We’re celebrating a 50th birthday, and the guest of honor is stronger, smarter, and more capable than ever before. This year marks five decades of Chevy Silverado pickup trucks, and with half a century under its belt, the Silverado is only getting better.
CAPTION: For half a century, the Silverado name has meant tough, hard-working, stylish Chevy pickup trucks.
We’re celebrating a 50th birthday, and the guest of honor is stronger, smarter, and more capable than ever before. This year marks five decades of Chevy Silverado pickup trucks, and with half a century under its belt, the Silverado is only getting better.
CAPTION: A 1975 Chevy C20 Silverado Fleetside shows where Silverado began.
The first pickup to wear the Silverado name debuted for the 1975 model year. At that point, Silverado was the top trim line on the Chevrolet C/K Series pickup trucks. The C/K was a tough, hard-working truck, with an iconic, handsome design. In ‘75, most pickup trucks were utilitarian work vehicles, putting capability ahead of comfort. The Silverado changed all that. Buyers who opted for the top-spec Chevy pickup could enjoy luxury-car upgrades, including woodgrain interior trim and upgraded vinyl upholstery with matching carpets. Outside, bright metal body trim let everyone know you were driving a Silverado.
For nearly 25 years, the Silverado name represented the ultimate version of Chevy’s legendary pickup. In the 1999 model year, Silverado became the model name for the full lineup of Chevrolet full-size pickups, debuting on a revolutionary new generation of trucks.
CAPTION: In 1999, Chevy introduced an all-new, cutting-edge truck, and Silverado became its official name.
The ‘99 Silverado was the first full-size pickup truck with standard four-wheel disc brakes. While other full-size trucks relied on old-fashioned drum brakes, Silverado provided confident braking when towing trailers or hauling heavy loads. The first-generation Silverado had the largest cab of any full-size pickup in its segment, providing roomy comfort for the whole family. The first-generation Silverado also marked the debut of AutoTrac four-wheel-drive, a high-tech system that could detect tire slip and engage four-wheel drive automatically.
CAPTION: Silverado was updated for 2003 with fresh styling.
The 2003 Chevy Silverado added even more capability. This was the first full-size crew-cab pickup to offer four-wheel steering. Quadrasteer Four-Wheel Steering System could steer the rear wheels up to 12 degrees, giving this full-size pickup truck a tight turning circle on par with a compact car, and making it easier to maneuver a trailer in close quarters. The 2003 Silverado was also the first full-size pickup truck to offer a premium Bose audio system, and an optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system helped a generation of rear-seat passengers endure long drives.
CAPTION: The second-generation 2007 Silverado.
The second-generation Silverado debuted for the 2007 model year with a raft of upgrades. With the available GM Two-Mode Hybrid drivetrain, Chevy was the first truck maker to offer a hybrid full-size pickup truck. Non-hybrid models offered Gen IV Small Block power, with 5.3-liter or 6.0-liter V8s delivering the power truck buyers needed for towing and hauling.
CAPTION: 2014 brought another full redesign with the third-generation Silverado.
When the third-generation Silverado arrived in 2014, advanced safety features were the headline. Segment-exclusive Forward Collision Alert (1), Lane Departure Warning (1), and Front and Rear Park Assist made this the smartest Silverado yet. Buyers could choose an EcoTec 5.3-liter V8, while those who selected the 6.2-liter EcoTec V8 and Max Trailering Package got best-in-class towing capacity of up to 12,000 pounds (2).
In 2016, Silverado became the first full-size pickup to offer built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity (3), making this powerful pickup into a rolling office for job sites. The 2018 model year brought the Centennial Edition Silverado, celebrating 100 years of Chevy trucks.
CAPTION: 2019 Silverado LT TrailBoss
The fourth-generation Silverado debuted in 2019. With available Super Cruise driver assistance technology (4), Silverado was the only full-size pickup that offered hands-free driving even when towing a trailer.
Buyers could select a 6.2-liter V8 (which was the largest, most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in the segment, with 420 horsepower), or a 3.0-liter Duramax, the only diesel engine in this class of truck.
