Jump to content
Create New...
  • 💬 Join the Conversation

    CnG Logo SQ 2023 RedBlue FavIcon300w.png
    Since 2001, Cheers & Gears has been the go-to hub for automotive enthusiasts. Join today to access our vibrant forums, upload your vehicle to the Garage, and connect with fellow gearheads around the world.

     

  • William Maley
    William Maley

    Interactive Review: 2012 Chevrolet Sliverado 1500 Crew Cab LTZ


    William Maley

    Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

    April 5, 2012

    This week in the Cheers & Gears' Detroit garage is the 2012 Chevrolet Sliverado 1500 LTZ Crew Cab. It's equipped with the 5.3L Vortec V8, six-speed automatic, and four-wheel drive.

    This happens to be the first pickup truck that I have driven for an extended period of time and it brings up an interesting problem. The first time I drove the Silverado, I described it as driving a tank. The tall ride height and long hood make you feel like that you're driving the widest vehicles on earth. The slow and heavy steering doesn't help with that feeling at all. Since then, I've gotten over the wide feeling I get when driving around in the Silverado.

    The 5.3L V8 and six-speed automatic work well together. The engine delivers the right amount power when needed and the six-speed automatic delivers smooth shifts. So far, I'm averaging about 16 MPG in mostly city driving. Part of that can be attributed to the cylinder deactivation, which is very seamless.

    But there is one big problem with this Silverado.

    The Big Problem Explained on Page 2


    If you have been reading reviews/comparison tests of the Sliverado and Sierra for the past year or so, one of the complaints that is brought up is the interior. And I have to agree to with them.

    When you first step in to the Silverado, you feel that you have entered a time warp. The materials used inside range from decent to "they're still using that?" In 2006 when the Silverado was launch, this would be ok. In 2012, the materials makes it feel older than it really is.

    Otherwise, the interior is pretty well screwed together and the optional navigation system works well.

    I'll be testing the hauling capabilities during the Easter holiday and will post some updates. Send in your questions in the meantime.


    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    That's interesting. I always thought the N-Body cars — Alero, Grand Am, and Malibu — all had two separate stalks; one stalk for the wipers on the right and one stalk for the turn signals on the left.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    damn, now you went and made a liar out of me.

    ok, so maybe not specifically Alero, but that era. It jumped out at me because the gray plastic doesn't match the gray plastic of the other switch gear. You can't see it in the above photo, but it's just enough off to be noticeable in person.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Well, we know that in 2013 the all-new 2014 GM full-size pickups will be out and I'm sure you won't see any Y2K components in these new babies (just like you're not seeing that stuff in the rest of the new debuts GM has done already).

    Wth the new '13 Traverse and '14 Impala being shown, I'm more than certain they have some characteristics you'll see on the new '14 Silverado and '15 Colorado (or whatever name they'll call it). Just like the new Acadia is previewing what the Sierra will have in that familar tone, though we kind of got an idea of the new Sierra with the 2011 Sierra HD All-Terrain concept too (except the cab - that was clearly current gen truck with Cadillac Escalade door skins). The frontend and bed are what I expect previewing the '14 Sierra.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Yeah you confused me there; my understanding was that the GMT-900, Lucerne, DTS, and Impala all had the same switchgear. That turn signal stalk was new for 2006 as it differs from the ones in the previous generation W-Bodies like our Regal which have some cruise control functions on the stalk.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    damn, now you went and made a liar out of me.

    Ummm ... uhhh ... I'm just going to cut to a Conway Twitty clip here ...

    Anyway, I poked around on Google a bit and devised that, basically, any GM car or truck with a column shifter had that multifunction stalk as far back as the 2000 Impala and GMT-800 trucks. It was also used in the early Lambda crossovers.

    vonVee: The stalks are pretty much the same, it's just that GM either put a rear-wiper function or an empty plastic cap in place of the cruse control slider and end button. I'd also say the wiring modules are a little different too.

    Edited by black-knight
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites



    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




  • Support Real Automotive Journalism

    Cheers and Gears Logo

    Since 2001, Cheers & Gears has delivered real content and honest opinions — not emotionless AI output or manufacturer-filtered fluff.

