Silverado: The Truck For You

For decades the Chevy Silverado has stood for dependability in trucks. Classic Silverados, back when it was known as the C/K Series, has become amazingly collectible in the past ten years or so. The “Square Body,” as it is called by Chevy fans, is considered by many to be the ultimate in classic trucks. While examples of all types and years can be seen in parking lots and car shows, those looking to get in on their first Chevy truck may find that the classic C/K series is priced out of their budget or simply isn’t practical for everyday use. Lucky for people in that situation, the late model Chevy Silverado is a great truck and has a lot to offer. Those looking for used Chevy sales in Albany ought to consider getting behind the wheel of this modern classic. Here are some reasons the Chevy Silverado is the perfect truck for any driver.

The Second Generation: 2007-2013

The second generation Silverado was a complete overhaul of the first generation that had hit the streets in 1999. (The Silverado name actually dates back to the mid-1970s, but it was originally used for a trim option for the aforementioned C/K Series). The second generation brought the Silverado into the modern era, with a variety of comfort features to compliment its powerful performance and large array of capable engines.

In 2010, the original 6.0-liter V8 was dropped from the lineup, but a more powerful 6.2-liter V8 took its place. The 5.3-liter and the 6.2-liter V8 engines were also offered with cylinder deactivation for improved fuel economy. A six-speed automatic was the only transmission one could have. The standard truck was rear-wheel drive, and four-wheel drive was optional. These trucks might not have all the fancy technology that one would find on a brand new example of the Silverado, and while the styling could be seen as dated, the second generation Silverado is a great stepping stone into truck culture.

The technology is modern enough that it will be familiar for any shop to work on, and many are still a part of work fleets, so parts are plentiful and cheap. This would be a great truck for anyone who wants to get their hands dirty with a vehicle that is modern enough to be used in traffic, yet not so new you aren’t afraid to use it for the work that people want trucks for. In fact, when newcartestdrive.com reviewed the 2010 Silverado, they had this to say: “The Chevy Silverado offers more choices in light-duty pickup variations than any other, except perhaps GMC and the Ford F-150. It is among the smoothest riding and quietest of all full-size pickups, and can be counted on to get the job done.”

The Third Generation: 2014-2018

The third-generation Silverado was introduced in 2014 to replace the second-generation model. At first, the truck was panned in the automotive media for looking too much like the truck it replaced. This issue would be addressed in 2016 when the front end would lose the iconic (if stylistically limiting) stacked headlights for a sleeker-looking one-piece design for each light. Aside from brand new models, this generation of the Silverado offers the best used truck technology for the price.

Engine choices remained unchanged, but cylinder deactivation was offered across the engine range. The six-speed automatic transmission was still offered on base models, but an eight-speed had a higher take rate and was able to offer greater fuel economy. In 2018, the last year this generation was offered, one could find plenty of modern features that would be seen on the newest Silverado, like a standard backup camera and automatic emergency braking. That is this generation of Silverado’s greatest strengths, the fact that it offers refinement that is comparable to the newest trucks at much less cost to the consumer.

In May of 2018, The Car Connection tested the final version of this Silverado, just before the new models hit showrooms in 2019. Their verdict was that “Regardless of engine, all Silverados have a tough, solid feel that’s paired with a comfortable ride and handling that may surprise. Corner carvers, these trucks are not, but they are certainly not the buckboards of yore.” If you are looking for a comfortable and relatively modern truck, a used third-generation Silverado is an option worth considering.

The Fourth Generation: 2019-Present

Although still relatively new, the most current versions of the Silverado are beginning to find their way to used car dealerships all over the country. These make use of aluminum construction in the doors, hood, and tailgate, saving 450 pounds over the previous generation of the truck. The frame made use of high-strength steel, making the whole truck more sturdy and the ride more controlled. Engine choices have expanded to include a 3.0-liter diesel inline-six, and the six- speed automatic would be related to the bottom of the lineup. The eight-speed is now more widely available, and a new ten-speed automatic was offered for the first time.

The interior remains little changed from the previous generation but offers more storage and standard technology. The fourth-generation Silverado was designed to have better road manners, and it seems that GM met that goal, with Car and Driver’s review stating that “Chevrolet aimed to build a truck that would ride well even when it’s unladen, and during our initial drive on Wyoming’s well-maintained roads, the Silverado seemed to fulfill that goal. It recovers quickly from small bumps, the steering is well weighted and accurate with no dead zones, and overall it feels surprisingly agile on meandering mountain passes.”

If the previous two generations of Silverado aren’t up your alley for one reason or another, know that it’s possible to find the most current generation of Silverado at a used car dealer. This will give you the most modern styling and technology without the high price tag associated with a brand-new truck.

A Silverado For Everyone

The last decade has seen three generations of Silverado come and go, and they are still some of the best trucks anyone in the used market could desire. With the second generation, you get yourself a modern workhorse that can be had for a low asking price with enough technology to satisfy you without going overboard.

The third generation is in the middle of the second and fourth, both in terms of age and in terms of what it offers to used truck shoppers. It remains more technologically advanced than the second generation but lacks some of the most modern technologies. The standard backup camera and emergency braking had only just been introduced by the end of this generation. Still, the third generation is a great choice for those who want something more advanced than the second generation but nowhere near as expensive as the most current generation.

That leads us neatly into the fourth and most recent generation of the Silverado. In terms of construction and technology available, it is the most advanced Silverado on offer in the used market today. Price will reflect that, but you’re buying the best truck money can buy. Still, no matter which generation you opt for, you’re buying a legacy in the name, Silverado.