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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  My dream truck! - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Dave - December 16 - 8:20 am

  Ive wanted an SS ever since they unveiled the concept truck way back in 2000! I finally "took the plunge" back in July and man was it worth it!! This truck is awesome. Great performance, head-turning good looks and best of all its a genuine Chevy (the ONLY true American car/truck company in my opinion!!). I would highly recommend springing for the optional tonneau cover for improved mpg! I also invested in a Line-X spray in bedliner right off the bat!

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  Brakes on my Chevy - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By terri - December 15 - 11:06 am

  I have driven a Chevy truck for about 20 years now. This 2006 is the first one Ive ever had trouble with. Took it back to the dealership in Opelika, Alabama a total of 7 times to get the brakes looked at. Warning lights kept coming on and also the car phone charger hasnt worked since the day it came off the lot. Im really disappointed in Chevy with this truck. The dealership would not fix it while it was under warranty and the brakes are still having major problems. Hate to say this but probably will not buy another new Chevy.

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  Like a rock - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Ross - December 11 - 11:10 am

  The ride is fairly smooth for a truck with the stiffer Z71 package. Gas mileage is much better than expected. With my tonno cover, I get over 20 mpg on the highway. Acceleration is excellent. The V8 is smooth, strong and responsive. It is very different from the V6 I am used to driving (different in a good way).

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  Best Truck Ever - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Bob - December 4 - 2:56 am

  I love the styling but most of all I like the ride and handling.I bought a basic truck with 4.8 liter engine and it is powerful,drives smoothly,has great acceleration and gets exactly the fuel economy advertised. I have always been a Chevy fan but not a Chevy truck fan until now. The 17" tires look a little small in those huge wheel wells but I can always upgrade to 18" or even 20" wheels down the road. The paint job could easily be mistaken for a custom paint job. I love everything about this truck but of course Id like better fuel economy.

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  Chevy still #1 - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Ernie - December 3 - 6:16 pm

  Purchased in Feb of 2004 and used for service vehicle until retirement. Had truck recalled for bad instrument panel but our fantastic dealer took care of it. Took it on vacation to CO, WY, and SD. Street driving gets 18MPG and interstate at 75 - 80 MPH gets 22 to 23 MPG. My 9th new GM product since 1968. I drive them 135,000 to 180,000 and have never had to replace brakes. Luv my Silverado.

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  Great Pick up for Hunting - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By HuntingSouth Texas - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Z71 Single cab for hunting and fishing. I am pleased with the looks and power of the vehicle. I am at 40,000 and it is in the shop for front end problems, nothing major, but it is covered on the extended warranty. my roughness caught up on the vehicle. but it has never left me hangnin. it is a bit rough on country roads, but the overall performance and build is great. i love my CHEVY!!!!!!!!!

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  155k and still going - 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Dand\D - December 1 - 12:36 am

  Got this with 80k on it and its at 155k now. I cant find a car this comfortable. Love my captains chair. 5.3 V8 is a great engine. Ive had 2700lbs of cement bags in the back of this. Im gonna cry when I trade her away. I figure Im driving this for less than $2000 a year.

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  Best all around truck - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Karl - November 29 - 6:33 pm

  I spent 9 months deciding on the right truck. I needed crew cab,4WD,Leather/ power everything,comfortable yet lots of performance. Had it down to Tundra and the Titan. This beats them both. Tundra was like a camry inside and fell way short on the accessories and the titan was just not comfortable to drive. Silverados comfort is phenominal,looks great, tons of storage, get 15-18mpg, handles like a car, can tow massive loads, 4 wheel in the snow in Idaho mountains is incredible, and it has more features than either the Titan or the Tundra. Plus, $7000 cheaper than both models. From driving to work to beating around the back country, this truck is #1!!

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  Well... - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Denver Broncos Fan - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Im a little disapointed for the money I spent. The sticker was 33K+. For that much cash it should include a walnut dash, power seats, a decent sounding XM/multi-CD radio, etc...I find the base seats to be miserable on any trips over an hour. NO MANUAL LUMBAR ADJUSTMENT! Hell, even Kia has adjustable lumbar in their cheapest models.

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  Happy with my truck! - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Bowtie - November 25 - 1:20 pm

  I was a little disappointed in the fact that I have serious lack of options on this model, but after comparing other crew cab trucks for the same price I realize I have more. The Dodge Ram would have been my other choice, but I have some full sized kids to tote along with other work related items. Performance is decent the engine responds well in a pinch. The ride is smooth, only second to the Ford F-150 (and Ive test driven all the competition). Ive put 2500 miles on it in 2 weeks...and I have filled it up no less than 10 times...so the gas mileage stinks, but hey...its a truck!