Chevy Silverado named Consumer Reports Truck of the Year

Consumer Reports has selected the Chevrolet Silverado full-size truck as its Top Pick honoree among all 2010 pickups. Top Picks are the best all-around vehicles in their categories and must meet CR's road test, reliability and safety requirements.

"The Silverado 1500 ($37,235) returns to the top of the list after a year off," the magazine said. "The crew-cab 4WD model is a well-rounded pickup with a roomy cabin, generous payload capacity, decent ride quality, available full-time 4WD, and, on higher-end models, very good interior fit and finish. The GMC Sierra is a twin of the Silverado. Reliability has been average."

The Silverado was one of two domestic vehicles chosen in the 10 categories that make up CR's Top Picks.
In earning the award, the Silverado replaces the Chevrolet Avalanche, last year's pickup truck Top Pick.

GM Brings Pause and Play Radio to More Vehicles

Time-shifting programs works great for DVRs, so why not bring it to radio? GM has announced it is bringing its Pause and Play radio feature, currently available in models like the Chevrolet Equinox and Cadillac SRX, to the upcoming Buick Regal and Chevrolet Cruze.

Pause and Play radio lets drivers or passengers stop a live broadcast, record up to 20 minutes of it on an embedded hard disk, and play it back later. It engages with one push of the radio's Reverse button.

It also works with the car off; for example, a driver could pause the radio, shut off the car, fill up at a gas station, get back in, and resume listening to a football game or talk show where it was left, without missing all that time in the middle.

Other cars with the feature include the GMC Terrain and the Cadillac CTS Jukebox and Navigation radio, where the feature first appeared in 2008. Back in October, GM announced that Chevy, Buick, Cadillac, and GMC dealers will begin offering Autonet Mobile's $499 WiFi router as a dealer-installed option on its SUVs and trucks.