I’m sure that many of us are already familiar with the Chevrolet Silverado. It seems impossible to go a day without seeing one.
In the United States alone, it’s among the top-selling vehicles of all time, with over 12 million units sold since it was launched. So, we can’t help but ask: What makes it so in-demand?
Well, there seems to be a variety of responses to this question. Some love it for its powerful engine, some admire its off-roading capabilities, and others choose it for its reliability.
We heard so many answers, but only one thing is certain — your experiences with this pickup truck depend on the model year you have. Although we always hear about the pros, it’s important to note that the Silverado also has a few letdowns in its lineup.
We’re here to shed some clarity on the matter. You can find everything about which model years you should consider and which ones you should steer clear of below.
What are the best and worst Chevrolet Silverado model years?
The best Chevrolet Silverado model years to invest in are 2006, 2008, 2011, 2018, and 2019, while the worst ones to buy are 2005, 2014, and 2015.
The best and worst Chevrolet Silverado models were chosen based on consumer and expert reviews, reliability ratings, notable features, and known issues.
Since its earliest days, the Chevrolet Silverado has been a ‘fan favorite’ among car owners. Over the years, it has retained that status and has remained one of the most recognizable cars you’ll see on the road.
Back in 1999, the Silverado swiftly gained popularity after it was introduced as a full-size pickup truck. Its striking look, powerful engine, and towing capabilities were a huge hit among workers and business owners.
It wasn’t until 2007 that Chevrolet decided to give the car a major facelift. The Silverado’s second generation was redesigned to have better aerodynamics and overall performance — leading to 2 notable awards crowning it the ‘Truck of the Year’.
By 2014, the Chevy Silverado entered its third generation with a whole slew of advanced features. However, the cars and the improvements that came with this era weren’t met with as much love as the earlier iterations.
It was likely due to these missteps that the next generation came only 5 years after the previous one (its shortest phase yet). Since 2019, the Silverado has been in its fourth generation and isn’t expected to enter its next stage until 2027.
With all of this in mind, let’s take a look at the model years that made the Chevrolet Silverado a household name.
What are the best Chevrolet Silverado model years?
The best Chevrolet Silverado model years are 2006, 2008, 2011, 2018, and 2019. These model years received high consumer/expert ratings and good reliability scores and had very few recalls or issues.
2019 Chevrolet Silverado (4th Generation)
After the lukewarm response to the Chevrolet Silverado’s third generation, the fourth generation was a much-needed reset. The 2019 was a complete redesign that had plenty of well-received modifications.
One of the biggest changes was that the hood, tailgate, and doors were now made with aluminum instead of steel. This made the truck much lighter than before, despite visibly being taller, wider, and longer.
And because the truck grew, passenger comfort also increased. There was now an additional 3 inches of legroom inside the cabin.
As for the engine, the 2019 Silverado accelerates much faster compared to its predecessors, thanks to the new 5.3-liter V8. The car’s impressive steering and braking capabilities also allow easy handling.
2018 Chevrolet Silverado (3rd Generation)
After 4 mediocre model years, Chevrolet had to shake things up for the third generation. When the 2018 Silverado model year was released, experts agreed that it was a huge improvement.
Unfortunately, it was ultimately overshadowed by the recalls and the issues that led up to that point. People had their doubts about the Silverado’s reliability.
However, time has only proven that the 2018 model year deserves to be acknowledged as one of the best in the bunch.
Years after its release, the 2018 Silverado is still considered one of the models to invest in. It has great fuel economy due to the handy eAssist package that it comes with.
It’s also a highly configurable truck because of the powerful engine options. Drivers could tailor their driving experience according to their lifestyle.
There were also other upgrades, such as a new rearview camera, a well-insulated cabin, and an attractive infotainment panel that enhanced the driving experience.
Lastly, the car received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA. It’s because of all of these that the car was included in the Edmunds’ list for The Best Pickup Truck of 2018.
2011 Chevrolet Silverado (2nd Generation)
It may not have been as flashy as its competitors at the time of its release, but plenty of drivers still preferred the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado. By the end of the year, it was widely regarded as one of the best in its category.
Chevrolet enthusiasts loved its amazing towing capabilities. It could tow up to 10,700 pounds while still being a smooth ride.
The low noise levels and comfortable seats inside the cabin were also a huge plus. Many noted that these made the car perfect for long-distance drives.
