runs out of breath. The rumble and burble of the exhaust off idle is almost hypnotic, but not overpowering.

We were running with the windows down--even in bad weather--just to hear the exhaust roar during our green-light takeoffs. Some steering-ratio adjustments could have been made, too. Overall transmission feel is good, but the 2-to-3 shift is difficult. As cool as the cue-ball Hurst-style shifter is, it runs to the cold and stiff side when we wanted a warm third-gear embrace. Understanding the complexities involved in swapping in a Corvette T56 transmission (oh, that would be sweet), the make-believe looks are easy to deal with. As to cost, final pricing is left up to the dealerships, but figure the average transaction price for one of these to be around $32,000. Not bad: you couldn't buy each of the parts and pieces for that price, let alone have them installed (and remember, these are backed by a full warranty). In case something does happen, repairs can be made at any GM dealership, or the truck will be fully serviced at Regency headquarters--a decent deal when you consider the Silverado SS RWD (see the full story on the Silverado SS in this issue) is just a tick under $37,000. But hurry if you want an RST. As GM pushes to get the new GMT900 Silverados, Suburbans, and Tahoes ready for a 2007 launch, the current agreement between GM and Regency can only last so long.