Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Chevy Silverado Is an Inspiring First-Place Finisher






Chevy Silverado Is an Inspiring First-Place Finisher
Chevrolet’s trademark pickup is a longtime favorite and even comes in hybrid.


When U.S. News & World Report named the Chevrolet Silverado the “Best for the Money” in its 2009 full-size pickup class, it’s hard to say that anyone in the automotive world was surprised. With years and years of praise under its hood, Silverado is a trusted name when it comes to trucks.

The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado lineup starts with the reliable 1500 model, adding an XFE (Xtra Fuel Economy) model that gets an estimated 21 mpg highway. Available with a 4.3-liter V6, a 4.8-liter V8, two kinds of 5.3-liter V8s and a 6.2-liter V8, the Silverado 1500 gives you plenty of pulling options. Jalopnik praises all of the truck’s engines. “[It] pulls like a Clydesdale. The new powertrain puts the Silverado right back on top of the game…without even breaking a sweat.” Able to tow a maximum of 10,500 pounds on or off the road, the 1500 (available in both two- and four-wheel drive) is trustworthy on sand, sleet and snow. With a modest price tag of $20,370 (MSRP), the Silverado is worth every cent and likely to last a lifetime.

The 2009 Silverado also comes in 2500 and 3500 HD (heavy duty) models, which earned the number one spot on U.S. News’ “Heavy Duty Pickup” rankings. Edmunds proclaims that the Silverado HD “possesses the heavy-duty work truck capabilities required in its class, but its refined cabin, comfy ride and reassuring handling make it a top choice.” The 2500 and 3500 are available in WT, LT and high-end LTZ trims. Standard is either a 6.0-liter V8 engine paired with a six-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission or a 6.6-liter V8 Duramax Diesel engine complemented by an Allison 1000 series six-speed automatic transmission. HD Silverados also have a two- or four-wheel drive option, as well as a regular, extended or crew cab availability. Starting at $27,590 (MSRP) for the 2500 HD and $31,635 for the 3500, the price is right for getting what the Orlando Sentinel calls a “solid partner for work, play or just traveling.”

First introduced for the 2005 model year and improved further for 2009 is the Silverado Hybrid. It’s uncommon to find such a distinguished pickup that boasts, as NewCarTestDrive.com writes, “two-mode hybrid powertrain that aids propulsion, turns off the engine at stops and can even power the truck on the electric motors alone.” The Silverado Hybrid can still pull up to 6,100 pounds and features a deeper front air dam and a three-segment hard tonneau cover to reduce drag.

New for 2009 are interior perks such as a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity and satellite traffic information plus overall improved comfort. Consumer Guide writes that “cabin materials and assembly are worthy of some cars,” while the Orlando Sentinel notes that “a rear seat large enough for three adults sits low enough to make ingress possible without pole-vaulting into the seat.” Controls are clear and within reach. As for in-cab cargo space, the Silverado boasts a split seat that folds and multiple cab options that will make sure you have enough room for just about anything.

As usual, the Silverado earned rave reviews during its 2009 safety tests. Achieving five stars for driver and front passenger protection in front-impact crashes and top scores for front- and rear-seat protection in side crashes, this truck is well equipped. Also, 2WD and 4WD models earned four-star rollover ratings and come standard with antilock brakes, StabiliTrak and front and side airbags. More kudos as the Silverado earned a nine out of 10 score for reliability from J.D. Power and Associates.

Powerful, protective and a long-running champ in the truck world, the Chevy Silverado is there when you need heavy-duty towing, as well as when you need a comfortable, capable transport for the whole family. Each year, the Silverado debuts to countless accolades and has earned such titles as Car and Driver’s “Best Pickup,” Motor Trend’s “Truck of the Year” and Motor Week’s “Driver’s Choice.” Come in and take a test drive – we’re sure you’ll understand.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

2010 San Diego Eqinox: Going Green

The 2010 Equinox: Going Green with the Push of a Button

Chevys crossover boasts earth-friendly engines and even an ECO Button.
Competing in the popular crossover class, the Equinox stands out for all the right reasons. With two new engines that get phenomenal fuel efficiency, Chevy?s all-new Equinox is both environmentally sound and reasonably priced.

The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox is a compact crossover that seats five people comfortably. It is available in either front- or all-wheel drive whether you choose the base LS, mid-level LT or high-end LTZ trim. The newest Equinox offers two different engines: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter six-cylinder. The 2.4-liter with 182 hp offers as much horsepower as the 2009 Equinox?s 3.4-liter V6. The other engine, the 3.0-liter V6, is good for 264 hp and 214 lb/ft of torque ? enough power to keep up with bigger SUVs.

The 2010 Equinox has a base MSRP of $23,185 ? truly incredible for its power, style and fuel efficiency. Thanks to the 2.4-liter?s direct-injection, four-cylinder ECOTEC engine with variable valve timing, Chevy promises an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. As Motor Trend explains, ?Letting liquid fuel evaporate inside the hot cylinder cools the charge considerably, permitting an impressive 11.7:1 compression ratio with no knock on regular fuel. That high compression combines with more complete fuel burn to lower hydrocarbon emissions, improve power and reduce fuel consumption.

Even the Equinox?s 3.0-liter V6 steps up to the plate when it comes to fuel efficiency. With an estimated 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway rating, Chevy doesn?t stop there: an ECO button on the dash will remap the transmission shift, so fuel is shut off more accurately when coasting.
Chevy debuts a significantly upgraded, stylish interior in the redesigned 2010 Equinox. Drivers can choose their color scheme with pairing options of brownstone, gray, tan and black. AutomobileMag.com notes that the 2010 Equinox is classy, yet functional. ?The rest of the interior is quite nice, and there is a variety of optional equipment to keep passengers happy. A plethora of storage options includes a large glovebox, a center bin large enough to conceal a laptop and enough cupholders for the family. There's also elegant blue ambient lighting, which looks very upscale in the dark.

This newest Equinox comes with useful perks like Bluetooth connectivity and USB audio support. Also available are a DVD entertainment system, rearview camera and a programmable hydraulic liftgate. Another bonus is Chevy?s OnStar feature with turn-by-turn navigation, automatic crash response, hands-free calling and stolen vehicle assistance.


This Equinox doesn?t skimp on safety either; it is well equipped with brake assist, traction control, StabiliTrak and front and side airbags. While safety tests are still underway for 2010, Chevy expects the same results as its 2009 models, which earned five stars from the federal government for both driver and passenger safety in frontal crash tests and a top score of ?Good? in frontal offset tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The last Equinox also scored four stars in front- and rear-seat side crash tests. U.S. News & World Report notes that the Equinox?s LATCH devices are a major advantage and can accommodate three children?s car seats safely in the rear seat.


Jalopnik.com raves that the 2010 Equinox is unbeatable in its class with ?better interior, better styling, better engines, better transmissions and smarter features.? The Equinox is a practical alternative for those who want to be both earth- and budget-friendly, but don?t want the added expense of a hybrid. Whether you need to pack in the whole family or if you usually cruise solo, the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox is a forward-thinking winner, inside and out. Give us a call today and arrange a test drive.

View Our Chevy Equinox Inventory!