Overview & Reviews

Like its rivals, today's Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is available with a wide variety of body styles, powertrains and trim levels. Thanks to this flexibility, the half-ton Silverado pickup is just as adept at serving as the weekday family car as it is at transporting home-improvement supplies or towing a boat on the weekends. And if you want something fancy, there are always loaded-up versions that come complete with a rumbling V8, flashy wheels, bucket seats and high-tech infotainment options.

Older versions of the Silverado 1500 pickup have been praised for their strong work ethic but criticized for having bland cabins of questionable quality. The current version, however, exhibits greatly improved fit and finish. Where there was once an abundance of hard panels and uneven gaps, the Silverado now features richer materials and precise fitments while maintaining its hard-working nature. Of course, there are other compelling choices in the full-size pickup truck market, but the half-ton Chevrolet Silverado is a solid pick no matter what it's used for.

Current Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The current Chevrolet Silverado 1500 debuted for the 2014 model year. It offers a number of improvements relative to its predecessor, such as upgraded interior trim, new technology features and engines that are both stronger and more fuel-efficient.

Under the hood, the base V6 engine has gone from zero to hero. Although it shares its 4.3-liter displacement with the previous-generation V6, that's all they have in common, as the current V6 makes 285 horsepower -- a 90-hp gain. Also, the new V6 is available across the lineup, whereas the old one was limited to basic work-truck models. The other engines have hit the gym as well: the 5.3-liter V8 now makes 355 hp, while the 6.2-liter V8 trots out 420 horses. All three engines use a six-speed automatic transmission that yields more frugal fuel economy, particularly from the overhauled V6.

As usual, the Silverado is available in a variety of body styles. There are three cab configurations (regular, extended, crew) and three bed lengths (5.75 feet, 6.5 feet, 8 feet). Available trim levels, depending on which combination you choose, include Work Truck, LT, LTZ, High Country and Z71. The Work Truck is better equipped than it used to be, providing full power accessories, USB connectivity and optional Bluetooth along with the expected vinyl upholstery. The LT steps up to a chrome grille, an "E-Z" lift/lower tailgate, alloy wheels and cloth upholstery. The premium LTZ throws in more chrome, a power sliding rear window, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a rearview camera, heated power seats, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control and an 8-inch touchscreen with MyLink smartphone integration.

The luxurious High Country trim gets niceties like Bose audio and fancier power seats, while the Z71 boasts an off-road-ready suspension and other heavy-duty components, plus some mean-looking styling tweaks. Silverado options include a rear-seat Blu-Ray entertainment system, a navigation system and multiple towing packages.

In reviews of the current Chevrolet Silverado 1500, we've remarked that its subtle styling changes conceal serious progress under the skin. Tops on that list is the capable new V6, which finally makes Chevy a viable six-cylinder player in this segment. But we've also noticed significant refinements in the Silverado's ride and handling, thanks in part to a more robust structure that's less prone to surface-induced shuddering. Not that this truck has gone soft; on the contrary, its towing capacity exceeds 11,000 pounds with the 5.3-liter V8 and hits a mind-boggling 12,000 pounds with the brawny 6.2.

Inside, the current Silverado is a whole new ballgame. Ingress and egress have been streamlined in the redesigned extended cab (double cab), which comes with crew-cab-style conventional doors in place of the old reverse-opening rear doors. Materials quality is appreciably higher across the board, so buyers of lower-trim models are no longer stuck with substandard plastics and the like, while nicer models have it better than ever. The attractive, easy-to-use 8-inch touchscreen with mobile-app functionality makes Chevy's workhorse as high-tech as some luxury sedans. Bottom line: This Silverado is the complete package.

Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Models
The previous-generation Silverado 1500 was produced for the 2007-'13 model years. It was available in three cab styles (regular, extended and crew) and trim levels ranging from no-frills "Work Truck" to plush LTZ. The most popular trims were the midlevel LS and LT, which provided many popular features as standard, including air-conditioning, full power accessories and a CD player. Significant options included a variety of towing packages, the Z71 Off-Road package and a navigation system.

