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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  I RECOMMEND BUYING A TOYOTA - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By DENNIS 75 - August 25 - 10:00 am

  All was well with the truck except for the windows, the driver seat,the speakers,the console,andpaint peeling off the ashtray. I didnt have any other problems with it until I decided to do the smart care engine and transmission flush. Since then the truck leaks engine and transmission oil at about a quart a day...,DONT GET IT...,I AM STILL HAVING TO BRING MY TRUCK BACK TO TRY TO GET IT RESOLVED...,ITS BEEN VERY FUSTRATING AND TIME CONSUMING...,THIS IS DEFINITELY THE LAST TIME I BUY AMERICAN THANKS TO THE RUDENESS AND POOR ATTITUDE OF TWO DEALER-SHIPS AND THEIR POOR RELATION ETHICS

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  First review - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Marv Smith - August 19 - 3:43 am

  Sportside good looking.I have had many trucks, Chevys, fords, jeeps and dodge. I think the assembly quality has gone way down. Mostly interior fit is bad from the side window post to the driver door trim is not good. Outside front wheel whell is 1 inch different from right side. Splash covers are not the same. Center cup holder is a pain where it is.

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  4WD but only have 2WD - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Bill Heard - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Engineers still working on this one. At about 350 miles service 4wd light comes on although truck had never been placed in 4WD. Two trip to service dept service tech gives us GM document #1243149 dated 2/14/03, that says there is no permanent fix for this problem at this time, however if you dont use the 4WD you can just unhook it. Bought truck about one month after document. Assure me it will be fixed just dont know when. Very disappointed with lack of help from dealership and Chevrolet.

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  New trucks should not see the shop - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By webdal molloy - June 24 - 8:33 pm

  The truck is a 2004 and has been in the shop 3 times for leaning, one time for burned out 2nd and 3rd clutch in transmission and the speed meter locking up. The outside trim is boring and the front right tire going square. The service dept. told me about the tire going square was from not rotating the tires, but I rotated my tires every 3-4 thousand miles and have the paperwork to prove it. This truck only has 20,000 miles and has all these problems. What happened to "like a rock"? This logo needs to be changed. I also talked to alot of Chevy owners who where having the same problem with the transmissions.

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  Cheap interior surfaces again - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By 71novaguy - June 14 - 10:12 pm

  I bought this 07 Silverado during the summer of 2007. Truck looked great with the z71, chrome, and desert brown metallic paint. Truck has proven reliable. No issues with the power train. The seats are comfy, and we use it for long trips and moving with my job. But, its not without issues. Had a water leak. Turned out to be the 3rd brake light. Stained the headliner and had to fight GM to fix. Has had a blown rear shock, annoying underhood vibration, and check engine light due to a crankshaft sensor connector loose (GM fixed all issues). Now the dash has cracked at 87,500 miles. GM knows its an issue (check youtube), but will not fix. Almost every dash cracks around the passenger airbag.

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  Nice but awefull interior - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By tjdayney - May 8 - 11:37 pm

  I bought this truck because I got a great deal with 0% apr. The thing I did not notice when new was how bad the interior seat fabric and dash material is. everything sticks to the fabric like velcro. it so almost impossible to get hair off and any dust just stick like crazy to the dash. it looks nice when it is clean but as soon as you sit in it it gets dirty. Drive train and mechanical functions are all good so far. the only problem I am having is the door handle is loose and the dealer could not fix it.

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  Chevy Saddness - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Pmont - March 22 - 10:00 am

  While vehicle was still in warranty I noticed that the vehicle was using oil when cranking. Dealer oil consumption tests showed the engine was using 1 to 2 quarts of oil for every 3 to 4k miles driven. Chevrolet said usage of up to 1 quart of oil per 1000 miles is within spec. They are essentially saying use of three to four quarts of oil between my normal changes is within spec. Chevrolet was not interested in any goodwill deal to repair the deficiency. After purchasing many GM vehicles over the years, I must say I am extremely dissappointed in Chevrolets lack of customer service and desire to back up their products. Thats my last Chevy.

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  2010 Chevy Silverado 5.3 crew z71 44x4 - 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By brentsmith36 - January 8 - 10:32 am

  I love the truck except for one thing..it has a clunking noise in the transmission/ rear end. I took it to the dealership and all they did was lubricate the rear end. The noise is still there! This is very frustrating so I can not recommend this vehicle. If I could get a refund--I would. The transmission mechanic said that it was something I would have to live with!

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  I really wanted a Toyota - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By MR.BILL - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Numerous difficulties; right quadrant of taillights has short that has them turn on and off intermitently, Spare tire release under the bed was broken from the manufacturer. I learned this from the tire store. His remark was "none of them work, I do not think yours will either" he was right! Battery terminal was broken on this brand new truck. Right side window does not work at all. Frozen in the up position. Lights on dash come on at strange times. Leak in cab on drivers door in the middle, this a chevy standard feature.

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  Chevy LIES about quality improvements! - 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Chevy JUNK!!!!!!!!!! - January 2 - 2:43 am

  It was fresh off the dealer floor on 7/3/09. Has been my secondary vehicle for a year now. I just hit 5,100 miles and all the lifters now need to be replaced. The service tech states that the oiling system oils too much so it blows by the lifters blows out tons of white smoke out of the exhaust constantly. To make matters even more disappointing is the lack of a quality and robust 6 speed transmission, it has no clue how to pick a gear to stay in it. While driving if you make it downshift it will downshift and bring the engine to "Redline" or 6,000 rpm and stay there even if you take your foot off the gas pedal for at least 5 seconds.