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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  bad air bags - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By EEDDD - July 21 - 2:00 am

  our truck lasted 40 days &the air bag light came on. took a week to get parts. lasted 4days. air bag light is on again. Called chevy in detroit, they acted as if they couldnt possibly have cared less. This will be my last chevy. $27,000 sticker and it doesnt even go 90 days without problems. I still think they should replace the vehicle

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  2003 Silverado 4wd xcab - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By scott1450 - July 19 - 12:56 pm

  I like the truck. Bought it used 1 owner, low miles. Hasnt let me down, but has required some parts and upgrading, all of which I do myself to avoid being jacked up by the dealer. Was quite shocked at the quality of oem parts compared to years past. In one year, she needed aftermarket rotors and brakes, as the oem parts are trash. A power steering pump. Rusted lines at the pump. U joints were dried out, rusted and fused together. Underbody rust is atrocious. Front shocks gone at 55k. No engine or trans problems. Some areas are overdone and others are thrown together. Overall, I got what I paid for in todays market.

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  Love the truck, hate the reliabilty - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By waterville new york - July 17 - 6:43 am

  I really do like the truck, its the reliabilty have the problem with. I have had many, many brake issues. The driver front wheel kept locking up and over heating to the point that you could smell it and if you spit on the wheel it would sizzle. Back and forth and out of the shop and until they finally figured out it was a caliper puck heating up and not releasing. I also had the rear differential go, both universal joints, the 4WD always clunked when going in and out and now the electric 4WD shift has issues, the front tie rods. To summarize everything. When it was new it was great but as the miles started adding up it the truck just began to feel loose. Would not buy another Chevy.

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  Extended Cab for the single parent - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Adge - July 15 - 2:00 am

  In my search for this very vehicle, I was determined to get what I wanted. I had no problem finding it!

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  I love my truck.................... - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By gabriel m - July 15 - 2:00 am

  i have nothing to say about my truck but good things. I used to have a 2001 silverado and decided to go with a 2004 and couldnt be any happier....thank you chevy----for anyone who decides to do lease please reconsider---GMAC will screw you like they did me on my 2001. Its just cheaper to buy then it is to lease---no if ands or buts about it

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  GREAT TRUCK GREAT PRICE - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Chevroletman9766 - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Probably the best truck i have ever owned, bought the truck new in september i use it to go back and forth to work, i have a bad back and the seats in the chevrolet with leather and seat warmers make all the differance in the world, my last vehicle i could sit in for maybe 30 mins and felt pain this truck i can drive for hours of painless driving if you have a bad back you can relate with me BUY A CHEVY wow what a truck

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  get the 5.3 v8 - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By tracker - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I got the 04 2dr regular cab silverado 1500 with a plow/tow package 5.3 v8. It was my first truck. I used it for plowing this year and it performed awsome. I suggest getting the 5.3 v8 it has alot of balls. The 4.8 v8 is a dog, so spend the extra cash and you wont be sorry. The miles per gallons suck but its worth the power. If youre gonna plow, get the hevy duty 2500 beacuse the suspension is better. The truck feels like a car when youre driving it. But since im a chevy fan dont take my advice.

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  work truck - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By sgclute - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Nice ride/drive and comfortable FOR a big truck. Easy to get around and work with. Parking not bad for a truck. Gas mileage to power ratio very disapionting. I would have gone with the V8 if I had known the gas miles would be so bad anyway. Overall though I feel like it is a lot of truck for the money.

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  The Best Vehicle Ever - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By #1Silverado - July 15 - 2:00 am

  After having to take Chrysler Corp/Daimler- whatever to court for the LemonLaw on a $40000 piece of garbage- The Chevy is better than the 2002 Cadillac Deville I traded as well as the 2 Hondas or 3 Acuras or 3 Cadillacs I have had in 8 years. It is reliable comfortable and holds anything I can put in it. Buy One now.

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  good - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By haus8787378rjh;l - July 15 - 2:00 am

  good, has but would be better with more power of a bigger engine. I have lots of big dog parts on my silverado so it has more power because there in not enought stock.