If you’re looking for the best, most reliable used truck on the market, then look no further than a Chevy Silverado, a truck known for its dependability, as well as its sheer power. One trip to your local pre-owned Chevy Silverado dealer, and you will see exactly why the Silverado is one of the most popular pickup trucks on the market. Whether you’ve driven with Chevy before or it’s your first time, once you get behind the wheel, you’ll realize why they have become one of the top brands for pre-owned trucks. From great towing and hauling abilities to top-of-the-line safety features, any of the most recent models will make an excellent used truck purchase.
Maybe you’re still on the fence about owning a pre-owned Silverado. But the durability, power, and attention to detail that Chevy puts into each of its models demonstrate its commitment to quality. And before you know it, you’re driving off the lot in a truck that you know will stay with you through thick and thin.
One thing to keep in mind when you’re shopping for a Silverado is to consider there are three different models to choose from: the 1500, 2500, and 3500. How does this affect your decision? If you’re simply looking for a daily ride to get you to and from the job site, plus maybe take a weekend away for some fun off-road, the 1500 is a great choice. It’ll get you where you need to go and then some. But if you find your needs are a little heavier, then the 2500 and 3500 models are there to help pick up the slack.
In production since 1999, the Silverado is now in its fourth generation and is still going strong. Each decade has seen the Silverado evolve into the lean, mean work machine it is today. So while there are plenty of great models from the early years, to keep it simple, we will highlight a few of the best models from the last 10-12 years or the third and fourth generations.
The Third Generation
With trucks gradually making the shift from work vehicles to an all-purpose family ride, Chevy continued to improve not only the mechanical aspects of the Silverado but also the safety features, comfort, and driveability, making them great vehicles that fit a variety of lifestyles and uses.
Some might say Chevy mastered the balance between work and play when it came to the 2014 Silverado 1500. The 2014 Silverado offered a variety of EcoTec3 engine options, including a V6 and two V8 options, which offered the Silverado praise for having the best V8 fuel economies of any light-duty truck. Plus, the truck received notice for offering the greatest towing abilities and highest torque of any available V6 engine. But keeping in mind that the market for high-end trucks was growing, Chevy invested plenty of time and effort in redesigning the cabin as well. This overhaul offered more storage options, high-end detailing, better connectivity with more USB plug-in options, and the addition of the Chevy MyLink.
The 2014 also received a noticeable facelift, which not only gave it a beefier, stronger presence but also helped improve performance in general with a roof and tailgate spoiler to help reduce drag, and inlaid doors that offered a quieter riding experience. The improvements extended to the interior, where Chevy designed a user-friendly control panel that included the new Chevy MyLink that enabled drivers to operate with their voice to easily stay connected while on the road.
With driver safety in mind, Chevy took the time to upgrade their safety features on the 2014 Silverado as well. Features included Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning with an Active Safety Seat, and Front and Rear Park Assist helped give families peace of mind behind the wheel. And when it came to hauling and towing, the StabiliTrak Trailer Sway Control came standard on all Silverados.
Another noteworthy year in the third generation would be the 2016 Silverado, which again received improvements and a noticeable redesign. Newly sculpted LED front and rear lights and a sculpted hood helped the Silverado stand out from previous years. While the available Power-Articulating assist steps, plus a new Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission with the 5.3L V8 engine were made available for the Silverado’s higher trim levels. Chevy continued the tradition of providing an efficient and low-maintenance truck by keeping the most fuel-efficient V8 engine ever. And to add even more power, customers had the option of the powerful 6.2L V8 engine, which provided the strength needed for heavier towing/hauling jobs.
The 2016 model also received an upgrade to the latest technology in the form of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allowed drivers to easily connect their smart devices and personalize their drive experience by streaming their favorite playlists, audiobooks, and podcasts. The newly integrated smart systems also made it possible for drivers to go hands-free, whether receiving GPS directions or sending/receiving calls. The new ease of connectivity helped promote a better and safer driving experience.
While built for comfort, the Silverado was also created to make jobs a little easier. With the EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate, drivers had easier access to the bed. The addition of a two-tier loading system, CornerStep rear bumper, and ergonomically shaped handholds made loading and unloading materials a cinch.
The Fourth Generation
Now in the fourth generation, the Silverado has only seen increasingly better improvements. Lighter and more efficient than the previous generation, the Silverado continues to dominate the truck market by providing dependable, long-lasting trucks at an unbeatable value.
The 2019 Silverado was the first year in the fourth generation of trucks, and it didn’t fail to impress. Starting with losing a little weight, the 2019 Silverado was up to 450lbs lighter than previous generations. But while the 2019 Silverado lost weight overall, it had grown in size. Starting with the wheelbase that was up to 3.9 inches longer, plus an added 1.6 inches to the overall length of the truck, there was not only more cargo room but also an increase in cabin space, making for a roomier and more comfortable ride overall.
The 2019 Silverado also saw the introduction of the all-new Durabed. The new Durabed offered best-in-class cargo volume, with up to 63 cu. ft. of space. For an increase in power, a new 3.0L turbo-diesel engine was offered, in addition to the previously offered highly efficient V6 and V8 engine options. With 12 stronger tie-downs and higher payloads, hauling and towing were made easier than ever before.
The Chevy infotainment system was offered with a 7-inch or 8-inch colored touch screen with voice recognition, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, personalized profiles, and a multi-touch display. Chevy continued to follow the tech trends by incorporating the latest in user-friendly tech to enhance the driver’s experience every time they got behind the wheel.
A great selection of safety features came standard with the 2019 Silverado, including StabiliTrak with rollover mitigation technology, trailer sway control, and hill-start assist to make hauling and towing easier and safer. Plus, with the addition of a Standard Rear Vision Camera, drivers were given a second set of eyes where they needed it the most.
From Start to Finish
Still in the fourth generation, the Silverado continues to impress on every level, from performance and utility to comfort and convenience. There’s a reason the Silverado is one of the best-selling used trucks of all time. With lasting abilities and low maintenance, the Silverado has become a staple with truck drivers, knowing they can depend on it year after year.
So whether you’re looking for a used truck only a few years older that has all the perks of a new truck without the heavy price tag, or you’re looking for a second vehicle for some rougher jobs, the Silverado is up for whatever challenge you put before it. Perfect for the job site, getting away for the weekend, or a night on the town, there is no wrong use for Chevy’s best-selling truck.
