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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  Great Truck - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Dave Dico - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Great ride. Quiet and comfortable. Well engineered interior, although kind of cheesy. No room behind seat and no right arm rest for driver. Handling is way above average. Turning radius isnt great, but very acceptable. Cannot exceed 98 mph because of a control module governor. Overall, excellent truck. Classy exterior design. Headlamps are awesome.

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  Dont buy first year - 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By KRH - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I ordered this truck new and purchased it based on the new GM design however the build quality is poor and I have already replaced the transmission and ABS system, had brake problems part of my dash lights are out. The dealer service stunk where I purchased the truck. I service ever 3000 miles since this truck is driven all over the Southeast. Sent GM letter about problems never heard back from them.

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  Good Truck - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Morioka, Japan - September 13 - 10:00 am

  Good Truck. Solid. Minor problem witha side mirror.

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  Good but... - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By markstev - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Started burning oil after 22K miles. Burns 1 qt every 2000 miles and GM refuses to fix. Gm claims it is within specs to burn over 1/2 crankcase capacity between changes. Engine has great power and truck has been reliable. Except for crappy oil burning engine it has been a good truck.

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  Like A Rock With Wheels - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Fromsoca - September 10 - 2:00 am

  In less than 5 days of buying my Silverado my radio was replaced and the passenger airbag system is faulty. Theyve checked the sensors, recalibrated and even replaced the entire front seat, the airbag system is not perfected yet. My girlfriend weighs 120-130lbs. and the auto system light on the mirror turns on/off while we drive down the road. If you have kids or adults near this range I would be cautious!! Now a month later the radio is acting up again, the airbag system is still not fixed and the transmission is starting to be jerky. From one lemon into another, Im getting my money back and going with Toyota.

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  Harmonic Exhaust Vibrantion - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By doubleclutch2 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  5000 miles of frustration trying to determine why the vehicle vibrates at 1250 rpms. People tell you the truck looks good but beauty is only skin deep and this flaw should have been determined before shipping. All this fine tuning for fuel mileage just seems to cause problems else where.

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  Some disappointments - 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By bwalling - August 27 - 4:38 pm

  I have owned Chevy trucks for a long time so it was a a given that my next truck would be a Chevy. Truck was brand new off the lot (10 miles). Drove fine and got great gas mileage. Put about 4k miles on it and took it in for recall. Every since then the best gas mileage has been around 19 all highway miles. Plus I keep getting a check engine light code P3444 and then P0306. Been to dealer twice. It stays clear for awhile then comes back. Put 6k on it since last dealer visit and yesterday the light came on which eventually causes a cylinder 6 misfire. This messes up the trans shift which causes the truck to jerk and down shift very hard.

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  Quadrasteer - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By roadflyt - August 23 - 7:06 pm

  Best overall truck I have had in the last 40 yrs. Interior material is not as good as older Chevy trucks but design is good. Averages 16-18 mpg with good perfomance (5.3v8).

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  99 Silverado LS - 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Bsgala - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Since purchasing this truck it has been a great help for my family and I. However, it would be very nice if GM could figure out how to stop the fuel pressure regulators from going bad all of the time. Ive had two replaced under warranty and need to replace it for the second time since the warranty has expired.

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  1st Silverado Purchase - 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By speed3fan1 - August 13 - 5:09 am

  Even though the interior is a little behind it is still very functional. I bought the 4x4 z71 and absolutely love it. It rides great, sounds great and has plenty of power. Being able to fold up the back seats and have basically a flat floor makes it very useful to put things in the cab or simply have a flat spot for the dog. This is my first Silverado and hopefully it will make me a believer!