An Edmunds test proved that its acceleration was among the best for trucks that year. Its 6.2-liter V8 engine allowed it to go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds.
Steering was improved as well to be more precise compared to previous model years. This made the full-size 2011 Silverado truck feel light and pleasant to drive.
2008 Chevrolet Silverado (2nd Generation)
The 2008 Chevrolet Silverado fully embodies what most people have come to expect from a full-size pickup truck. It’s comfortable enough for everyday driving while still having the capability for heavy-duty lifting.
There are also several body styles to choose from so that drivers can configure their Silverados the way they like.
As for safety, the 2008 Silverado received a perfect five-star rating for front and side-impact crash protection.
It’s an incredibly well-rounded car in terms of speed, power, and comfort. This is why it made Car and Driver’s list for the Best Trucks of 2008.
Even more than a decade after its release, owners over at cars.com are still calling it one of the most reliable vehicles they’ve had. Today, 88% out of 1,427 owners still recommend the Silverado on Kelley Blue Book.
2006 Chevrolet Silverado (1st Generation)
It had a good run from its debut up to this point, but it really wasn’t until 2006 that the Silverado peaked for the first generation. As it turns out, this model year would still be considered good almost 20 years after it was released.
The 2006 Silverado has a 6-liter VortecMAX engine with 348 horsepower which allows it to perform well. And despite being quite powerful, it was still fuel-efficient.
Additionally, the car came with the OnStar communications system, which was considered very innovative at the time. This is a safety feature that offers 24-hour on-call emergency support in case of any incidents.
Due to its age, it’s one of the more affordable Silverado options today, but that is in no way related to its quality. In fact, a well-maintained model can last up to 300,000 miles, with some owners even managing to exceed this.
What are the worst Chevrolet Silverado model years?
The worst Chevrolet Silverado model years are 2005, 2014, and 2015. These are regarded as models to avoid at all costs due to the number of issues that they come with, such as low quality or poorly assembled parts.
2015 Chevrolet Silverado (3rd Generation)
The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado could’ve been a decent vehicle if it weren’t for the many issues that threatened the safety of its passengers.
A total of 15 recalls were made for this model, with some issues concerning the incorrect assembly of the seatbelts (N212330040) and the airbags (N202324251).
Chevrolet also had to replace the brake pedal in this model year as there was a chance that the pivot nut could loosen. This could lead to the brake pedal either getting detached or being inoperative (Recall 18278).
Outside of the recalls, the 150,000 to 200,000-mileage range of this car also felt disappointing. Although this is somewhat decent, it pales in comparison to older models that could reach up to 300,000 miles.
2014 Chevrolet Silverado (3rd Generation)
The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado seemed like a dream at first, especially with its new and improved V6 engine and good fuel economy. But it wasn’t until drivers started to notice unfixable issues that it felt closer to a nightmare.
Chevrolet enthusiasts have come to expect a smooth drive from a Silverado, but the 2014 model year was a huge letdown. Drivers complained of it feeling like a bumpy ride whenever the car reached freeway speeds.
In addition to this, many reported that the acceleration felt sluggish. It was as if the truck would hesitate.
The final nail in the coffin was that the 2014 model year had 9 recalls. These mostly involved the airbags, which did not deploy in some cases (Recall 16007), and some poorly assembled seatbelts (N212330040).
2005 Chevrolet Silverado (1st Generation)
The 2005 Chevrolet Silverado may not seem too bad, but it sticks out like a sore thumb next to all the well-performing first-generation Silverados.
One of the most common issues that the 2005 Silverado had was with the steering wheel. It was hard to turn at times, and some owners even experienced a loss of power steering.
Its V6 engine was also considered somewhat weak, with only 195 horsepower. A few owners have even complained about overheating problems, but this was fortunately contained to only a few units.
Plenty of owners expressed annoyance over the faulty radio system as well. At times, there would either be a buzzing noise, or it wouldn’t turn on at all.
Lastly, the brake lines were also known to rust, resulting in many people having to replace them. However, no recalls were made in relation to this problem.
What were the major changes for every Chevrolet Silverado Generation?
The Chevrolet Silverado has had major changes in performance and design for each generation. Throughout the years, the Silverado was improved to have a stronger engine, better aerodynamics, and a more comfortable interior.
