Transportation
Car Review: 2015 Chevrolet Silverado Custom Sport Z71 Crew Cab
By Frank S. Washington
NNPA Columnist
DETROIT (NNPA) – Although the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab is a big truck at almost 5,500 pounds, it was the little things that set it apart. But let’s start with the big stuff. Our Silverado Custom Sport Crew Cab was powered by a 6.2-liter V8 that made 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.
In its own way, Chevy tamed this engine. It didn’t sound big and gruff as yesterday’s V8 truck engines did; it was civil at low speeds and acceleration was reasonably swift for a pickup getting on and off expressways here. And as strange as it sounds, the Silverado didn’t seem too big for other traffic.
It was equipped with an optional eight speed automatic transmission. In two-wheel-drive mode it got 15 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway. For four –wheel-drive its mileage dropped by one mile per gallon in the city and on the highway. Combined it got 17 mpg but that was for two-wheel-drive.
Part of the Z71 moniker meant that this Silverado was equipped with monotube shock absorbers fore and aft as part of its off road suspension. And what Chevy called an underbody shield we called slide plates.
“Off Road” was underlined on the Z71 badging on each front door and we don’t think Chevy would put it on this model Silverado unless the truck could seriously plow through muddy gunk, wade through water, crawl over rocks and slide over whatever it had to get to wherever it needed to be.
Our Silverado could tote 1,740 pounds and tow 9,200 pounds. It had a 5’8” inch box, a trailer brake controller, LED lighting in the box and movable upper tie downs. Those were respectable numbers for a pickup truck.
Our Custom Sport Edition featured body colored bumpers front and back, a body colored grille with chrome bars, body colored bezels around the headlamps and 20-inch chrome wheels shod with all-terrain tires. Since our test truck carried special paint, White Diamond Tricoat that cost $995, the solid, well almost solid, white truck had a refined appearance.
It was chock full of stuff. The Driver Alert Package featured front and rear park assist, lane departure warning and forward collision alert. The Silverado had a backup camera but we’re not sure that it had cross traffic alert. Once backing out of the driveway there was car coming down the street that a cross traffic alert system, if the truck had it, should have caught.
This Silverado could really be used as an office. It had five USB slots, four 12 volt sockets, an SD card slot, a 120-volt socket and oh yeah, it had Wi-Fi. And to keep folks comfortable, the truck had heated and cooled front seats and a sunroof.
Now, for the little things. The seats were particularly comfortable. It was like they were made for somebody, or several bodies, who had done some lifting and or toting or both the old fashioned way – manually. It was the same with the gearshift stalk. It was easy to get the truck into gear, it just didn’t require that much force to get that stalk into drive. When your shoulders are sore, or arm muscle stretched from too much lifting, too much toting or too much exercising, that makes a difference.
And what Chevrolet has branded as an easy lift and lower tailgate was really appreciated. We unlatched the tailgate and let it go and it slowly fell open. When you’re tired that, too, makes a difference.
The corner steps which were where else, at each corner of the back bumper made it easy to climb up adjust something in the box, or tie it down or whatever. It let us know that Chevy engineers knew that primarily a truck is for work and they wanted to make that easier.
However, we did have a couple of gripes. Our test vehicle didn’t have a hand grip built into the A pillar on the driver’ side. We ended up grabbing the steering wheel to leverage ourselves up into the truck. There were hand grips over the other doors. But we don’t know whether the steering wheel was reinforced to be a support rail.
And speaking of the steering wheel, it was a manual tilt telescoping affair. But there was a spring button to tilt it and a second button for telescoping. Really? We don’t how much money they saved by doing it that way or perhaps there was more articulation but it didn’t make a lot of sense.
Still, our test Silverado was impressive. It had satellite radio, Bluetooth, OnStar with its host of services, a premium audio system and voice controls.
The base price of our test vehicle was $45,810. But load it up and as tested the price came to $57,405. In a phrase, the 2015 Silverado 1500 Z71 4WD LTX Crew was a nice truck.
Frank S. Washington is editor of AboutThatCar.com.
###
car reviews
Black-Owned Banks: FDIC Data Reveals Shocking Truth #shorts
FDIC data reveals the truth about Black-owned banks: they’re vital for minority lending, but their numbers are declining. Discover the impact in this must-watch #shorts.
