1999-2006 Chevrolet Silverado: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
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1999-2006 Chevrolet Silverado ▼
- Price Range: $3,700 - $19,600
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1999-2006 Chevrolet Silverado and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Instruments/controls
- Acceleration (V8)
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Ride
- Rear-seat entry/exit (extended-cab)
Vehicle Highlights
Chevrolet's Silverado 1500 with half-ton capacity was closely related to the GMC Sierra 1500. Chevrolet and GMC offered parallel lineups, but had slightly different styling and features. Silverado styling remained familiar, but the pickups got new V8 engines and a few first-in-their segment features. Bodies were about 9 inches longer overall and wheelbase grew by 1.5 inches for regular-cab models, 2 inches on extended cabs. Two series were offered: half-ton 1500 (described here) and 3/4-ton 2500. A right-side third door now was standard instead of optional on extended cabs. Both body styles came with Fleetside or flare-fender Sportside cargo beds in 6-foot length, or with an 8.1-foot Fleetside bed. Antilock braking again was standard, but these were the first full-size pickups to get standard four-wheel discs. Another "first" was adjustable ride control, which allowed the driver to switch between two levels of shock-absorber firmness. Base engine was again a 4.3-liter V6. Replacing the previous 5.0- and 5.7-liter V8s were new 4.8- and 5.3-liter V8 engines, generating 25 and 15 additional horsepower, respectively. All engines except the 5.3-liter came with manual or automatic transmissions. The automatic introduced a Tow/Haul mode that reduced shifting under heavy loads. Optional Autotrac four-wheel drive was a "first" on any pickup. It could be left engaged on dry pavement, and locked in 4WD or allowed to automatically engage the front axle when rear-wheel slippage was detected.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Chevrolet Silverado reg. cab 2WD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 2 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 0 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 1 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 37 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1999-2006 Chevrolet Silverado. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1999-2006 Chevrolet Silverado.
Year to Year Changes
2000 Chevrolet Silverado:
A fourth door, on the driver's side, became available for extended-cab pickups, to supplement the standard right-side door. Silverados came in base, LS, and LT trim, with rear- or 4-wheel drive and a regular or extended cab. Both cab styles could be fitted with a flush-fender Fleetside cargo bed. The 6.5-foot flare-fendered Sportside box was available on certain LT models. Each of the two V8 engines gained 15 horsepower. A new self-dimming inside mirror went in LS and LT trucks. Power locks on those models could now be programmed to lock and unlock according to individual driver preferences. New options included wheel flares for 4x4s and a factory-installed cargo bed cover.
2001 Chevrolet Silverado:
Traction control became optional for 2WD models with a V8 and automatic. A new plastic composite cargo box was optional for extended-cab 4x4 pickups with the Z71 offroad package. An automatic transmission now was standard in extended-cab trucks, which added three child-seat tethers to the back seat. GM's OnStar emergency/communications system became optional in LT editions. GMC added a sporty C3 version this year, with a bigger V8 engine, but Chevrolet did not get an equivalent. Early in 2001, both Chevrolet and GMC began to offer a new Crew Cab body style with four front-opening side doors.
2002 Chevrolet Silverado:
GM's Quadrasteer 4-wheel-steering system was offered on extended-cab 2WD and 4WD models this year. It was designed to provide a tighter turning radius by turning the rear wheels counter to the fronts at low speeds and to aid stability by turning the rear wheels in the same direction as the fronts at higher speeds.
2003 Chevrolet Silverado:
Silverados got a revised grille among other cosmetic changes. Dual-zone climate control was newly standard. Crew Cabs added optional rear DVD entertainment, and XM satellite radio was newly available for most models. Top-line LT versions included OnStar assistance. Added midyear, the Silverado SS was a short-bed extended cab with a 345-hp 6.0 V8, all-wheel drive, 20-inch wheels, performance tires, and special trim.
2004 Chevrolet Silverado:
Now standard on '04 base level Silverados include cruise control, power locks, and a CD player. Also new for '04 is a light-duty Crew Cab version, which will use the 5.3-liter V8, which is optional on Regulars and Extendeds.
2005 Chevrolet Silverado:
A 310-hp 5.3 V8 is a new option for short-box extendeds above the normal 295-hp unit. All Silverados have antilock brakes, but drums now replace rear discs except for models equipped with the hybrid system or Quadrasteer 4-wheel steering. Seventeen-inch wheels are now standard on most other models.
2006 Chevrolet Silverado:
No significant changes for '06 Silverados.
