The Chevy Silverado has gone through several makeovers over the years. There aren’t any that got skewered by the critics, but there are also certain ones that are generally regarded as better than others. This is revealed not just by what the major car websites and magazines say but also by the resale value you will notice with ones from particular years.
The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD has tried to incorporate all the best of this model’s innovations while eliminating some flaws that have made previous incarnations less desirable. If you’re getting ready to shop for one, it makes sense to gaze back at some of the best and worst years for this iconic vehicle.
The 1999 Chevy Silverado
The Silverado has been around since 1999. That’s not as long as many car models have existed, but in that relatively short time, some of them have scored major points with consumers and critics alike.
The 1999 version did well with both groups, as it picked up a Motor Trend “Truck of the Year” award. The hydroformed frame was credited as the reason behind this model’s smooth ride, while the Vortec engine brought 270 hp and an impressive 320 lb-ft of torque.
The 2005 and 2006 Chevy Silverados
2003 brought a facelift that was meant to upgrade some minor consumer complaints. If you look at a 2003 version of the Silverado versus the 1999 model, you will notice some striking visual differences.
Mostly, that manifests itself around the grille and headlights. The 2003 version came with either a high-powered SS configuration or you could also get it with the true four-door crew cab. In this way, Chevy positioned itself as having an option for every buyer.
Problems arose when the company got to their 2005 and 2006 models. That was probably due to the looming bankruptcy of GM, the parent company behind these vehicles.
The 2005 and 2006 models cut some corners, and the reviews from that time reflect that. These models don’t retain their resale value anywhere near as well, so avoid ‘05 and ‘06 if you’re looking at used Silverados today.
The 2007 Chevy Silverado
This model rebounded nicely in 2007. It was then that the GM situation stabilized, and the engineers behind Chevy went back to the drawing board with these popular trucks.
The 2007 Silverado was essentially built on the GMT900 framework that also gave consumers the GMC Sierra. If you look at Sierras and Silverados from this era, you will notice many similarities.
Ultimately, the 2007 Silverado was well received, and it garnered another prized Motor Trend “Truck of the Year” award. It was a strong signal that after a layoff of a couple of years, the Silverado was a trusted and sought-after model again.
The latest model Silverados combine some of the best aspects of the past with the most recent safety and luxury features you might expect from a modern truck. The company clearly looks toward its history while planning for its future.