The Chevrolet Silverado is known to be one of the car maker’s most iconic pickup trucks and for good reason. These light-duty pickup trucks offer everything a truck-lover would want and more. If you’re deciding on whether or not to purchase one for yourself, we suggest checking out a few factors before doing so.

Our experts curated a buying guide to check out and keep on hand. We’ll take you through its history, the best models and look at the pros and cons.

The Chevrolet Silverado: An Overview

Why Is the Chevrolet So Popular in the USA?

The Silverado’s versatility helps make it one of the most popular cars in the USA. It comes in a choice of engine sizes and transmission types and offers great reliability. Most suited for everyday use, there are more heavy-duty options available too. It’s an all-round package and one that comes in an instantly recognizable design.

What Is the Best Chevrolet Silverado Model?

According to MotorBiscuit, the 2014 model is the least reliable of the series. It’s typical for the first year in a new generation to see a higher number of recalls, as manufacturers refine certain elements. The heating and air conditioning have been particularly problematic on the 2014 Silverado.

Consumer Reports rates 2012 as the most reliable Silverado, but the 2021 model has outstanding predicted reliability along with tonnes of other updated features.

History of the Chevrolet Silverado: A Timeline

Replacing the C/K line of heavy-duty pickups, the Chevrolet Silverado first became available in 1999. Since then, it’s become an American favorite, only just short of the Ford F-150 in the popularity stakes.

Here’s a closer look at its four generations released to date.

• 1999-2006: The first generation to bear the name Silverado is released. Previously the name had been used to denote a trim level. The Silverado is available with a regular or extended cab and marks the first pickup to feature standard four-wheel disc brakes.
• 2007-2013: Redesigned in 2007, as well as an updated look the second-generation Silverado, only available as a four-wheel drive, is notable for its new V8 engine and improved safety features, including stability control and side-curtain airbags. The model picks up the 2007 North American Truck of the Year award.
• 2014-2018: The third-generation 2014 model goes on sale in 2013, still featuring the stacked headlights, although this design legacy would be phased out in 2016. Increased fuel efficiency and improved safety thanks to a new cab pillar are among the main changes along with the Crew Cab model’s novel option of a bed measuring 6’6”. The full chrome grille is another feature.
• 2019-2021: In 2019 the Silverado is extensively redesigned, featuring a combination of a steel body and frame and aluminum hood, doors, and tailgate, resulting in a considerably lighter model. Its fuel economy is improved at 17 mpg on the 5.3l V8 engine, and enhanced safety features are available. Improved towing capacity is available on the V8 and turbodiesel and turbocharged 4-cylinder engines.

Does Chevrolet Offer Free Maintenance?

Maintenance usually requires a few thousand to keep your vehicle properly taken care of. From oil changes to wiper blade replacements—owning a vehicle can become very expensive without the proper protection plan in place.

During the first few months of ownership, Chevrolet covers one maintenance visit for the following services—oil changes, vehicle inspections, tire rotation, and essential fluid refills.

With EnduranceAdvantage™, you’ll never worry about paying for covered auto repairs or regular maintenance again. Our newest protection plan offers up to $3,500 in maintenance coverage. If you’ve recently purchased a salvaged or rebuilt Chevrolet, you’re still eligible for protection under this plan. Learn more about our newest protection plan and how you can save up thousands in maintenance today.

The True Cost to Own a Chevrolet Silverado

How much does it cost to own a Chevrolet Silverado? Anyone who’s owned a car before knows there’s more to it than simply the price tag. If you want to get an idea of how much owning it will cost you over a number of years, you need to factor in everything from fuel costs to maintenance and repair costs.

The formula looks like this:

Cost of car ownership =

(Cost of buying the car) + (Applicable state registration costs)

+ (Cost of fuel) + (Cost of insurance) + (Cost of regular maintenance) + (Cost of repairs)

One way you can mitigate the maintenance and repair costs is by getting extended auto warranty coverage. It means investing a little more, but it will end up saving you thousands if you do need a repair, and the right cover can give you access to lots of other benefits you wouldn’t otherwise have, such as breakdown cover.

Repairs to Look Out For

Sooner or later, all Chevrolet vehicles experience part failure no matter how well maintained. To determine exactly which for Chevrolet, our experts drilled into Endurance’s internal claims data to see just how costly the top repairs can be.

Top Chevrolet Repairs*

1. Condenser: $1,994
2. Water Pump: $1,132
3. Transmission: $4,668
4. Compressor: $1,417
5. Engine Components: $623
6. Alternator: $1,206
7. Starter Motor: $1,004
8. Gasket, Oil Pan: $2,897
9. Stabilizer Links & Bushings: $469
10. Transmission Cooler Lines: $899

Read more about the common repairs Chevrolet owners face.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Chevrolet Silverado

Before you head to the dealer and start haggling, here are a few things to bear in mind.

• Average fuel consumption: The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado mpg is 17-21.
• Ideal for: The Silverado 1500 is the model most suited to everyday use, while the 2500 and 3500 models are more heavy-duty and suited to towing and hauling heavier loads.
• Extended warranty protection options: The Silverado comes with a Chevrolet 3-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty or a 5-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. However reliable the Silverado is, an extended warranty will give you peace of mind and could save you thousands in repair costs. Choose from either a Chevrolet extended warranty or one from a third-party provider.
• Best time to buy: The best time to buy a Silverado is after a new model reaches dealers. This is when buyers favoring the latest model will see less value in older models and the dealers will be most likely to negotiate. Find out how to negotiate car prices here.

Drive Confidently With Endurance Breakdown Protection

Whatever vehicle you drive, with the average maintenance costs per driver reaching between $2,325 and $3,263 every 5 years, not to mention the potential costs of repairs, it makes sense to protect your car and your wallet with extended auto warranty coverage.

Each and every Endurance warranty protection plan comes with 24/7 roadside assistance, substitute transportation, and trip interruption costs. All the benefits are accepted by any certified mechanic, putting you in control of who carries out work for your vehicle.

In addition to these great benefits, you’ll get one year’s free Endurance Elite membership, providing additional everyday driving benefits. Get started today by requesting a free, no-obligation quote below. For more information and resources, go to our Learning Center.