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Belle is a 2009 Chevy Silverado 1500, with 4WD, an extended cab, flex-fuel capability, and a 5.3L V8 engine. I took her from her sunny home in Texas, and drove her through the mud of Louisiana, the rain of Arkansas, and the Minnesota snow. Right now, she’s in icy Chicago, waiting for me to trade her in for a new ride.
What I loved most about this Silverado was the feeling of security I had in all types of weather conditions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) gave the Silverado its highest safety rating, but I’d throw in a couple of extra stars for the StabiliTrak system, which is exclusive to GM vehicles. Combined with 4WD, the Silverado climbed icy roads and drove through even wet snow quite easily – yet I didn’t feel like I was driving a strictly utilitarian workhorse. Even though the Silverado is heavy (7000 pounds), the engine was quiet, the brakes were quick, and the steering was smooth. In addition, the standard appointments of the Silverado LTZ trim package – including heated leather seats, Bose sound system, XM, cruise control, OnStar and more – lend a feeling of luxury to the truck driving experience.
There were two things I would have changed about the Silverado I drove. First, I would have added side step rails. At 5’5” I felt like I needed them. Second, I didn’t care for the radio that was in the truck. Wonderful Bose speakers aside, I didn’t think the radio console was as user-friendly as it was in other GM products I’ve driven. Workable, but not the best I’ve seen.
The standard price of the Silverado 1500 I drove is 37,810. I got 16.2 miles per gallon between highway and city, filling up with both flex-fuel (30%) and regular (70%). I wish I could have used more flex-fuel, but didn’t find many stations that carried it along my route.
In my dream garage, I’d have both a car and a truck. So far, I’d pick the Chevy Camaro and the Silverado, but there are still many states to go and GM vehicles to test drive.
I’ll miss Belle, though. She was an all-weather beauty that made driving through even the worst weather safe and easy.
Meet Lucy. She's a 2010 
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Wow,you’re getting around and fast! Do you know what your next vehicle will be, yet?
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Belle is absolutely beautiful, and the kind of vehicle I’d insist upon if I lived in weather. Oh, GM, GM… you’re flirting with the right crowd. Your commitment to being better may entice us to give you another chance. And Jane, your voice is a delight no matter where you apply it.
Kim Nelson´s last blog ..Blue
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I’m with Kim. I love Belle. In my dreams, I’m always driving a red pickup.
Does she have bench seats?
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It appears from reading the Chevrolet site that 6″ oval assist steps or 3″ round assist steps are optional Dealer-installed accessories one can add to the Silverado, so you can have your wish there.
I suppose my dream garage would include a Cadillac CTS-V super sedan and a convertible of some sort — maybe a Cadillac XLR, although perhaps a classic convertible. Then if you’d come by and let me borrow your pickup truck now and then…
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Great Vid, Jane. Funny, too. I hope GM appreciates and enjoys your creativity like we do!
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Erica, my next ride will be a Buick LaCrosse. It’s very fancy — I might need to buy new jeans.
Imelda and Laura from NM were hot on this car, and I didn’t know much about it. Went to see it & thought of you! A great car for gardeners. The back seats fold all the way down…..lots of cargo room!
V-Grrrl, this model has split leather seats in the front and a bench seat in the back, but other models have the front bench seat, too.
Kim — Buick Enclave.
Bruce, I’ve had a convertible, but old-school — before the advent of better windows and fast power buttons. My Datsun 2000, in British racing green, was one of my favorite cars ever, even though it broke down every 75 miles and often had wet carpet.
Like I keep saying, I wish I could put the inside of a Ford F-series inside a Chevy Silverado. I’d probably purchase a Ford pickup over the Silverado if the outside of the F-series weren’t so wussy looking.
Screwed Up Texan´s last blog ..Too Close for Comfort Food
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Oh Allie, I had a Ford-F150, and I wouldn’t buy one again. I lived near the Canadian border at the time, in snow country, and even though I had my driveway professionally plowed and kept about 10 sandbags in the back, the F-150 wouldn’t move if there was even an inch of snow on the ground. I didn’t feel safe on icy or wet roads like I did in the Silverado.
Hey, that reminds me of my current Ford F-150 and our old Toyota. We used to live in a little town in Wyoming (Hanna) and at one point couldnt even make it up the hill to get out of town! I would have paid someone to take that truck off our hands (then again, it was the only manual I could drive b/c it also didnt go faster than 20 mph on level ground and therefor I never had to take it out of 1st…maybe 2nd gear).
Screwed Up Texan´s last blog ..Too Close for Comfort Food
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Oh Belle we can only hope you get an owner like Ms D, a REAL family that loves you the same as Jane has.
Jane I am very partial to Chevy Trucks (we own 3 of them) A 3/4 ton, a 1/2 ton and my baby 1/4 ton, which is much like driving a car or small SUV. They are great for work and play, but a girl can not have a truck alone. I think SHE also needs a Muscle car for those high speed trips to the Mall. Or those days we get a lil down in the dumps, nothing puts a smile on my face faster than ‘Blowin” the doors off some unsuspecting dude who thinks he’s kewl in his Audi or Beamer.
Not to mention being able to Boast the Gas mileage you’ve been getting, EVEN better.
A Buick LaCrosse next, wow Fancy is right! Can’t wait to hear how this baby performs for you. Where are you and your lil french friend off to next?
B
I own a 08 silverado LT which is the same color as Belle and I love it. I consider it the cadillac of trucks. my husband owns an 08 F150and it can’t compare. I hardly ever have to use the 4×4 the StabiliTrak works awesome. I ♥ my Silverado and am proud to be an owner.
Having ridden in Belle, I agree with your review. It really does need some type of step to get into for short folks like me. I’m sure it was entertaining to watch me climb in.