The 6-hour stat is a myth, but where deposits go is real. As of March 31, 2026, there were 24 Black-owned banks, down from 48 in 2001. MDIs lend more mortgages to minority borrowers in lower-income areas. #AutoNetwork
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/JjNiyzGQjnA
#BlackOwnedBanks #FDIC #FinancialInclusion #CommunityLending
car reviews
2026 Defender 130X: Is The $110k SUV Worth It? #shorts
Is the $110k Defender 130X worth it? Consider entry and exit challenges for passengers before you buy this luxury SUV. #AutoNetwork
Before you buy this $110k vehicle, test the entry and exit. With multiple handles, the high seating position can still be a challenge for some family members. Check with your passengers first! #AutoNetwork
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/8HFPFmqpCdg
#Defender130X #CarReview #SUV #OffRoad #LuxuryCars
car reviews
Mastering the Used Car Market ep11
Buying a used car can be a smart wealth-building move for Black buyers. Learn the ins and outs of the used car market in this episode.
Buying a used car isn’t settling for less. For a prepared Black buyer, it’s one of the smartest wealth-building moves you can make.
In Episode 11 of The Color of Our Money Is Green, host Roosevelt Gist and co-host Roosevelt break down the used car market from start to finish. Kelley Blue Book says many new cars lose 20 percent or more of their value in the first year. The first owner absorbs that loss. A prepared used car buyer keeps it.
You’ll learn the four places to buy a used car: franchised dealers, independent lots, certified pre-owned programs, and private sellers. We explain what the FTC Buyer’s Guide in the window really means, and why it can override your sales contract.
Then we walk through the five-step research plan to finish before you ever contact a seller. Set fair market value, pull a vehicle history report, check open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, compare ownership costs, and get pre-approved by a Black-owned bank or credit union. That last step matters even more on used cars. Experian found used car loans averaged 11.19 percent in the second quarter of 2026, compared with 6.35 percent for new.
Finally, we cover the independent inspection, the 30-minute test drive, and a word-for-word negotiation script that uses your inspection report to bring the price down.
Our Green Book Moment spotlights Banister Ford of Marlow Heights, a Black-owned dealership in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
Get the book, “The Color of Our Money Is Green: A Buyer’s Guide to What Cars Actually Cost,” at stan.store/RGist.
This episode is for education only, not legal or financial advice. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Your money is green. Know what it costs.
_______________________________________________________________
AutoNetwork helps serious car shoppers inspect any new vehicle online before walking into a dealership. I’m Roosevelt — I’ve been reviewing cars and shaping digital car buying and credit union auto leasing since before YouTube car reviews existed.
You’ll find detailed walkaround reviews, POV test drives, and buyer-focused breakdowns covering comfort, space, features, and real-world value.
How to use the channel:
Watch the walkaround of the car you’re considering
Visit AutoNetwork.com for the full review
Check CouponsOffersAndDeals.com for current dealer specials
Walk in already knowing what you want — and what it should cost
🌐 AutoNetwork.com
💰 CouponsOffersAndDeals.com
Affiliate disclosure: some links earn a small commission at no cost to you and help support the channel. Insta360 is one of those partners.
car reviews
2026 Defender 130 X Is It Worth $110,110 for Your Family?
Is the $110K Defender 130 X the ultimate family SUV? Roosevelt dives into its comfort, capability, and whether it’s truly worth the price.
Is the 2026 Defender 130 X worth $110,110 for your family?
Roosevelt examines the comfort, capability, and everyday compromises that matter before you buy this luxury SUV.
Finished in Gondwana Stone with an Ebony Windsor leather interior, this Defender brings a distinctive look and a substantial price. Its 3.0-liter six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine produces 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
My driving impressions include good acceleration, a comfortable and supportive driver’s seat, and good ride quality. However, I also noticed wind noise around the windshield pillar and outside mirror. A highway test drive deserves a place on your shopping checklist.
Inside, we examine the optional second-row captain’s chairs, passenger access, third-row seating, and usable cargo space. The third row does not fold into a flat floor, so bring your stroller, luggage or measurements when evaluating whether this Defender fits your needs.
Getting in and out also deserves attention. The vehicle sits high, and its grab handles may not solve the entry challenge for every passenger. I explain why your regular passengers should try it before you commit.
We also look at the ClearSight digital rearview mirror, 13.1-inch touchscreen, and parking-camera system. Extended viewing of the digital mirror made me feel dizzy; your experience may differ.
Air suspension, terrain settings, and the listed towing package add capability, but how much will you actually use? With supplied fuel ratings of 16 city, 20 highway, and 18 combined mpg, ownership costs belong in the decision.
Watch for practical checks you can use at the dealership, then tell me: would this Defender fit your daily life?
Subscribe to AutoNetwork for vehicle reviews that help you make informed buying decisions. Like, share, and follow for more advice from Roosevelt before your next purchase.
