Chevrolet Silverado
Full-size pickup (half-ton) · 1999–present. 358,771 units sold in the US in 2024
How it began
Chevrolet, General Motors’ brand, which has built pickups since 1918. Silverado began in 1975 as the top trim of the C/K line and in 1999 became the name of the whole full-size pickup family. Documented engineers include Jeff Luke, executive chief engineer of the 2014 Silverado; Tim Asoklis, chief engineer of the 2019; and Mark Dickens, executive chief engineer of the 2027, with Phil Zak as Chevrolet's executive design director.
GM documents outgoing Silverado 1500 production at Fort Wayne, Indiana, while a June 2026 report also identifies Silao and Oshawa. Flint builds HD versions. For the new MY2027 generation, Chevrolet’s release identifies North American facilities generally and announces V8 allocation to Flint, Tonawanda and St. Catharines. A later Cluster Industrial report, citing GM Authority, dates the first units at Silao to October 12, 2026, with Fort Wayne expected to join in 2027.
The Silverado name debuted for the 1975 model year as the top C/K trim. It arrived as its own model for 1999, Chevrolet's first all-new pickup in eleven years. The fifth generation (2027 model) was unveiled on June 16, 2026 and Chevrolet expects it to reach dealers in late 2026.
Silverado appeared for MY1975 as a luxury C/K trim, with woodgrain dash trim, upgraded vinyl and bright metal moldings. For nearly 25 years it identified the top version; for MY1999 it became the model name. The cited GM histories explain that evolution without giving an etymology. Chevrolet also offers Cheyenne in Mexico, including LT, RST, High Country and ZR2 trims.
Chevrolet replaced a pickup that had been on sale for eleven years. GM described the 1999 Silverado as having the largest cab in its segment, standard four-wheel disc brakes and a V8 family related to the Corvette LS1. It combined work and towing capability with a comfortable cabin for daily family use.
Generation by generation
- Gen. 01975–1998 · C/K (acabado Silverado)
The origin: Silverado as a C/K trim
Photo: Rutger van der Maar · CC BY 2.0 What changed. Before becoming a model, Silverado was the top C/K trim from MY1975. In a GM history, Jeff Luke recalled the 1985 Silverado he ordered with his father, equipped with a 305-cubic-inch V8. He explained that AM/FM radio and manual crank windows were standard, while power windows were optional.
The innovation. Bringing car comforts to a work truck: woodgrain dash trim, upgraded vinyl upholstery and bright metal body trim.
If you buy one usedSilverado was a Chevrolet C/K trim before becoming a separate model in 1999; trucks from 1975–1998 are now over 25 model-years old. A trim-name search does not clear the underlying chassis or installed replacement parts. Specified 1997–1998 FRAM replacement fuel/oil-filter programs include 06E043 and 07E088, with part/date-code limits. Check the actual chassis identity, installed equipment, VIN campaigns, frame/body condition and service history before buying. - Gen. 11999–2007 (Classic) · GMT800
The first Silverado: a Corvette heart
Photo: Rutger van der Maar · CC BY 2.0 What changed. Chevrolet's first all-new pickup in eleven years. Partially hydroformed frame, new suspension, body and interior, and the largest cab in the segment. The 4.8-liter (255 hp), 5.3-liter (270 hp) and 6.0-liter (300 hp) V8s were direct relatives of the Corvette LS1; the 4.3-liter V6 (200 hp) carried over from the C/K. A 2003 update refreshed the front end and added Quadrasteer four-wheel steering and Bose audio.
The innovation. First full-size pickup with standard four-wheel disc brakes, and the debut of AutoTrac, which detects tire slip and engages four-wheel drive on its own.
If you buy one usedCampaign 06V066000 was reported March 8, 2006 for certain 1999–2000 Silverado/Sierra tailgate cables; 805,368 is the combined program population. GM’s April owner letter promises free stainless-cable replacement and hinge inspection/replacement if needed. Until the cables are replaced, do not stand, sit or place loads on the open horizontal tailgate; the letter calls for removing it during loading/unloading. Confirm completion by VIN. The 2007 Classic is the preceding Silverado body offered alongside the redesigned 2007 truck; distinguish bodies and actual equipment when ordering parts. - Gen. 22007–2013 · GMT900
Stiffer, quieter, with a Two-Mode hybrid system
Photo: HJUdall · CC0 What changed. New inside and out. A fully boxed hydroformed frame, far stiffer than before; front torsion bars gave way to coilover springs, and the cabin became remarkably quiet. Two interiors: a work version (WT and LT) and a luxury version (LTZ) borrowed from the Tahoe. The 5.3- and 6.0-liter V8s were fourth-generation Small Blocks.
