Full-size pickup trucks usually represent good investments compared to other cars because they retain their value, offer unique versatility, and remain roadworthy for years. The Chevy Silverado, for example, continues delivering its solid work ethic nearly 25 years after its introduction.

Unfortunately, however, there are two Silverado model years to be aware of when shopping for your next pickup truck. 

The Chevy Silverado has a proud history

Chevrolet built its first truck in 1918, but it wasn’t anything like today’s pickup trucks. The 1918 One-Ton featured an open cab, an inline four-cylinder engine, and an open frame allowing customers to install the body that fit their unique needs. In 1929, Chevrolet built its first enclosed cab truck, the International Series AC Light Delivery.

The enclosed cab afforded the transition from the tractor-like comfort of the 1918 One-Ton to the 1938 Half-Ton as the first truck designed to be a passenger vehicle. The 1955 3124 Series Chevrolet ushered in the “Fleetside” bed design as a departure from previous generations’ bulbous flared rear fenders and a sleeker overall design still seen in today’s pickups. 

Fast forward to 1999 and the introduction of the Silverado nameplate. The culmination of over 80 years of design refinement and quality improvements, the 1999 Chevy Silverado actually included many design elements still found on the truck today.

Two Chevy Silverado model years identified

The 2014 Silverado is under 15 NHTSA recalls for issues with its “seat belts, service brakes, electronic stability control, airbags, seat belts, steering, electrical system, and power train.”

The 2005 Silverado is the other Chevy model, with 16 NHTSA recalls affecting its “fuel system, gearbox, steering, power train, seat belts, and power steering assist.”

If you are inspecting a Silverado from these model years, it would be wise to use the NHTSA’s tool to see if that specific truck has an open recall.

Are new Chevy Silverados worth buying?

Car and Driver’s final verdict of the 2023 Chevy Silverado says it “is as tough as rocks, but compared to other full-size pickups, its ride and interior trimmings are a little too jagged.”

While reviewers enjoyed the available powertrains, towing capacity, and infotainment screen size, they found the ride quality and interior finish lacking. 

While the 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500’s starting MSRP is $36,645 for the Work Truck trim, that climbs to $48,345 for Car and Driver’s best value pick LT grade, and the luxurious High Country starts at $63,945.

However, don’t mistake the Work Truck trim for a stripped-down model void of creature comforts since it comes with power windows, power door locks, a rearview camera, and a host of driver-assist features.

In addition, the Silverado 1500 Work Truck offers a choice of all three cab sizes, three truck-bed lengths depending on cab selection, and the standard turbocharged 310-horsepower 2.7-liter four-cylinder or 355-hp 5.3-liter V8. 

While the Work Truck’s towing capacity is around 9,500 pounds, the 2023 Silverado boasts a maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds in adequately equipped models with the available 6.2-liter V8. Payload capacities range across the Silverado 1500 lineup from 1,870 to 2,280 pounds depending on the truck’s equipment.