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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  Worst truck Ive ever bought - 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Eric123 - October 5 - 7:50 am

  this truck is awful. or should i say "was". it seems like the electrical system was built by infants, because Ive gone through hundreds of 10 Amp fuses in the underhood fuse box, as well as 2 computer modules and 3 gauge clusters, and 1 electrical fire. finally i sold the stupid thing. i would never endorse or recommend this truck to anyone looking for a reliable vehicle. this truck let me down almost every morning with a dead battery or a fried relay. with the radio off, you hear many annoying faint rattles that make you wonder why you wasted almost 40 grand for it.

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  Should not have bought this. - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Hodor - October 2 - 7:43 am

  Should have gone with anyone but GM. Typical of the brand, speedometer doesnt work and no recall, service air bags notification on, needs third windshield, passenger door doesnt shut right, on third thermostat(non dealer this time), transmission slips but rarely, dealer tires didnt last any time at all. Little interior storage, glovebox doesnt hold much, will have to replace center seat with console storage. Good on gas mileage but V6 underpowered, computer wonky sometimes. Never been contacted about recall items.

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  Transmission - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Dougclark - August 16 - 10:10 am

  I have a V6 that always wants to slip our of gear or bind after driving hwy speeds then slowing to 15-20 MPH then accerating again, the trans will slip then after thr RPMs raise up it will slam into gear. GM and the Dealer says that is normal for this vehicle. If anyone can help I would appreciate it. dwclark@datamaxx.com

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  Looks great, lots of problems big and small - 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By arnoldthepig - July 14 - 6:33 am

  I purchased a 2014 1lt Crew Cab with 5.3L and 3.08 gears now with 2800 miles. I would not recommend this truck to anyone unless you have time to deal with issues GM does not want to address properly. The transmission is lazy on the upshift and wants to put itself in the highest gear possible, the fm radio reception is very poor and jumps in and out of HD, I have a freezing cold draft coming from under my center console, the 4wd switch makes a loud electrical whining sound when in 4wd, I get some type of driveline shudder under hard acceleration and once I hit 70+ mph, the ride and handling fall apart and give way to some type of unknown vibration! 1/6/14 will be the second trip to dealer

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  What is this? - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Dbruce - July 1 - 10:43 pm

  I am or was a loyal Chevrolet customer. Well im sad to say that this truck has changed my mind. I have had multiple problems with it. From tail light to water pump. The quality of my 91 was way better. The worst part of it was when the warrenty ran out ( it had 36200 miles and they wanted to charge me for fixing a problem the hadnt fixed in the past) Chevrolet decided not to stand by their product. Really disapointing, well Toyota here I come.

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  DISAPOINTED - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By bill archer - June 30 - 2:00 am

  DRIVE TRAIN, NOICE AND TRANSMISSION UNSATISFACTORY, DEALER AND FACTORY UNABLE TO FIX, MADE EXUSES THAT THE BANGING AND METALLIC NOISES ARE NORMAL. FUNNY, FORD HAS A TIGHT TRANNY AND 4X4 LINKUP.

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  Cant wait till 07s GMC, Toyota, Ford - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Ronald Holstein - May 14 - 9:56 pm

  The truck is worth less than our 2005 Sliverado 4dr. 2006 Charged more money for less value on the same truck model of 2005. Chevrolet changed the hood, chrome on grill and painted the bumper for $10,000 more. Really wish we had not purchased. Less standard features. Chevy skimped on interior design. The only redeeming factor is we average on the road 19.9 to 21.0 miles per gallon and 14.9 to 16.8 around town if the indicator is correct. Chevrolet unless we get something for our money in 2007 you have lost our family, we will be driving either GMC, Toyota, Ford. Thanks for saving us money in the coming year cannot wait to trade this vehicle in.

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  Poor ride, gas mileage, quality - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Harold - May 5 - 1:06 am

  Truck delivered with cracked engine shroud, ticking noise in steering column, marred windshield and washboard ride. Dealer fixed shroud and steering column. Balanced and replaced 1 tire but still has washboard ride over 40 mph. Factory says this is a problem they are working on. Windshield still bad and dealer made worse by scraping it with a razor blade. Had an identical 03 Silverado that averaged 19 mpg. This one averages 16 mpg even with a lower (4.53) rear end. No resolution. Dislike that factory elininated passenger turn off switch when carrying older person with back problems. Think Chevrolet has lowered its standards to try and compete with Toyoto, etc. Very disappointed with the 06.

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  NEW TRUCK BAD TRANS - 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By billy - April 7 - 2:53 pm

  I finally decided to buy my first full size truck and wanted to support Chevrolet. I have been driving Toyota FJ s with no issues ever. Now that I have bought a new 1500 and spent over 4k in upgrades to customize the overall plain truck. I have spent the last couple of trips over the holidays on the side of the road trying to cool down a hot trans. Now the dealer has had it for over a week and they are now saying a bad torque converter. I am so disappointed in buying my first full size truck and its now needing a new trans at 6k! I want my toyota back!!!

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  GM Excellence? - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By jdfosterdad - March 21 - 10:00 am

  1. We had engine performance issues from the start. The computer was reflashed 3 times. 2. At about 45,000 the engine began to knock when first started in the morning which sounded like piston slap, at 75,000 it was getting hard to start and compression on 3 cylinders was measured at 70-75 pounds. The motor had to be replaced. Since the motor, the transmission has had to be replaced. 3. We had performance issues, engine problems because of a poorly designed pistons and transmission failure, all were asked to be addressed under warranty and promises were made and in the end ignored. 4. Would I by another Silverado? I,ve been a GM customer for 30 years and can safely say NOWAY!!!!!