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If you're looking for a vehicle on a budget, consider a used Chevy Silverado, one of the toughest, most dependable, and best-value pickup models anywhere. Hard workers in need of a harder working pickup, outdoorsy adventurers, ranchers, and casual drivers alike have made the Chevy Silverado one of the most popular truck brands around, and it's easy to see why. If you're on a budget and looking to save money without sacrificing a quality automobile, a Chevy Silverado is right for you.
Do you need a truck that you can rely on for towing and hauling? The Chevy Silverado is definitely fit for the job. Throughout the years, this truck brand has represented the perfect balance between strength, performance, comfort, and price. In fact, many people are shocked to learn about the amazing interior comfort features of a truck with such a hard-edged, strong exterior.
The Chevy Silverado has changed throughout the years, building on a reputation of quality without pricing out the average American consumer. Because of these changes, different Silverados have different distinct benefits that are ideal for different drivers. If you're considering a used truck like a Silverado, take note of which year, trim, and optional features may be best for you. Then head on over to Rick Hendrick Chevrolet to check out our quality lineup of Silverado trucks.
First introduced in 1999, Chevy designed a brand-new full-size pickup that was both affordable and dependable. Soon, it would become one of the most popular pickup trucks in the world. While there was technically a Chevy Silverado back in 1975, this was actually a trim option on the Chevy C/K, not the Silverado truck that we know today. The first generation of Silverados premiered as a pickup truck that was available in three cab styles: the two-door, four-door, and extended cab front-hinged four-door; there were also three bed styles: short, standard, and long.
In 2007, Chevy introduced the second generation of the Silverado - a dramatic redesign that improved on almost every aspect of this already popular pickup truck. Designed with the "new body style" and built on the "Shakebody" platform, it had a new frame and sleek, tough-looking exterior design. The Silverado was also made available with a lineup of more powerful engine options. The new LTZ trim offered a whopping 6.2-liter V8 engine that produced over 400 horsepower. Chevy proved that a large, bulky, and strong pickup truck could also perform well on the road with excellent handling and impressive speed.
They weren't just fast either - the second generation of the Silverado also had an impressive steel frame, new rear springs, hydraulic-powered body mounts, and other durability features that prepped these pickups for some rough treatment. They were designed to handle ranch roads, construction sites, warehouses, and other environments that required a tough and hardy vehicle. In other words, it was a Silverado optimized for both work and play. And believe it or not, this great all-around lineup of Silverado pickups also earned top safety awards, including accolades from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Motor Trend even named the 2007 Chevy Silverado its Truck of the Year.
All Silverados produced since 2014 are considered the third and current generation of trucks. Chevy was well aware of how successful the second generation of Silverados had been, so rather than radically redesigning the Silverado for the 2014 model year, Chevy made a few subtle improvements that made an already stellar pickup truck even better. For example, the 2014 Silverado has three available engines, the toughest being a 6.2-liter V8 EcoTec3 engine with a whopping 420 horsepower.
The EcoTec engines were aluminum-block, high-performance engines that were more efficient than ever. Their availability in a pickup truck showed Chevy's commitment to fuel economy in its tough, sporty trucks at a time when most of the public was resigned to the idea that pickup trucks had to sacrifice fuel economy for strength. The Silverado's balance of performance and fuel economy was further improved for the 2015 model year with the introduction of a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The new transmission boasted faster shifting and acceleration, while the additional gears also improved mileage.
The current generation of the Silverado is known for its strong steel-framed beds that can endure more abuse and haul more weight than ever. The steel is roll-formed rather than stamped, the latter processing being more common in competing trucks. Roll forming the steel beds and constructing the hood with aluminum made these Silverados tougher but also more lightweight, for an all-around reliable truck that was hardy but efficient.
Even better, trims like the LT Trail Boss include off-road suspension, better off-road tires, and the Z71 off-road package that makes these trucks as dependable on rough terrain as they are on city streets. In fact, many drivers have pursued the Silverado LT Trail Boss as a recreational off-road vehicle. Add to that the Silverado's ample hauling capacity, and you have the perfect vehicle for off-road adventures like camping and beach drives.
Towing capacity for the Chevy Silverado has changed throughout the years, but Chevy has always branded the Silverado as one of the toughest pickup trucks on the road. This has remained consistent as the Silverado has improved year by year, including upgraded suspension to adjust to heavy-duty hauling and towing. The latest Silverado 3500HD can tow as much as 36,000 lbs. But even the original 2001 Silverado 3500HD can tow up to 15,000 lbs, providing plenty of capability for recreational drivers. However, different Silverados of the same year can have vastly different tow capacities based on their trim and packages - so if you want a tough Silverado for your towing needs, be sure to check the exact details and specifications for any used Chevy Silverado you are considering.
As with towing capacity, Chevy Silverados have vastly improved their comfort features throughout the years. Chevy introduced its first luxury trim, the High Country, for the third generation Silverado. The High Country includes attractive but resilient leather upholstery, special badging, and a more comfortable cabin. More recent editions of the High Country Silverado have included advanced luxury comfort features like heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and even ventilated upholstery that stays cool in hot weather. Add to that amazing style upgrades, and every High Country edition cabin looks as luxurious as it feels.
Who says you can't be comfortable in a pickup truck? And you don't even have to upgrade to the highest trim package for a comfortable ride. Extended cab Silverados are known for their spacious cabins with more legroom, enlarged storage spaces, and more "foot swing" room that makes getting in and out of the truck easier and more ergonomic.
Chevy Silverados have certainly improved through the years. But do all the recent developments mean that you should spring for a brand-new Chevy Silverado? If you need the absolute best capability and comfort available, then a new truck is a great choice. However, if you are looking to save money, then you get a better value when you buy used. Used trucks also retain their value well, meaning that you will get more of your money back when it is time to sell.
Buying a car is a serious investment, even if you shop used. However, buying from a dealership guarantees your vehicle has undergone maintenance, inspections, detailing, and ongoing maintenance services - benefits that no independent seller can offer. Don't just shop at any old Chevy dealer either. An excellent dealer will stock a wide selection of used trucks, offer excellent deals, have guaranteed quality and safety checks before any truck is displayed on the lot, and provide a reliable service center.
Visit Rick Hendrick Chevrolet of Buford if you want the best local selection of quality used Chevrolets. We proudly serve Buford and all of the Atlanta, GA, area. It doesn't go in our inventory unless we know it's almost as good as new - and we even sell Certified Pre-Owned Chevy trucks with extended factory warranties. If you need an affordable truck that is as tough as you are, it is time to visit Rick Hendrick Chevrolet of Buford.