Blast From the Past: Chevy Silverado Models Worth Buying Used

The future for one of America’s favorite pickup trucks officially includes an all-electric version. For some, the first-ever Chevy Silverado EV is a breath of fresh air, literally and metaphorically. If you find yourself stuck in the past and prefer vehicles like those with the old-school carbureted motors due to their simplicity and power, the electric vehicle age we are upon may seem intimidating. With the rise of all-electric vehicles, we will learn how to evolve as we have in the past with fuel-injected motors and even hybrids. But if you are not quite ready to move into the future with an electric Silverado, here at your Certified Pre-Owned Silverado dealer, we understand how hard letting go of the past can be. So, for now, let us enjoy a blast from the Silverado’s past to help you find your next Silverado model.

The Becoming of the Iconic Chevy Silverado

Chevrolet has been providing drivers with trucks built with purpose for over a century now. Chevy’s first truck, the One-Ton, was introduced in 1918, while the beloved Chevy Silverado did not join the market as a stand-alone model until 1999. This, of course, was after it showed promise as the top-level trim for its predecessor, the Chevy C/K pickup, beginning in 1975.

Not unlike Chevy’s first truck models built primarily for work, through the years, the Silverado has carried on the legacy of Chevy trucks by providing the workhorse capabilities and performance we expect. The Silverado has also become a family-friendly commuter vehicle worthy of any job or adventure. It has proved its versatility to drivers with its availability in light to heavy-duty versions, fuel efficiency, customizable cabin sizes, cargo bed options, and trim levels, making it a model fit for any person with any lifestyle. As we have watched the Silverado evolve with the world around us, becoming a model customizable for anyone and any purpose, it has advanced in styling, materials, technology, and safety features beyond the wildest dreams of enthusiasts from the past.

With the Chevy Silverado advancing further with technology and into the all-electric age, if you are not ready to let go of the past quite yet, looking into pre-owned models may be best for you when you are ready to find your next Silverado. With the availability of certified pre-owned trucks, you can find a gently used Silverado that has met specific criteria to ensure you are buying a quality model. Plus, with a Certified Pre-Owned Silverado, you will receive benefits similar to what you get when you purchase new models like warranties, scheduled maintenance, roadside assistance, and even trials for SiriusXM and OnStar. To help you get started on your hunt, check out these top used Silverado models we have put together for you.

Chevy Silverado First Generation (1999-2006)

Many of the early Chevy Silverado models fared well in popularity and reliability. Alongside the first-generation models, other improvements not found in its predecessor were introduced, like the hydroformed frame for added stiffness and strength and the new line of Vortec engines offering the Silverado more power under the hood with the top 5.3L V8 engine producing 270 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Not to mention the interior received improvements over the C/K truck distinguishing it as a versatile pickup for any occasion, whether for work, for the family, or as a daily driver. Some of these included a rear driver-side door on the extended-cab Silverados that allowed for easier entry into the rear seat, already providing more legroom than previously. The newly designed bucket seats with a center console, found on the higher-level trims, were other additions benefiting drivers whose focus was on a family vehicle.

Although the first-generation Silverado models did well overall, Chevy did encounter a few bumps in the road. The 2003, 2004, and 2005 Silverado model years had the most overall complaints, many of them being for steering, interior accessory, AC/heater, or electrical problems. As for the best years from this generation, you will want to look for a 1999, 2002, or even a 2006 Silverado model, all with few complaints from drivers. However, due to the high standards for Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, if you do decide to buy one of the classic Chevy Silverado models, you won’t be able to benefit from Chevy’s CPO program because the first-generation models are too old to qualify.

Chevy Silverado Second Generation (2007-2013)

Moving on up to our Chevy Silverado’s second generation, we bring you more models that unfortunately do not meet the less than six years old criteria needed to qualify for becoming a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. As disappointing as this may be, one of Chevy’s most reliable Silverado models is from this generation, the 2012 model year. So if you do happen to find a gently-used 2012 Chevy Silverado for sale, you are in for a treat.

The fully-remodeled second-generation Silverado trucks were bigger, stronger, more family-focused, and safer than the last generation providing its drivers with improved designs for those focused on a work vehicle and those looking for more comfort and luxury in their daily driver and family vehicle. As a whole, this generation had the least amount of recalls throughout its years of production, with 2012 being the best model year of all. Other years worth looking into or purchasing from us are 2010 and 2011. On the other hand, models recommended to avoid from this generation are the 2007 and 2008 Silverado models that received the most complaints from drivers regarding the engine, interior accessory, and electrical problems.

Chevy Silverado Third Generation (2014-2018)

During this time, families were looking for versatility more than ever, with trucks being their chosen do-it-all vehicle. Chevy considered the drivers’ needs and continued to improve the Silverado into the third generation by putting even more focus on safety and comfort for its drivers and their families. Improvements under the hood were also made for these models, with the upgraded engines and transmissions leading the Silverado to the top of its class with the most fuel-efficient V8.

With the increased demand for trucks came increased competitiveness which led Chevy to start on its next-generation Silverado sooner than in previous years, resulting in a short-lived third generation. The worst models from this short period are from 2014, with the most complaints about transmission and AC/heater problems. The 2014 model was not only the worst from this generation, but it ranks the lowest in Silverado history. The last model year of the third-generation Silverado just so happens to be the better of the others, which is great because currently, its age does qualify to be a Certified Pre-Owned Chevy. But good luck finding one because 2018 is another one of the Silverado’s most reliable years.

Chevy Silverado Fourth Generation (2019-Present)

Here we are with our present-day fourth-generation Chevy Silverado models. The new Silverado features a bolder look with a sculpted exterior, refreshed interior, and is bigger yet lighter and more customizable than ever. The body and frame are now built with added length for better comfort with increased interior legroom on crew-cab models and are built with a mixture of aluminum and ultra-high-strength steel, allowing the Silverado to shed over 400 pounds of weight for greater efficiency and capability. Now with added trim levels and powertrain options for better customization, including off-road specific trims and turbo-diesel and 4-cylinder engine options, the Silverado is more versatile than ever before.

If you were interested in buying a used fourth-generation Chevy Silverado, we would recommend you air on the side of caution with the 2019 model year. This is primarily because typically, the first models of a generation usually end up with the most recalls and complaints since the kinks are still getting worked out from the remodel. With this generation still being fairly new to us, there is not much data regarding which years may be more reliable for you to choose from. This, however, should not discourage you because this generation qualifies in age for Chevy’s Certified Pre-Owned program, meaning you would also get two factory-backed warranties to give you peace of mind for the unknown. You would get a 6-Year or 100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty (whichever comes first) and a 12-Month or 12,000-Mile Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty (whichever comes first).

Choosing Your Future Silverado

After reminiscing about the history of the iconic Chevy Silverado and the best models to buy used, we hope we helped ease some of the stress you may be feeling regarding your next Silverado purchase. We know the future of vehicles, including the Chevy Silverado EV, is intimidating. We get comfortable with what we know and what we are used to, and there is nothing wrong with that. If you are not ready to jump into the future with an all-electric vehicle and want to stick with a one you know and trust, look into some of the previous Silverado model years we recommended. If you find yourself having trouble choosing a model or finding one to fit your needs, just remember that here at your Certified Pre-Owned Silverado dealer, we want your next Silverado to be everything you want and need it to be. Your experience here will be judgment-free, whether you’re buying new, used, or Certified Pre-Owned that runs on fuel or comes from the future running exclusively on electricity.