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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  Almost there! - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By LynnF - January 5 - 2:00 am

  excellent truck, overall, really, but GM couldve easily done a couple of things to improve it... as a couple of previous reviewers have noted, the ride can be a little choppy, and the handling isnt very good - if Im not mistaken, my 02 Avalanche handled better. some variable-rate springs mightve done the trick. the trucks appearance is fine from a distance, but I think they couldve done something better with the lower-body cladding - up close it looks very "after-thought-ish". Acceleration is fine, seats and interior are great. Fuel economy is so-so, but we knew that going in, right?

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  Awesome truck - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By stup62 - December 26 - 4:26 pm

  Am very pleased with this truck. My first time owning a full size pickup, so far I put 1200 miles on and no problems. Am averaging 17.7 mpg around town. Will be taking on a trip later this summer, hope to improve on that number.

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  Silverado - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By John J - December 23 - 5:53 pm

  This truck rides better than most sedans I have owned. Very quiet inside, handles like a dream w/ the four wheel steering. Excellent manuvering through parking lots and tight spaces. I would put this truck against any import.

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  GREAT TRUCK! 2001 Z71 327 (5.3) - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Ken Jensen - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck new. It has been a wonderful truck with great performance! I tested Dodge and Ford but the Chevy handled better and had more power. I get 16 miles to the gallon with 285 HP. This truck will get up and move. I owned a 2000 Z71 3 door with the same engine and since it did not have the limited slip rear axel it spun in the rain badly without 4x4 selected. My 2001 now has the limited slip. Get a Pewter colored truck. It never looks dirty until deer season!

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  Z71 Package - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Jason - December 22 - 1:10 am

  The current rebates and GM Employee incentive pricing brought me back to the Chevy dealership. I brought the Z71 for about $2,000 below invoice. The power is good since I purchased the power package and the exterior trim is great. The majority of the features are great and there are numerous electronic gadets more than the other brand trucks. The satellite radio is nice extra, which GM does own XM (Great self promotion). In most reviews, the quality of the interior is lacking, which I found to be true in my case. GM needs to upgrade the interior quality and design. It was not much different than my 2000 Silverado interior. At the current price it was a worthwhile buy.

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  Chevy Z71 1500 Silverado - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Chris Dauterman - December 19 - 12:03 pm

  The truck really is built well! The center console is setup perfectly for a work truck, with more storage than any truck on the market. However, the seating is more luxurious and far more comfy than the Titan. The Z71 package offers up everything you would want to add-on after the purchase. This is my first new Chevy, although I had driven an 83 for awhile. Great price - Out the door for 27K, 3.99% financing, and 3K cash rebate. Super dealership with great people and a knack for customer service.

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  Go to the Mall Work Truck - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By tlc75372 - December 18 - 3:03 pm

  Paid $12K in 1998 for a 4 cyl Ranger, $13K in an all day marathon deal in 2003 for a 4 cyl Frontier and $14K come and get it deal for a 2005 V6 Silvarado W/T. All had air and manual transission. Absolutely no comparison. The Chevy is full size and can comfortably cruise down the interstate with enough power to get around in traffic. Its fun to drive and its nimble for its size. Yes, its dated and gets about 3 mpg less, but as a comparable cost if not cheaper alternative to a compact 4 cyl work pickup, you just cant beat it. The classic truck feel worked out over the last 50 yrs just puts a smile in your face. Grandpa got it right.

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  Not for Cold Climates - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By RussHoss - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Its ok I guess. Fuel line freezes regardless of amt. of gas in the tank. Gas anti-freeze doesnt even help. Limited slip rear end gets stubborn in cold weather.

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  The Silverado SS Kicks Ass - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By kurt13 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Best truck ever, all around great speed, control and its not like the other sport tucks, it can actually pull a trailer.

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  Nice - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By ljordan09 - December 17 - 12:10 am

  We picked up the absolute most basic model. Since day one it is destined as a work truck. And its an excelent one. The only one problem is one blown tranny. But that was more our fault than anything. We didnt change the oil for 26,000 miles. Hey if it can hold on for that long, props man. I love how the base model is comfortable and the floor is plastic, the best part about that is no worries! I only have the V6 with 200 hp and im very surprised with 0-60 times. all in all, good job.