Powertrain choices encompassed everything from a workaday 4.3-liter 195-hp V6 to a muscular 6.2-liter V8 with 403 hp, but most Chevy Silverados of this vintage were fitted with either a 295-hp 4.8-liter V8 or a 315-hp 5.3-liter V8. A four-speed automatic transmission with a tow and haul mode was standard on Silverado pickups with the base V6 and 4.8-liter V8. The 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8 received a six-speed automatic toward the end of this production run.

Calling cards of this Silverado included no-nonsense performance, a reasonably refined and quiet ride (even with the heavy-duty towing package) and a comfortable cabin that admittedly looks a little old compared to some contemporaries. We mentioned a few other downsides in reviews, including minor interior ergonomic issues, underwhelming performance from the base V6 and the hesitant responses of the four-speed automatic transmission while downshifting. The excellent six-speed automatic, however, is hard to fault with its smooth, on-point performance.

During its lifespan, the 2007-'13 Silverado remained largely the same, but keep in mind that the initial top-of-the-line engine was a 6.0-liter V8 rated at 367 hp; the 6.2-liter V8 didn't replace it until the 2009 model year. That same year, the six-speed automatic transmission was introduced as an option for the 5.3- and 6.2-liter V8s, and it became standard with those engines for 2010.

The previous Silverado 1500 was produced from 1999-'06. Although Chevrolet has produced a pickup truck since 1918, this generation marked the debut of "Silverado" as the big truck's formal name instead of a trim-level designation (which it had served as since the 1970s). Underneath the handsome new styling, a fresh family of V8s debuted, ranging in size from 4.8 to 6.0 liters. They offered output running from 255 hp with the smallest 4.8-liter to 345 hp from the high-output 6.0-liter V8 in the Silverado SS. A base V6 was also available, but as expected, most of these Chevy Silverados came fitted with one of the V8s. (Buyers looking at the heavy-duty series Silverado 2500HD and 3500 of this generation could also get a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 or an 8.1-liter gasoline V8.) A unique four-wheel-steering option (called QuadraSteer) came online about midway through this generation and cut the truck's turning circle down to 37.4 feet -- around 10 feet less than a typical full-size pickup. Unfortunately, QuadraSteer was discontinued for '06, as buyers were put off by the high cost of this option.

Consumers more interested in function than flash should be happy with a used half-ton Silverado from this era. The truck offered plenty of performance and work capacity, though it was hampered by a dated cabin design fraught with cheap materials and below-average fit and finish.

The previous generation of full-size Chevrolet pickups -- the last of the so-called "C/K" line -- ran from 1988-'98 and comprised three distinct versions: 1500 (half-ton), 2500 (3/4-ton) and 3500 (1-ton). Standard cab and extended cab body styles were offered, as was a crew cab, though the latter was actually from the previous 1981-'87 generation. Although six-cylinder and diesel V8s were offered, chances are strong that most Chevy trucks from these years will have either a 5.0- or 5.7-liter V8 mated to a four-speed automatic. In keeping with tradition, one could choose either rear-wheel drive (indicated by a "C", e.g. "C1500") or four-wheel drive (indicated by a "K"). Trim levels for these C/K trucks include the base Cheyenne, midlevel Scottsdale and top-line Silverado. Strengths include strong, durable powertrains, while weaknesses center on sketchy build quality and materials within the cabin.

User Reviews:

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  Great Choice in Trucks - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Truck Owner - July 26 - 9:03 pm

  I wanted a full size truck in 2WD that was good on gas and served me well everyday. This has been it. With over 120,000 miles it has given me zero trouble. Passengers comment frequently on its roomy and comfortable interior - even in the back seat; probably the best bench in the industry. With an average of 18mpg, its no eco-car, but compared to its 4WD bretheren, its awesome. That goes for 4WD mid-size trucks too (at 16mpg). Good looks, solid build, dependable - what more do you want?

