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Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2nd Gen)

07-13 · Chevrolet Silverado 1500

77out of 100

The 2nd gen GMT900 Silverado finally got standard ESC and 5-star NHTSA, the best safety scores on an LS-powered pickup, while keeping the proven 5.3L.

Score breakdown

80/ 100Reliability×2.560/ 100True Annual Cost×2.095/ 100Safety×1.570/ 100Practicality×3.0100/ 100Repairability×1.0

Our take

What it really is

GM's GMT900 Silverado with a revised 5.3L LC9 (active fuel management). Standard ESC, 5-star NHTSA, IIHS Good, genuinely improved safety. The AFM cylinder deactivation system is the reliability watchout: it causes oil consumption and cam/lifter failures on higher-mileage examples. AFM can be disabled via a tune or DOD/AFM delete kit.

Why it's on this list

The LS 5.3L, standard ESC, and 5-star NHTSA at $12k–$18k for clean examples. This is the standard recommendation for buyers who want a reliable domestic full-size truck with modern safety equipment.

The honest trade-offs

AFM oil consumption above 100k miles is the main concern, check oil level between changes and look for excessive consumption. AFM delete kit ($200–400) is highly recommended as preventive maintenance. RepairPal 4.0/5 is actually solid for a full-size truck.

What to buy and what to avoid

11-13 LT or LTZ with 5.3L LC9 and Z71 if available. Do an AFM delete or tune, this is standard community advice for these trucks. Verify coolant condition (DEX-COOL issues if not serviced). Avoid the 6.0L V8 for daily driving, worse fuel economy with minimal benefit.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$2,530 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$714 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$240 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$2,040 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,580 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$3,724 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$3,264 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
16[5]
MPG city / hwy
14 / 21[5]
Engine
5.3L V8 (LC9)
Horsepower
315 hp
Torque
335 lb-ft
Seats
3
Cargo max
0 cu ft
Stock tires
265/65R18
Body
Truck
Rear seats
One-piece fold

Safety

NHTSA overall
5/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
20%[2]
IIHS rating
Good[4]
ESC standard
Yes

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
Low
Frame rust risk
Low

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost
$714 (USD)[1]
Industry avg annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
RepairPal rating
4/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.4[1]
Severe issue probability
12%[1]
250k-mile survival
52%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Halogen
DIY replacement cost
$20 (USD)
At major retailer
Yes
Headlight benchmark
10/10

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

  1. [1]dataset
    RepairPal

    Annual repair cost, visit frequency, and severe issue probability. Used in the reliability formula.

  2. [2]government
    NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

    Federal crash test star ratings and rollover percentages. Used in the safety formula.

  3. [3]government
    NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins

    Manufacturer-issued service bulletins flagging known defects. Used in the PPI checklist generator.

  4. [4]dataset
    IIHS Safety Ratings

    Insurance Institute crash test ratings (small overlap, side, headlight quality). Used in the safety formula and the repairability headlight benchmark.

  5. [5]government
    EPA Fuel Economy Guide

    Official combined/city/highway MPG figures. Used in the true annual cost formula.

  6. [6]forum thread
    CarComplaints

    Owner-reported defect patterns by mileage and year. Used in the known-issues list and PPI checklist.

  7. [7]dataset
    iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability

    Probability of reaching 250,000 miles by make and model. Used in the reliability formula.

  8. [8]publication
    Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates

    Full-coverage insurance estimates by driver profile (25M, 40F). Used in the true annual cost formula.

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist

Modernize this car

CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.

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