______________________________________________________________
“The Color of Our Money Is Green: A Buyer’s Guide to What Cars Actually Cost” — stan.store/RGist
_______________________________________________________________
AutoNetwork helps serious car shoppers inspect any new vehicle online before walking into a dealership. I’m Roosevelt — I’ve been reviewing cars and shaping digital car buying and credit union auto leasing since before YouTube car reviews existed.
You’ll find detailed walkaround reviews, POV test drives, and buyer-focused breakdowns covering comfort, space, features, and real-world value.
How to use the channel:
Watch the walkaround of the car you’re considering
Visit AutoNetwork.com for the full review
Check CouponsOffersAndDeals.com for current dealer specials
Walk in already knowing what you want — and what it should cost
🌐 AutoNetwork.com
💰 CouponsOffersAndDeals.com
Affiliate disclosure: some links earn a small commission at no cost to you and help support the channel. Insta360 is one of those partners.
car reviews
Car Takeoff Hesitation? Daylight Test Drive Guide #shorts
Car takeoff hesitation? A daylight test drive can reveal visibility issues and charging pad interferences. Watch the full guide to get your car running smoothly!
Trouble with takeoff hesitation? Perform a daylight test drive and observe visibility from your usual driving position. Make sure no cards or keys are left on the charging pads. #AutoNetwork
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/jxHcleGKCuE
#CarTips #Driving #TestDrive #CarMaintenance
car reviews
The Black Bank That Survived the 1893 Panic #shorts
Despite the 1893 Panic, True Reformers, a Black-owned bank, was the only institution in Richmond to remain open, cashing every check.
During the financial panic of 1893, True Reformers, a Black-owned bank, was the sole institution in Richmond to remain operational, honoring every single check. #AutoNetwork
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/JjNiyzGQjnA
#TrueReformers #BlackHistory #FinancialHistory #1893Panic
Black-Owned Banks: FDIC Data Reveals Shocking Truth #shorts
2026 Defender 130X: Is The $110k SUV Worth It? #shorts
Mastering the Used Car Market ep11
2026 Defender 130 X Is It Worth $110,110 for Your Family?
“Money, Power, and Respect,” (SEIU) President April Verrett
Car Takeoff Hesitation? Daylight Test Drive Guide #shorts
Your Vote Matters…Protect Your Freedoms!
The Black Bank That Survived the 1893 Panic #shorts
Why A Black Bank Started From A House #shorts
Defender ONE-on-ONE: U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee
Latest Massacre in Haiti Reveals Cruelty U.S. Deportations
The Youngest American Killed in the Vietnam War
OPINION: Nolan Wells’ Death One of Several Signifying Racial Terror Lives on in U.S. South
Passing for White, Fighting for Black America: The Courage of Walter White
OP-ED: Haiti TPS: Have We Lost Sense of Humanity?
OP-ED: If AI Is the New Language of Power, Then NAN Wants Black Communities Fluent
OP-ED: How Does Your State Rank for Pre-K?
Henry O. Flipper: A Trailblazer at West Point and Beyond
NFL: NFC Preview | The Rams will NOT make the Super Bowl
Asm. Smallwood-Cuevas’s Bill Repealing ‘Racist’ CalWORKs ‘Man-in-the-House’ Rule Clears Legislature
Black-Owned Banks: FDIC Data Reveals Shocking Truth #shorts
2026 Defender 130X: Is The $110k SUV Worth It? #shorts
Mastering the Used Car Market ep11
2026 Defender 130 X Is It Worth $110,110 for Your Family?
“Money, Power, and Respect,” (SEIU) President April Verrett
Car Takeoff Hesitation? Daylight Test Drive Guide #shorts
Your Vote Matters…Protect Your Freedoms!
The Black Bank That Survived the 1893 Panic #shorts
Why A Black Bank Started From A House #shorts
Defender ONE-on-ONE: U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee
-
Black Press5 days agoA $2.1 Trillion Wellness Industry Never Built a Daily Practice for Black Children. So This Atlanta Family Did.
-
Black Press7 days agoZakiya Jendayi Arrested, Locked Out of Home by Sheriff’s Deputies
-
Black History7 days agoListening as a Lifeline: A Doula’s Witness to Black Maternal Health
-
BlackPressUSA3 days agoLatinas Deserve Equal Pay. Unions Help Make It Happen.
-
Black Press5 days agoCOMMENTARY: But God!
-
Black Press7 days ago‘We Don’t Talk Trash — We Pick Up Trash!’
