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At a press conference January 7, 2007 kicking off the North American International Auto Show, the Chevrolet Silverado full-size pickup was named the North American Truck of the Year. The award is presented annually by a jury of 49 prominent automotive journalists from throughout the United States and Canada.
Silverado, of course, had the field of new trucks almost to itself for the 2007 award. The 2007 Toyota Tundra pickup was not introduced until February 2007 and was not in the award field. Pickup contenders included other GM full size pickups – GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Avalanche, Cadillac Escalade EXT plus SUVs and Crossover SUVs too numerous to list.

From the Chevrolet Press Release:
“We’re very pleased to receive this great annual honor,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “We’ve been confident all along that we’ve had the best truck out there with our all-new Silverado. This recognition from the top industry journalists provides validation and reinforces our leadership position.”
The all-new truck incorporates new exterior and interior designs, powertrain, chassis and safety systems. The fourth generation of the GM’s small-block V8 engine family is the power behind the new pickup, delivering segment-leading horsepower and fuel economy. Silverado also offers the widest range of truck configurations with three cab sizes, three bed lengths, five suspensions, and two distinct interiors to fit every customer’s needs.
Safety was paramount in the design of the new Silverado, resulting in a 5-Star crash test NHTSA rating. The truck offers 360 – degrees of safety before during and after a crash with dual stage front airbags, optional head curtain airbags, segment-exclusive StabiliTrak standard on all crew-cabs, and the safety and security of OnStar.
The new truck is assembled by the United Auto Workers (UAW) and Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) at five North American locations: Fort Wayne, Indiana; Pontiac, Michigan; Flint, Michigan; Silao, Mexico and Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.
“The talent and effort that has gone into the all-new Silverado is evident. We’re all proud of this truck and thrilled to be the North American Truck of the Year,” Peper added.
The Silverado went on sale at Chevrolet retailers in October, 2006.

Here is what the media are saying:
Tony Swan, Car and Driver: Chevy (Silverados) has the best offering in an intensely competitive market; great chassis, great powertrains, great variety, great drivability, great value.”
Matt DeLorenzo, Road and Track: Improvements in the interior as well as the steering, breaking and handling, give this workhorse the comfort and dynamics of a finely-build automobile without sacrificing its ability to get the job done. Two levels of interiors, fuel economy improvements and bold looks … put Chevy’s pickup out front in the pickup truck wars.”
Paul Weissler, Motor: “Hard to believe: over 20 mpg highway operation (in 2wd) with a full-size pickup truck … and a 315-horse V-8, but the Silverado did it.”
Ken Gross, Playboy – Hemispheres – CARGO: “The new Silverado is highly redefined and rock-solid. Ideal for day-in, day-out tough jobs and high-tonnage towing, you can still dress it up and take it anywhere.”