Chevy Silverado 1500 | Used CHEV Trucks

The pickup truck has long been a mainstay of American byways and highways, and Chevrolet has been there from day one. Originally used and respected by farmers, construction workers and small-business owners, Chevrolet's hauler was a basic workhorse known for its reliability and longevity. More recent times have seen Chevy's full-size truck adopt the name Silverado, which was previously an upscale trim level.

As with its rivals, the modern-day 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 one wants something sporty, there are always the SS versions that come complete with a rumbling V8, bucket seats and flashy wheels.

Older versions of the Silverado 1500 pickup have been praised for their strong work ethic but soundly criticized for their bland, often overly plastic-endowed cabins. The latest version, however, exhibits greatly improved fit and finish. Where there was once an abundance of lackluster design, hard plastic and uneven panel gaps there are now richly grained upholstery, softer materials and precise fitments. Of course, there are other choices in the full-size pickup truck market, but the half-ton Chevrolet Silverado remains a solid pick no matter what its intended use.

Current Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The Chevrolet Silverado half-ton pickup truck is available in three body styles (regular-, extended- and crew cab) and trim levels ranging from no-frills "Work Truck" to plush LTZ. The most popular trim is the midlevel LT, which provides most features people want as standard, including air-conditioning, full power accessories and a CD player. Notable options include a variety of towing packages, the Z71 Off-Road Package and a navigation system.

Powertrain choices encompass everything from a frugal 4.3-liter 195-horsepower V6 to a muscular 6.2-liter V8 with 403 hp. Most Chevy Silverados, however, will be fitted with either a 295-hp 4.8-liter V8 or a 315-hp 5.3-liter V8. A four-speed automatic is standard across the board, while a six-speed automatic is available on all but the V6 and 4.8-liter V8s. As expected, one may choose either rear- or four-wheel drive.

Calling cards of the Silverado include strong performance, a refined and quiet ride (even with the heavy-duty towing package) and a comfortable, well-finished cabin. The few downsides we've noted in reviews include minor interior ergonomic issues and the hesitant response of the four-speed automatic transmission in downshift situations. GM's excellent six-speed automatic, however, is hard to fault with its smooth, on-point performance.