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:

• 

  love it, but could be better - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By mulderlr - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Great utility pick up in a 2WD. Plenty of get up and go when you need it, even with the 4800 vs the 5300 v8 engine. Tons of room in the extended cab carries my two kids in car seats with plenty of room to spare. Great comfortable large front power seats cater to even the most picky passenger. Great truck all around.

• 

  Best Truck Ive Owned - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Bruce B. - July 26 - 12:13 pm

  Ive owned a few Ford trucks and one Dodge truck. The ride of those doesnt compare to the smoothnest of the Chevy Silverado crew cab. Smooth ride, roomy interior. Nothing rattles or squeaks. Its just a very well put together truck.

• 

  Vibrating transmission - 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By George - July 26 - 12:12 pm

  This truck started out with a shifting vibration at different shifting points. Brought to dealer and told it was learning how I drive. This with a load clonking sound when in reverse also told that was a coupling and nothing to do about. Now at 27K and truck is noisier than ever,told dealer truck has A.D.D. Would not buy another GM

• 

  6.0 Liter Powerhouse - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Andy J - July 24 - 2:36 pm

  06 Silverado 1500 with Vortec Max package. I purchased this truck in Feb. of 08 after being T-boned in my 99 Sierra. I had been looking for the bigger 6 L. motor to pull my work trailer for a long period of time before the accident. Luckily this gem popped up when I really had to buy. I fell in love at first drive. The motors power really is something else. It responds immediately at any speed when even light pedal is put down. Mileage with this motor is great. It actually puts my old 5.3 to shame. I average 13 city(Downtown Minneapolis: True stop and go) and @ 50-55 MPH: 21 MPG/@75 MPH 18MPG. It has all the bells and whistles. Great for towing. Love it!

• 

  Bad Chevy - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Justys - July 22 - 3:06 pm

  Sheet metal is very thin. Vehicle get dents from acorns falling onto hood and roof when parked under oak trees. (Had to cut down one of our trees to stop further damage) Installed a truck rack which extended over the cab, and this caused airflow problems resulting in the roof vibrating. Had to modify the rack to stop the vibration. Dealer has had vehicle in many times for repairs. The most serious being failed front hub at 37,000 miles and power steering pump replaced at 42,000 miles. Also, the windshield wipers would not turn off. If key is left in ignition in the off position and vehicle is reentered and started, the chime starts ringing and stays on. You must turn it off, remove the key, and then reinsert the key and start it again. I will never buy another Chevy truck. Going back to Ford.

• 

  Best Truck I have ever owned - 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By mvcoburn - July 21 - 8:46 am

  This is the first brand new truck I have ever owned. My previous vehicle was a 2006 Dakota and this was a huge jump up. I picked the Chevrolet because I am a firm believer in their product and paid attention to all of the high ratings from various reports. The truck sits well and is very comfortable. I love the leather seats and the cabin is extremely quite. It rides very smooth and shifts well. The backseat offers a lot of space. I have two small kids and they have no problems with room.

• 

  Moms tow rig - 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Steve Vaughan - July 21 - 2:00 am

  We have owned this truck 48 months with a few issues rattling doors, rough ride, ABS box $325.00 the sticking pedal was repaired under warrenty(3rd time). my wife tows a 3 horse trailer 6900 # net and she is pleased I added helper springs to keep the rear end from sagging during towing 2wd no Z71 pkg. would buy this truck again... I like the performance this thing hauls- ___!

• 

  Awesome Truck! - 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By eviroman - July 20 - 5:50 am

  Being in government services and having to travel all over Texas, Ive driven many trucks. Ive driven Ford king ranch, Lariat, Dodge. The two fords and Dodges had horrible gas mileage as well as ride and reliability. This is my first Chevy and Im very impressed with the ride and quality of this Truck. I would like to inform you that I own an environmental company that does very well, Im nowhere near cheap and being in my vehicle long periods of time so owning the top of the line in trucks is a must for me. A-Z about this truck is awesome!!! I towed what I thought to be 5k pound trailer only to later find out it weighed 9k pound and not even noticing it.

• 

  Great truck - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By LIZARDGIZZARD - July 18 - 3:43 am

  I have owned my 1500 for about a year now and can report only good news. I have had no issues and the truck is very reliable. I purchased the truck with all the goodies to include, 5.3 v- 8 flexfuel, dvd, leather, the works. All still work well, I only wish the 5.3 had a little more power or I should have gotten the 6.0 v-8. But when gas was 4 bucks a gallon I was glad for the 5.3. I only wish I held out for the 6 speed auto. The 4 speed is nicely matched, but there are times when an other gear would greatly help expolite the power of the 5.3.

• 

  2000 Chevy Silverado 1500 V8 - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Kaitlin - July 15 - 2:43 pm

  I have a 2000 Chevy silverado with 146,000 miles on it. I had a few things go on it. I use this truck to pull a 2 horse bumper pull trailer. Its been good to me. I put in it a rebuild trans had a few things here and there. Now its having a few issues with going in Reverse. If this truck was a 2500 I would keep it. But I live in a hilly area and it struggles with the load to get up the hills. I live Chevy and I like what they offer. This truck been good to me for my needs.