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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  A Quality Truck - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Rob - June 16 - 11:10 am

  I have owned many Chevrolets in my life and this truck is one of my favorites. The ride is nice and the power is unmatched by many other trucks offered by other brands. The style is unlike any other truck. Chevrolet is doing a good job of putting out quality trucks. I use my truck for work and I am never disapointed. I take it for long trips and stay comfortable and never worry about breaking down.

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  Good truck - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By winnertruck - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck used with 20K miles on it. To date Ive put 7300 miles on it and it has been a super vehicle. (If youre looking to get 45 MPG youre looking at the wrong vehicle!) Compared with Ford and Dodge power and mileage is great. Im averaging 17 around town and about 20 on interstates. To date Ive had no problems and only spent for maintenance items on the vehicle. I would buy another!

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  Like a rock - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By mtnman - June 15 - 5:40 am

  After 2 1/2 years of ownership experience and 40K+ of driving this truck continues to be one of if not the best vehicle Ive owned. For a full size 4x4 5000lbs. truck, gas mileage is very good. Minding the speed limit will net 21 MPG on the interstate. Only one problem in ownership, bad power steering pump replaced under warranty around 10K miles. I grew up in a blue oval family and have owned different makes and models of all vehicles, foreign and domestic. As stated above I have no regrets about this truck. I would highly recommend GM products based on this ownership experience. (I wouldnt have done so just a few years ago.) Great job Chevy. Keep on making these classic bowties!

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  Intimidator - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By je - June 14 - 1:53 pm

  Awesome engine and suspension combination. I have the Earnhardt limited edition. I have added dual exhaust which I think they should come stock with.

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  2005 Chevy Work Truck 5 speed Manual LB - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By 2doorpost - June 11 - 6:53 pm

  This is the best truck Ive ever owned (out of 10 Chevys) V6 with the 5 speed gets 24-25 MPG on the freeway. A few minor things went wrong- all fixed by the dealer. Truck has nearly 70000 miles now- runs like new and looks new. Still running on the original tires and brakes, all still good.

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  My new Siverado - 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By jaycro - June 7 - 11:36 am

  I drove and considered the Ford platinum ,the Ram Laramie along with the Silverado LTZ . All were really nice trucks. I chose the Silverado because it clearly drove and rode like a modern sedan,the Ram had a slightly better ride but drove like a truck and used a lot of gas,the Ford looked and drove like an older design..With 700 miles I can report the gas mileage is excellent. Today I drove 70 miles to a boat dealer to pick up a 15 jon boat and trailer. With 2 adults driving 70 or better I averaged 24.8mpg.Return trip with boat and trailer(estimated weight 600 lbs) I averaged 19.8 mpg. Not bad for a 5000 lb truck with 4wd. Fit and finish is excellent interior and exterior.

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  Great Truck - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Dexter - June 3 - 9:30 pm

  My Silverado performs very well. After two years of ownership, no problems to note. Great power with the 5.3. A six speed trany would have been nice, but four speed is tried and true. No problems pulling our 6000 lb boat. Locking rear dif. is the best on the market. Overall a very nice and capable truck.

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  Love my Silverado - 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By carguyincomox - June 2 - 9:54 pm

  Moved to BC and knew I needed a truck to tow our trailer. I looked at them all but ended with the Chevy. It was model year end and I missed 1 option the sunroof...but I guess I will live. I have nothing bad to say about my truck all is good - 1 suggestion, see if we can make the rear bench recline a bit for the kids on long drives. We had an SUV before and they miss that feature.

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  Cant Compete with Silverado - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Jay Sullivan - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Has a incrediable ride and handling. Interior is comfortable and well design. This is a well built truck.

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  Great Truck! - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Debby - May 25 - 6:50 pm

  This is an awesome truck for someone who wants a real truck. It has everything a truck should have: rear drum brakes, ground clearance, large appearance, luxury interior, ability to tow and haul, quiet ride, excellent handling, locking rear diff, and great gas mileage. People nowadays need to realize what a truck is for...its a work vehicle, not a luxury grocery go-getter! And this truck has it all plus some. I get 17-18 mpg on the backroads and around town with my 5.3L Z71. That is excellent for a truck! That is much better than my 1990 Fullsize 4wd Blazer and about the same as my 2000 Z71 Silverado. I wouldnt trade it for the world.