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! - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Larry Cornell - April 9 - 10:23 am

  This is the best truck I have ever driven. The comfort and handling is excellent. I have driven this truck for 16 months and 23000 miles and not a rattle or squeak, very quiet and just very enjoyable to drive. Thank you Chevrolet!

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  Like a Rock - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Andy - March 31 - 10:43 am

  Very nice truck. Extremely quiet interior and very comfortable. It is a pleasure to drive. Stereo sounds great.

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  So far, so good - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By dcfdrescue - March 25 - 10:56 am

  Purchased 07 1500 Crew Cab Ltz VMax 4X4 late Aug, have 1500 miles on it so far and I love it. The ride is very smooth and interior comfort is good. Fit quality of interior is excellent and body panels, bumper etc. is also good. I have owned Jeep Grand Cherokees for the past 4 vehicles and decided after seeing the new body style to go with the 1500. I am very pleased with this truck so far. Wish gas mileage was better but I did buy a pick up truck so what did I expect. I wish the active fuel management would stay in V4 mode longer. I have a large dog and child and still have enough room in the back of the truck for them and toys. Would recommend the Lt2 for anyone looking for a nice non SUV

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  exceptional - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By James Goga - March 24 - 6:38 am

  Vehicle used as passenger vehicle not a truck. Has padded bed with cap covering

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  After many miles - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By tom - March 15 - 9:46 pm

  I have already gave a report after only 3 weeks, now 3 months and 11,329 miles our opinion is stronger than ever. I have just returned from a trip from Woodbine, Md. to Albuquerque, NM. drove over 4,000 miles and averaged 16.2 miles to the gallon with the big engine. We drove between 75 and 80 miles an hour. What a pleasure and we came home in three days, 1860 miles. At the end of the day we still were not tired. We listened to our XM oldtime radio, bluegrass, old country, and southern gospel and felt laike we were at home in our easy chairs.

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  2007 crew cab - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By brett - March 9 - 1:40 pm

  This is a great truck inside and out. Beautiful interior design with a smooth and quiet ride. DIC is great and very simple to use.

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  Best Truck Ever - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Onoisland20 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This truck won me over!!! It rides smooth and very quiet... The engine sounds awesome

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  Cracked heads - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Willie - March 2 - 2:40 am

  Spent 3,000 to replace cracked heads, they should have been a recall on this, for shame Chevy. 6

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  Love it so far! - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By MikeZ71 - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving a Tahoe for the past 5 years, and have been an SUV guy for quite some time. I decided to try a pickup so bought a new 2004 Z71 and I love it. The overall ride is very close to my old Tahoe but the performace is much better. Im very happy with my decision to buy this truck.

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  Chevy Sivverado 1500 - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Randy - February 28 - 1:36 pm

  Great performance.This is the first auto transmission truck Ive owned going back to a 1972 Chevy (3-speed) and several 4 and 5 speed manual Chevys and one GMC since then. Its nice not to shift, since Im getting old!