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  BLAK BEAUTY - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By ROB RICHARDSON - July 25 - 8:53 am

  THE NEW SILVERADO IS A GREAT TRUCK! IT RIDES LIKE A FINE AUTOMOBILE. THE POWER IS EXCELENT. IN CITY TRAFIC OR HIGHWAY PASSING IS NO PROBLEM. TOWING IS DONE EASILY ALSO. WHEN PULLING A THREE THOUSAND POUND TRAILER ON MILD GRADES IT DOESNT DOWN SHIFT EVEN WILE USING THE CRUISE. THREE HUNDRED MILE CRUISES ARE COMFORTABLE. THE WIND NOISE IS MINIMAL. ON THE HIGHWAY I GET 17.5 MPG AND 15 IN THE CITY.

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  For me - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By William Stewart - July 24 - 2:33 pm

  The power & driveabity are exellent but there are some problems with the transmission & differential I need to take up with my dealership soon. The transmission will slip & catch somtimes. The differential will make a clunking noise when traction is bad on an upgrade.

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  Much Satisfied - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Bryan Phillips - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Great Truck. Driven many others at I would take this one every day of the week and twice on Sunday. Plenty of Muscle as well. If you put about a grand into the 5.3 engine you will be smoking Ford Lightings in no time.

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  02 Silverado - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By fmj126 - July 22 - 6:53 pm

  This is a great truck. Lots of power, very dependable, and very good design. This is my first truck and I love it. I have dual exhaust on the 5.3 and it sounds great. If the gas pedal is pushed a little hard you wont get good gas mileage but I keep it under 2000 rpms and and get a little under 20 mpg.

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  Great Truck - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By eamonn fountain - July 22 - 9:10 am

  This is our first extended cab long bed truck and wow, drives like a Cadillac, so powerfull and smooth, we just love it. And the 8ft bed is so useful and the best MPG ive ever had in a V8 truck. 5.3 V8 has more than enough power (but im still gonna add some tuning goodies,lol) Interior is more like a luxury car leather, power heated seats, lumbar support, excellent driving postion. I ve been driving Chevys for years and this is the best ever. Get the LT its got every bell or whistle youll ever need and a few you dont, but its nice to have them anyway.

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  VortecMax pkg Rocks!! - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Happy in MI - July 17 - 12:46 am

  I have the LT3 Crew Cab with the 6.0L V8. 345 hp and still get 15 mpg with everyday driving. This is my second Silverado. I had a 2001 LS Ext Cab short box w/5.3L V8 and had 0 problems in the 62,000 miles/3 yrs I had it. This one I have only had a month but I am very pleased with my purchase.

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  best truck in the world - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By lovethistruck - July 16 - 2:00 am

  This is our first truck. We shopped around for a year, and checked out every brand. We knew what we wanted, but no one seemed to have it on their lot. We ordered it and it was built just for my wife. We got the 4.8L V8, with manual transmission, and the 4x4 Z71 package. It is the truck of our dreams, and weve had no problems except the stereo overheating from time to time.

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  Somone is high on this website... - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Your_Future_Ex - July 16 - 2:00 am

  This truck is the only truck in the top 3 that isnt blown or has a Viper engine, DUH, of course its not gonna have the HP of the others!! It has AWD though, and no Lim Slip in the back, so if you wanna go toe to toe from the starting line, Im there. Take your heads out of your a$$es and give credit where credit is due. Oh, Im sorry, how much did you pay for that Dodge? And did you get an extended cab with that Ford? Oh yeah, did you want 20" rims? Didnt think so, Ill be seeing you in my rear view mirror...

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  First Chevy Truck - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By cjettaf1 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I tried all of the full size trucks and found Chevy to be the best value for the money. The new F-150 was very uncomfortable especially for the long drives I take. Dodge trucks were overpriced and came with very few features.