1st Generation (1999 – 2006)
The Silverado was originally launched to become a bigger and better version of Chevrolet’s C/K pickup. Ultimately, the Silverado ended up being its replacement as the C/K officially said goodbye in 2002.
Meanwhile, the Silverado was busy making history. As a pickup truck, it was the first automatic transmission car with a tow-haul/mode, the first to have standard four-wheel disc brakes, and the first 4WD system that could be driven on dry pavement.
All of the Silverado’s victories during its first-generation run set the tone for what was soon going to be one of the best-selling vehicles of all time.
2nd Generation (2007 – 2013)
Due to its strong start, the 2nd generation was mostly about fine-tuning the Silverado. Chevrolet introduced new innovations that ended up being well-received by the public.
Among these innovations were impressive safety features that drivers enjoyed. This includes new airbags, parking assist, navigation, and stability control.
There was also a significant decrease in recalls and complaints, showcasing just how hands-on Chevrolet was during this cycle.
3rd Generation (2014 – 2018)
By the 3rd generation, the Silverado was already a top choice for pickup trucks. Unfortunately, it failed to go beyond the standard that it had already set.
Right out of the gate, the first model year of this generation (the 2014 model) received a reliability rating of 2 out of 5, along with thousands of complaints. Recalls also became a common occurrence for the succeeding model years.
Even the redesign was criticized for not being too different from the previous variant. In the end, it was all of these misfires that made the Silverado’s third generation the shortest and most disappointing one yet.
4th Generation (2019 – Present)
Chevrolet knew that it needed an overhaul to recapture the hearts of enthusiasts. They fortunately delivered with the Silverado’s fourth generation.
Since 2019, the Silverado has had upgrades that improved its fuel economy, performance, aerodynamic design, weight, and overall reliability. Both critics and consumers have praised the most recent model years, save for its price point.
And although this generation is still ongoing, they’ve received significantly fewer complaints. Of course, the Silverado still has the occasional recall, but Chevrolet is actively showing that they are learning from their mistakes.
As of now, there are no official announcements regarding the Silverado’s fifth generation except for a few predictions stating that it’ll be out by 2027.
Consumer/Expert Ratings for All Chevrolet Silverado Years
| Chevrolet Silverado Model Year | KBB Consumer Rating | Edmunds Consumer Rating | Car and Driver Rating | J.D. Power Consumer Rating |
| 2025 | 3.9/5 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 82/100 |
| 2024 | 3.9/5 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 82/100 |
| 2023 | 3.9/5 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 81/100 |
| 2022 | 3.9/5 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | N/A |
| 2021 | 3.9/5 | 7.2/10 | 8/10 | 82/100 |
| 2020 | 3.9/5 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 83/100 |
| 2019 | 4.3/5 | 7.2/10 | 9/10 | 81/100 |
| 2018 | 4.3/5 | 7.2/10 | 9/10 | 84/100 |
| 2017 | 4.3/5 | 3.5/5 | 9/10 | 81/100 |
| 2016 | 4.3/5 | 3.5/5 | N/A | 84/100 |
| 2015 | 4.3/5 | 3.5/5 | N/A | 83/100 |
| 2014 | 4.3/5 | 3.5/5 | N/A | 80/100 |
| 2013 | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 | N/A | 83/100 |
| 2012 | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 | N/A | 83/100 |
| 2011 | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 | N/A | 81/100 |
| 2010 | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 | N/A | 83/100 |
| 2009 | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 | N/A | 82/100 |
| 2008 | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 | N/A | 83/100 |
| 2007 | 4.5/5 | N/A | N/A | 82/100 |
| 2006 | 4.5/5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2005 | 4.5/5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2004 | 4.5/5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2003 | 4.5/5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2002 | 4.5/5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2001 | 4.5/5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2000 | 4.5/5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 1999 | 4.5/5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
What is the best Chevrolet Silverado to buy?
The best Chevrolet Silverado to buy is the 2018 model year. It’s reliable and has modern luxury features while still being at a more accessible price point compared to the newer models.
The 2018 Silverado stood out as the best of its generation. Out of all the Silverado model years, it received the highest reliability rating from J.D. Power, with a score of 84/100.
Some of the attractive features that it comes with include the innovative Chevy MyLink infotainment system, the eAssist system for the engine, and the rear seat entertainment system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