The innovation. This generation offered GM’s Two-Mode full-hybrid system. It followed the earlier Silverado’s simpler hybrid system, which GM had already announced for fleets in 2004 and for retail customers as MY2005.
If you buy one usedTakata campaign 21V050000 includes specified 2007–2011 Silverado 1500 and 2009–2011 2500/3500 Zone A vehicles, including Florida, plus certain 2007–2008 light-duty Zone B vehicles. The 2,641,272 total includes other GM nameplates. Passenger inflator propellant degradation can cause explosion; alternate-inflator replacement is free. The actual May 2021 letter requires service to confirm the correct part even after some recent inflator/airbag replacements. GM disputed its obligations through earlier inconsequentiality petitions, which NHTSA denied in November 2020; GM says it decided not to contest that decision. Verify the applicable phase, geographic history and completed VIN-specific remedy. - Gen. 32014–2019 (LD) · K2XX
EcoTec3 engines and the first with Wi-Fi
Photo: Mr.choppers · CC BY-SA 3.0 What changed. Launched in May 2013 in Texas. Three new EcoTec3 engines with direct injection and cylinder deactivation: a 4.3-liter V6 (285 hp), a 5.3-liter V8 (355 hp) and a 6.2-liter V8, which with the max trailering package reached 12,000 pounds. Aluminum hood, inlaid doors to cut wind noise, and forward collision and lane departure alerts. The High Country trim put Chevrolet back in luxury pickups.
The innovation. The MY2015 brochure already offered OnStar 4G LTE with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot and advertised it as a pickup first. It required active OnStar service, a data plan and compatible devices.
If you buy one usedCampaign 19V645000, reported September 6, 2019, includes specified 2014–2018 Silverado 1500 brake-vacuum systems whose pump output can decrease over time, reducing assist and requiring more pedal effort. Its 3,456,719 population covers multiple GM models. The published free remedy reprograms the Electronic Brake Control Module. Verify actual VIN eligibility, prior work and the cause of any hard pedal with a qualified shop. - Gen. 42019– · T1XX
450 pounds lighter with a turbo four
Photo: HJUdall · CC0 What changed. Revealed on December 16, 2017 in Texas during the Chevrolet truck centennial. Up to 450 pounds lighter thanks to aluminum doors, hood and tailgate on a frame that is 80% high-strength steel, while the wheelbase grew 3.9 inches. Engines: a 2.7-liter turbo four (310 hp), 5.3 (355 hp) and 6.2-liter (420 hp) V8s with Dynamic Fuel Management, and the 3.0-liter inline-six Duramax diesel with a 10-speed. A new interior, the ZR2 trim and Super Cruise arrived for 2022.
The innovation. Dynamic Fuel Management: the V8 picks from 17 active-cylinder patterns and recalculates 80 times per second, versus just two modes in the earlier system.
If you buy one usedFor certain 2021–2024 Silverado 1500 L87 6.2-liter V8 vehicles within the March 1, 2021–May 31, 2024 suspect build window, 25V274 covers rod/crank manufacturing defects and engine failure. The manufacturer reports 107,244 Silverados within 597,571 GM vehicles. Dealers inspect and repair or replace as needed; passing engines receive higher-viscosity oil and the prescribed cap/filter/manual work. Confirm actual eligibility and records. Certain 2026 4WD/AWD Silverado 1500s also have transfer-case campaign 26V289: do not drive until its inspection and any required case replacement are completed. - Gen. 52027–present · Nueva generación 2027
Two new V8s and 60 inches of screens
What changed. Chevrolet revealed the new generation on June 16, 2026, with arrival expected late that year. The release updated October 2 specifies new V8s: a 402-hp 5.7 and 481-hp 6.6, alongside a 350-hp 2.7 TurboMax and 305-hp 3.0 Duramax, all with a ten-speed automatic. The properly configured 5.7 can tow up to 13,700 pounds. A 16.3-inch center screen and 12.2-inch cluster are standard; ZR2 and High Country add an 11.5-inch passenger screen. There are seven trims, including Silverado, formerly LT. Release prices range from $41,395 for WT to $79,995 for ZR2, including destination.
The innovation. Super Cruise with trailering up to 13,600 pounds: hands-free driving on about 630,000 miles of North American roads, even while towing.
If you buy one usedGM’s June 2026 announcement, updated October 2, forecast end-of-year sales for the all-new 2027 Silverado. Verify actual availability and the specific body/VIN; that forecast does not prove delivery status or the absence of pre-delivery recalls. Exact NHTSA Chevrolet/Silverado and Silverado 1500 queries for 2027 each returned zero on November 3, 2026, without clearing every alias or VIN. Check the actual VIN at NHTSA.gov/Recalls and add the vehicle/VIN to NHTSA’s SaferCar app for mobile recall alerts.
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