Our road test for the 1999-2006 Chevrolet Silverado includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1999-2006 Chevrolet Silverado and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1999-2006 Chevrolet Silverado is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups perform better than their predecessors, though not always by a lot. New V8s are smooth and capable, but have slightly less torque than the previous engines, so acceleration and throttle response are similar. The Tow/Haul mode and optional adjustable suspension are welcome features, since most big pickups haul or tow at times. All-around performance easily matches Ford's F-150. Although the V6 struggles under heavy loads or up long grades, it's a smooth runner. The 5.3-liter V8 offers good power in all conditions, though it trails Ford's 5.4-liter in torque. Test Silverado SS did an impressive 7.2 sec 0-60 mph, and delivered strong passing punch. An alert, fuss-free automatic transmission helps get the most out of any engine. A 4WD extended cab with the 5.3 V8 averaged 13.7 mpg. Brakes offer good stopping power and firm, progressive pedal action, beating the previous model's mushy feel. Steering is more precise, but overboosted. A stiffer structure helps improve ride quality, which is more compliant than Ford's, though the tail still stutters over bumps when the bed is empty. The Quadrasteer 4-wheel steering system, made available in 2002, is a revelation, giving this big pickup the close-quarters maneuverability of a small car as well as enhancing high-speed tracking and towing stability. Road, wind, and engine-noise levels are unobjectionable. The biggest improvements lie inside. In design, feel, and location, gauges and controls are best-in-class. GM was also the first to supplement the odometer with an engine-hour meter. Front seats are roomy and supportive, with integrated seatbelts that move comfortably with the seats themselves. Some drivers might have trouble squeezing between the door panel and seat to reach some controls. Both GM makes soundly trounce Ford and Dodge pickups in rear-seat accommodations, with more leg clearance. A contoured cushion and reclined backrest approach sedan levels of comfort. Doors open wider, too.
Value for the Money
GM earns credit for refining its big pickups while introducing a host of worthy improvements. No extended cabs are more comfortable. Though a step behind Ford in innovation, GM pickups deliver high value for performance, comfort, and design, and beat Ford in 4WD convenience.
GM earns credit for refining its big pickups while introducing a host of worthy improvements. No extended cabs are more comfortable. Though a step behind Ford in innovation, GM pickups deliver high value for performance, comfort, and design, and beat Ford in 4WD convenience.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Chevrolet Silverado reg. cab 2WD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 2 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 0 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 1 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 37 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Chevrolet Silverado includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Chevrolet Silverado .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
The front wheels slip while in 4WD requiring replacement of the clutch plates as well as the use of synthetic gear oil. (1999-2001)
Manual transmission:
Manual transmissions tend to pop out of first gear because the transmissions were built without a detent ball and spring. These parts will be installed under warranty. (1999-2000)
Vehicle shake:
Extended-cab, long-box models shudder when accelerating from a stop requiring replacement of the two-piece driveshaft with a one-piece driveshaft. (1999-2001)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $390 |
| Alternator | $325 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,115 |
| Brakes | $375 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $455 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $890 |
| Exhaust System | $455 |
| Radiator | $555 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $665 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $610 |
Our price chart for this generation Chevrolet Silverado details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
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| 2006 | |||
| Silverado 1500 2WD | $9,700-16,000 | $8,700-14,400 | $5,000-8,300 |
| Silverado 1500 4WD | $12,500-18,500 | $11,300-16,700 | $7,100-10,500 |
| Silverado Hybrid | $14,700-17,000 | $13,400-15,500 | $9,100-10,500 |
| Silverado SS | $19,300-21,300 | $17,800-19,600 | $12,500-13,800 |
| 2005 | |||
| Silverado 1500 2WD | $8,500-15,000 | $7,700-13,500 | $4,400-7,800 |
| Silverado 1500 4WD | $11,500-17,800 | $10,400-16,000 | $6,300-9,800 |
| Silverado 1500 SS | $17,000-18,800 | $15,600-17,300 | $10,900-12,000 |
| Silverado Hybrid | $13,000-15,200 | $11,800-13,800 | $7,500-8,800 |
| 2004 | |||
| Silverado 1500 2WD | $7,800-13,500 | $7,000-12,200 | $4,000-6,900 |
| Silverado 1500 4WD | $10,300-16,500 | $9,300-14,900 | $5,500-8,700 |
| Silverado 1500 SS | $15,500-17,300 | $14,100-15,700 | $9,900-11,100 |
| 2003 | |||
| Silverado 1500 2WD | $7,000-12,000 | $6,200-10,700 | $3,300-5,600 |
| Silverado 1500 4WD | $9,300-14,300 | $8,400-12,900 | $4,800-7,400 |
| Silverado 1500 SS | $13,500-15,000 | $12,300-13,700 | $8,000-8,900 |
| 2002 | |||
| Silverado 1500 2WD | $6,200-11,000 | $5,400-9,600 | $2,700-4,700 |
| Silverado 1500 4WD | $8,500-13,000 | $7,700-11,700 | $4,400-6,800 |
| 2001 | |||
| Silverado 1500 2WD | $5,500-9,500 | $4,700-8,200 | $2,300-3,900 |
| Silverado 1500 4WD | $7,500-11,500 | $6,800-10,400 | $3,800-5,800 |
| 2000 | |||
| Silverado 1500 2WD | $4,900-7,500 | $4,200-6,400 | $1,900-2,900 |
| Silverado 1500 4WD | $6,500-9,000 | $5,700-7,900 | $2,900-4,100 |
| 1999 | |||
