Since the introduction of the Chevrolet Silverado in 1975, there have been several improvements and upgrades made yearly with new trim levels, features, and equipment.
Even with the yearly improvements, there are still some reliable Chevrolet Silverado models that stand out. This article points out the 5 most reliable Chevrolet Silverado 1500 models.
Chevrolet Silverado models
For most people looking for a reliable workhorse with high performance, the Chevrolet Silverado is their first choice.
It is known for its versatility and reliability, as well as its advanced technology, not to mention, its space and hauling capacity.
All Chevrolet Silverado models are grouped into “generations” based on their Chevrolet Silverado model years. These categories are:
4th Gen (GMTT1XX) Facelift: 2022 – now
4th Gen (GMTT1XX): 2019–2021
3rd Gen (GMTK2XX) Facelift: 2016–2018
3rd Gen (GMTK2XX): 2014–2015
2nd Gen (GMT900): 2007-2013
1st Gen (GMT800): 1999-2006
Top five most reliable Chevrolet Silverado models
These are our choices:
2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Known for its great towing performance and excellent on-road performance, the 2017 model makes it into the top 5 most reliable Chevrolet Silverado models.
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Its exterior and interior features, as well as its range, make the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado stand out compared to earlier models.
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: This model comes with a great infotainment system, a comfortable cabin, and safety features and equipment.
2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: The 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has a great blend of performance and economy, offers a smooth and quiet ride, and has a comfortable cabin.
2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: The 2011 models come with numerous features and engine options, with good payload and towing capabilities.
Be aware that this list is a comprehensive list of the best five Chevrolet models so far, based on reviews and observations.
This doesn't imply that it can serve as an alternative to a vehicle history report. The only way to determine the reliability of your vehicle is by getting a detailed report that uncovers the history of your vehicle and leaves you with the accident and damage history, service and maintenance history, theft history, salvage, junk, or rebuilt records, auction history, and more.
Get a car history report from Detailed Vehicle History using just your VIN number and make an informed decision before buying that used vehicle.
Let's take a deep dive into each Chevrolet Silverado model and analyze their pros and cons individually.
1. 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 model stands out as one of the best pickup trucks, with a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5.
It has strong optional V8 engines, outstanding towing capacity, a comfortable upscale cabin, and cabin technology that is both user-friendly and easy to navigate.
The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes in several trims, such as the base Work Truck, LS, LT, LT Z71, LTZ, LTZ Z71, and High Country.
The powertrain options that are available with the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 are a 3-liter V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower, a 5.3-liter V8 engine that produces 355 horsepower, and a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 horsepower.
All engines come with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive. There is also an option for four-wheel drive.
The features that were introduced with this model include a rearview camera, a 6-speaker audio system, Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Higher trims offered additional luxuries such as leather upholstery, a larger touch screen, a premium audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
2. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 received accolades for its smooth and refined ride. It also has a really comfortable and spacious interior with good handling and braking capabilities. It also comes with a really good range.
The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a full-size pickup truck that comes in different trims, such as base Work Truck, LS, LT, and LTZ. Some of the features included
In this Chevy Silverado model include Bluetooth connectivity, a good 4-speaker audio system, satellite radio, and a rearview camera. Other higher trims included better extras like a large touch screen, a rear-seat entertainment system, and so on.
When it comes to the powertrain options included, we have a 4.3-liter V6 engine that puts out 195 horsepower, a 4.8-liter V8 engine with a nice 302 horsepower, a 5.3-liter V8 engine generating 315 horsepower, and a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 403 horsepower.
All engines in the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, a standard rear-wheel drive, and a four-wheel optional drive.
Note that there are complaints about this model regarding its interior designs, which are labeled “bland and uninspiring,” and its sluggish V6 performance. Nonetheless, it has a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5.
3. 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
4. 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers a selection of body designs, axles, cabs, interior improvements, and E85-compatible engines. It has the base work truck, LS, LT, and LTZ trims, and various engine options.
The powertrain options include a 4.6-liter V6 engine generating 195 horsepower, a 5.3-liter V8 engine with 302 horsepower, and finally, a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 403 horsepower.
Similar to the other models, it comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, standard rear-wheel drive, and optional four-wheel drive.
Some of the features offered in this model include a rearview camera, a 4-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, and satellite radio.
The higher trims have more features, such as the 6-speaker audio system, a large touch screen, a classy and premium audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
The 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, with a reliability rating of 3 out of 5, has been praised for its smooth rides, good handling, and spacious interior.
It is also hard to maneuver in tight spaces with the 2013 Chevy Silverado, and it uses low-quality interior plastics.
5. 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado also falls under the category of the best 5 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 models.
This model has a comfortable interior, good braking abilities, and offers a smooth ride. The trims available for this model are the base work truck, LS, LT, and LTZ.
It has several engine options; a 4.3-liter V6 engine generating 195 horsepower, a 4.8-liter V8 engine generating 302 horsepower, a 5.3-liter V8 engine with 315 horsepower, and lastly, a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 403 horsepower.
Most of the features in the 2011 model are quite basic compared to the other models, as this is the earliest on our list. It is also considered to have a weak base engine and limited backseat space.
In conclusion, if you are just out there in search of a good pick-up truck with excellent reliability, then you should consider the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 model.
Not just any Chevy Silverado; make sure to get the best out of the best. They are the 2017, 2012, 2018, 2013, and 2011 models. Choosing one of these models would leave you with a lot of features and capabilities to explore. To get more detailed information about a specific vehicle, you can check its chevrolet build sheet by vin.