    If you value independent voices and authentic reviews, consider subscribing. Plans start at just $2.25/month, and paid members enjoy an ad-light experience.*

    You can view subscription options here.

    *a very limited number of ads contain special coupon deals for our members and will show

  • Posts

    • While him being good looking is a factor, this feels like a French Revolution type thing.  Health Insurance companies are largely evil and people know it.  They literally continued the meeting after the CEO got shot, that's how heartless they are.
    • I would rather have EV than a turbo 4, although the Ranger has done well for itself. About to turn 126K, it just keeps on trucking.    Didn't even know they made bikes in the USA anymore.     
    • My Bitch of the day, trucks like this need to be impounded for being illegal. The tires outside the wheel well, no mud flaps and way too high to be safe to other autos on the road. Sadly due to most states having this as such a low penalty, police ignore it when they should not as those tires especially during fall / winter throw so many rocks and other debris that it can crack and cause all kinds of problems for drivers. On top of this, I have seen these truck owners replace the fog lights with normal driving LED lights to light the road since the normal headlights are too high now and then they end up blinding people. Totally agree with this article, I do not think the modern small turbo motors will last the way V8 and V6 engines have in the past. Yes, I know not all V6 and V8s have lasted, but I feel the points in this article are pretty spot on. Downsized, Efficient, But Fragile — Why Today’s Engines May Not Last - Autoblog
    • Where a couple auto companies have delivered EVs that have surpassed the current industry leader, Mercedes has struggled from the beginning. Their 400V EV start to equal Tesla has not delivered what they thought would be a gold standard for the luxury maker. This has left Mercedes with ending the current EV product line and rebooting their EV dreams that is now a true 800V electrical system, all new EV Platform and a considerable lower starting point for price along with going back to their heritage of current ICE named autos taking a page from Genesis that started with keeping their EVs, ICE and Hybrids all under the same luxury name. Welcome to the all new 2026 CLA EV. Up to 374 miles of range Starting price of $47,250 800-volt electrical architecture 320 kW fast charging 100 miles in 5 minutes 202 miles in 10 minutes The 2026 CLA EV comes in two trim levels and starts with a bevy of standard features. Standard Features: Next Generation MBUX Infotainment: Powered by MB.OS MBUX Profile Identification via Facial Recognition Heated Power Front Seats with Four-Way Power Lumbar Support and Memory Digital Extras3: Distance Assist DISTRONIC MBUX Navigation with Electric Intelligence (7 yrs) Wireless Smartphone Integration Fixed Panoramic Glass Roof High Performance LED Headlights Blind Spot Assist Plus with Exit Warning Lane Keeping Function PRE-SAFE PRE-SAFE Sound Exclusive Trim: All Standard Features Flush-Fitting Power Door Handles KEYLESS-GO Digital Extra: MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST3 Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control 64-Color Ambient Lighting Wireless Smartphone Charging in Front Console Rear Seat Armrest w/ Cupholders Pinnacle Trim: All Standard and Exclusive Trim Features MBUX Superscreen Digital Extras3: MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360 Digital Vehicle Key MBUX Entertainment Package (1 yr) LED Intelligent Light System Head-Up Display HANDS-FREE ACCESS KEYLESS-GO Convenience Package Power Closing Trunk Illuminated Door Sills Technical Specifications: The CLA features what Mercedes calls a sporty fastback silhouette that can be enhanced with various options such as flush-mount power door handles or traditional ones. various LED lighting elements. The customer can personalize the exterior with eight exterior colors, optional night package and a variety of 17, 18 and 19 inch wheel designs. There is also the available AMG Line and AMG Line Plus with Night Package, more details to come as release date gets closer. The CLA Interior also has the same personalization available, via MB-Tex/Microfiber to leather upholsteries, an extensive choice of available open-pore wood, aluminum and natural fiber trim finishes. MBUX Superscreen and an optional Burmester 3D surround sound system with 16 speakers and 850 watts with Dolby Atmos Technology that allows for personalization of sound per profile. Does this reboot of the Mercedes EV product line deliver over their first attempt? Further Details will become available at Mercedes December press release of the 2026 CLA that will update this early Mercedes Sneak Peek.   View full article
  • Who's Online (See full list)

  • My Clubs

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Hey there, we noticed you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search