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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  THE BEST EYT - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By unclegrizz - September 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Z71, both were good, but this is this best. I have everything but the leather seats and with the way I play, I didnt want it. Performance is A1, sound system A1, dual heating/air A1, cant say enough about the way the whole truck is setup. Best yet in my book!! Had one of the first ford F150 three drs and it couldnt come close to this truck. Need to pass, see ya in my dust!!

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  Love my chevy - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By dawglover - September 27 - 2:00 am

  My chevy truck performs excellently I have had no problems with it. It gets great milage for a full size truck. I get 21 miles around town, I havent gone any long distances yet. I have plenty of power to pull a trailer or boat with no problems at all. I love the lay out of the inside over the f-150 or the Dodge Ram. The chevy sits just the right height you dont have to climb into the truck like you do with the Dodge. The Chevy is more comfortable and has alot better ride than either the Ford f-150 or Dodge Ram.

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  Rented 4 pickups bought the Silverado - 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Jpv - September 22 - 2:37 am

  I was in the market for a new pickup and definitely preferred the Toyota Tundra before driving any of them because I have owned Toyota and Lexus vehicles for the last 20 years. Cant beat the reliability anywhere. Drove the Tundra and liked it but could not average more than 15 mpg, didnt matter that I took a trip to Naples, still 15 mpg. The truck was very nice but that was a problem for me. I rented an F150, not crazy about the looks and the aluminum body, just my opinion, and the Ram, could not get past the rotating knob for a shifter, reminded me of the old push button transmission fad of the old Chrysler and the gas mileage was terrible like the Tundra. Rented a Silverado thinking I have not bought a Chevy in 30 years and to my surprise, I posted 22.9 mpg on the highway, a high of 24.2 and an average of 21.9. I was shocked and amazed at how great it rode and handled. The Apple car play was a bonus and a great addition to the my sync system which sounds surprisingly good. Purchased the crew cab short bed with the all star package and the V8 and so far averaging 22.5 mpg in mixed mostly highway driving. Also, I do not have the Silverado shake I have read about and hope this truck serves me as well as all the Toyota vehicles I bought in the past. Only time will tell but so far, very pleased with the purchase but it has only been the first week

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  Silverado 1500 - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Paul Tyler - September 16 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable, reliable and solid construction. This is the first vehicle I have ever owned that did not have a rattle or squeak somewhere at sometime. I am 65 years old and have owned a lot of vehicles in my life and the is at the top of my list as far as quality, comfort and performance. I purchased a 1966 442 with a 3.90 and 4 speed muncie in November of 1965 which I still own today. The 5.3 Silverado is the closest thing I have owned in performance to that excellent old 442. I do not care about the overhead cams, 3 and 4 valves per cylinder, etc. I love my Chevrolet Silverado.

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  Love It - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By TROY HOLMES - September 15 - 3:33 am

  3rd silverado owned. Excellent ride. Super, super quiet in cab. You have to test drive this one. I waited 3 months for it to come out. Drove 1 1/2 hour to get what I wanted. It came with more options than wanted but whos complaining about remote start, and tire pressure monitors, Z71 package

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  Awesome Ride - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By drhjmacleod - September 11 - 10:00 am

  The 2WD Silverado is a great choice for someone who needs a truck, but also does not want the gas mileage of a 4WD truck. I opted for the locking differential. With a little weight in the bed at winter time, my truck has yet to get stuck. I love the comfortable and smooth ride and the power from the 5.3 liter engine. I have been able to achieve just over 20 MPG on long distance trips which I feel is outstanding for a truck of this size. Go buy one - you wont regret it.

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  Like A Rock... - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By ChevyTruckDriver - September 7 - 2:00 am

  While I dont actually own one, the company I work for bought several last month, and Ive driven every one of them. We have had no problems with this truck and I think its tbe best thing on the road. We used to own a bunch of Dodge "Tranny dies at 40k" Rams, and they were the biggest pieces of junk on the road. Who wants to rebuild a tranny every 40k miles? I love all of the features on these Silverados and when I trade in my truck, Ill be buying an 03 Silverado!

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  Super-pleased!! - 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By John Kriewaldt - August 28 - 10:40 am

  I traded off my 2012 Ford F150 for the Silverado 1500 crew cab, in January. It came with the V-6. I am super-pleased. the 4x4 mode works smoothly. The OnStar navigation , the satellite radio system, and the dual-zone climate control are all excellent. The V-6 has more than enough power for all my needs, which include towing my ATV trailer and my aluminum runabout boat. Unlike the Ford 3.5 liter V-6, which relies on high RPM for its power, the bigger block 4.6 of the Chev has way more low RPM torque and power. Hence you dont have the high RPM screaming of the Ford, nor do you have the incessant up and down and up shifting of the Fords six speed transmission. The Chev gives you the sensation that you are driving a bigger, heavier truck. I am very anal retentive about gas mileage. Every gallon of gas I have bought since 1982 is recorded in my little note books! I can safely say that the heavier Chev, with the bigger block V-6, gives me minimally about 1.5 more MPG for local driving and 2 to 2.5 more MPG for trip driving! I highly recommend the Silverado Crew Cab 1500 4x4 with the V-6 and the base level trailering package!

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  Excellent Truck - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By halovaulter - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought my truck in May 31 2003 and have put 6000 miles on my truck. The truck runs great, its quiet, and smooth. I got the V8 4.8L option and it gives me all the performance and power I need. Have only had a squeaking door.

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  Fun To Drive Truck - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By PaulS - August 23 - 5:40 pm

  Great truck, by far much better that the 2006 2500 HD 4WD gas guzzling machine I traded in. Not sure what the active fuel management is, however after the purchase process on the long journey home over a 100 miles this baby got alittle over 18MPG compared to the 13 mpg the 2006 Chevy. This truck is much more quieter and much more fun to drive. Smooth acceleration quick to stop. This is by far the best truck Chevy has ever put out.