| Silverado 1500 2WD | $4,400-6,500 | $3,700-5,400 | $1,500-2,300 |
| Silverado 1500 4WD | $5,800-8,000 | $5,000-7,000 | $2,400-3,400 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Chevrolet Silverado include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | ext. cab long bed | ext. cab short bed | reg. cab long bed | reg. cab short bed |
| Wheelbase, in. | 157.5 | 143.5 | 133.0 | 119.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 246.7 | 227.5 | 222.0 | 203.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 78.5 | 78.5 | 78.5 | 78.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 70.8 | 71.2 | 71.0 | 71.2 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4442 | 4235 | 4032 | 3923 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 34.0 | 26.0 | 34.0 | 26.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 41.0 | 41.0 | 41.0 | 41.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 | 41.3 | 41.3 | 41.0 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.4 | 38.4 | -- | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.7 | 33.7 | -- | -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
A 200-horsepower 4.3-liter V6 was standard, with two V8s optional: 4.8 and 5.3 liters. Either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission could be installed, but the 5.3-liter V8 was automatic only. For 2000, the 4.8-liter V8 grew from 255 to 270 horsepower, while the 5.3-liter increased from 270 to 285 hp. For 2005, A 310-hp 5.3 V8 is a new option for short-box extendeds.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V6 | 4.3 / 262 | 200 | 260 | 5-speed manual: 17/23 4-speed automatic: 16/20 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 5.3 / 325 | 270-310 | 315-325 | 4-speed automatic: 16/20 | 4-speed automatic: 13.7 |
| ohv V8 | 4.8 / 292 | 255-270 | 285 | 5-speed manual: 16/20 4-speed automatic: 16/21 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 6.0 / 364 | 300 | 360 | 4-speed automatic: 13/17 | 4-speed automatic: 13.3 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: Mexico
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Chevrolet Silverado include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Silverado 1500 |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | -- |
| Front Impact, Passenger | -- |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1999-2006 Chevrolet Silverado directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1999-02 Silverado:
In environmentally corrosive areas of specified "salt belt" states, unwanted antilock braking activation may occur, causing increased stopping distance during low-speed brake application.
1999-04 Silverado:
The tailgate support cables may corrode, resulting in the sudden loss of the tailgate. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
1999-05 Silverado w/manual transmission and PBR or TRW parking brake system:
Friction linings may wear enough to make parking brake ineffective.
1999-2000 Silverado:
Clearance between front right-hand brake pipe and body cross sill could decrease to the point of allowing contact, which could result in damage and loss of brake fluid and pressure.
2000 Silverado w/4-wheel disc brakes:
Out-of-spec spring clip in antilock brake system could allow motor bearing to become misaligned; eventually, ABS would be nonfunctional and Dynamic Rear-Proportioning system would become inoperative.
2001 Silverado with 8.1-liter V8 engine:
The engine may run rough or stall, and may not restart, due to an intermittently-operating crankshaft position sensor. Dealers will replace the crankshaft position sensor.
2002 Silverado:
During extreme steering maneuvers, power steering hose might fracture and leak fluid, leading to loss of steering assist and increase in steering effort; could also affect operation of the hydro-boost power brakes.
2003-04 Silverado:
Certain vehicles may have been produced with an out-of-specification brake relief valve, making steering difficult when braking. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2003-04 Silverado:
Trucks converted to CNG operation may have only one child restraint lower anchorage, in center rear, rather than the required two anchorages; standard-cab models may also fail to meet standard.
2004 Silverado w/aftermarket leather seats:
Testing has indicated that the aftermarket leather seat covers can cause the passenger sensing system to malfunction. If the passenger sensing system malfunctions, the front air bag on the passenger side may be disabled when it should be enabled, or enabled when it should be disabled. GM will purchase these vehicles for the full price paid for it (not exceeding the fair market value at the time it was bought), including taxes and fees, if the vehicle is returned to GM's possession by January 31, 2007. Through January 31, 2007, GM will also pay for the removal of any aftermarket accessories that may have been installed and return them to the customer.
2004-05 Silverado w/Bosch Hydro-Boost brake assembly:
Hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator may crack and separate during normal operating conditions, possibly issuing fragments and allowing fluid leakage.
2005 Silverado:
Bolt that attaches intermediate steering shaft may fracture, resulting in loss of steering.
2005 Silverado:
Seatbelt routing for second-row center occupant may make it difficult to position the lap portion of the belt low around the occupant's hips.
2005 Silverado:
Under certain vehicle-starting conditions, shift-lever position indicator in instrument panel may not illuminate.
2005 Silverado w/5.3-liter V8:
Engine fuel rail crossover tube retainer screw could break, allowing fuel leakage and possible engine stalling; engine-compartment fire could occur if ignition source were present.
2006 Silverado:
Some vehicles may have a power steering hose that could crack and leak fluid. Dealer will inspect and replace the power steering hose.
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