CAPTION: 2024 Silverado EV RST
And in 2024, Chevrolet introduced the Silverado EV RST, built from the ground up as an all-electric pickup truck. Silverado EV RST offers more standard range than any competitor with a GM estimated 440 miles (5). It tows up to 10,000 pounds (6), offering Four-Wheel Steering for improved maneuverability.
Silverado may be 50 years old, but it’s smarter, stronger, and more capable than ever. Not bad for a half century.
1. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver's responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle Owner's Manual for more important feature limitations and information.
2. Maximum trailering ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The trailering capacity of your specific vehicle may vary. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can trailer.
3. Terms and limitations apply. See onstar.com or dealer for details. May require additional optional equipment.
4. Always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise. Do not use a hand-held device. Requires active Super Cruise plan or trial. Terms apply. Visit chevysupercruise.com for compatible roads and full details.
5. Excludes GM vehicles. 2024 Silverado EV RST on a full charge. GM-estimated range based on development testing and/or analytical projection consistent with SAE J1634 revision 2017 – MCT and subject to change prior to production. Actual range may vary based on several factors, including temperature, terrain, battery age, loading, and how you use and maintain your vehicle.
6. Available on model year 2024 RST. Based on preliminary GM testing. Actual production model may vary. May require optional trailering equipment to achieve maximum capacity. Maximum trailering ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner's Manual. The trailering capacity of your specific vehicle may vary. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can trailer.
The first pickup to wear the Silverado name debuted for the 1975 model year. At that point, Silverado was the top trim line on the Chevrolet C/K Series pickup trucks. The C/K was a tough, hard-working truck, with an iconic, handsome design. In ‘75, most pickup trucks were utilitarian work vehicles, putting capability ahead of comfort. The Silverado changed all that. Buyers who opted for the top-spec Chevy pickup could enjoy luxury-car upgrades, including woodgrain interior trim and upgraded vinyl upholstery with matching carpets. Outside, bright metal body trim let everyone know you were driving a Silverado.
For nearly 25 years, the Silverado name represented the ultimate version of Chevy’s legendary pickup. In the 1999 model year, Silverado became the model name for the full lineup of Chevrolet full-size pickups, debuting on a revolutionary new generation of trucks.
The ‘99 Silverado was the first full-size pickup truck with standard four-wheel disc brakes. While other full-size trucks relied on old-fashioned drum brakes, Silverado provided confident braking when towing trailers or hauling heavy loads. The first-generation Silverado had the largest cab of any full-size pickup in its segment, providing roomy comfort for the whole family. The first-generation Silverado also marked the debut of AutoTrac four-wheel-drive, a high-tech system that could detect tire slip and engage four-wheel drive automatically.
The 2003 Chevy Silverado added even more capability. This was the first full-size crew-cab pickup to offer four-wheel steering. Quadrasteer Four-Wheel Steering System could steer the rear wheels up to 12 degrees, giving this full-size pickup truck a tight turning circle on par with a compact car, and making it easier to maneuver a trailer in close quarters. The 2003 Silverado was also the first full-size pickup truck to offer a premium Bose audio system, and an optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system helped a generation of rear-seat passengers endure long drives.
The second-generation Silverado debuted for the 2007 model year with a raft of upgrades. With the available GM Two-Mode Hybrid drivetrain, Chevy was the first truck maker to offer a hybrid full-size pickup truck. Non-hybrid models offered Gen IV Small Block power, with 5.3-liter or 6.0-liter V8s delivering the power truck buyers needed for towing and hauling.
When the third-generation Silverado arrived in 2014, advanced safety features were the headline. Segment-exclusive Forward Collision Alert1, Lane Departure Warning1, and Front and Rear Park Assist made this the smartest Silverado yet. Buyers could choose an EcoTec 5.3-liter V8, while those who selected the 6.2-liter EcoTec V8 and Max Trailering Package got best-in-class towing capacity of up to 12,000 pounds2.
In 2016, Silverado became the first full-size pickup to offer built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity3, making this powerful pickup into a rolling office for job sites. The 2018 model year brought the Centennial Edition Silverado, celebrating 100 years of Chevy trucks.
The fourth-generation Silverado debuted in 2019. With available Super Cruise driver assistance technology4, Silverado was the only full-size pickup that offered hands-free driving even when towing a trailer.
Buyers could select a 6.2-liter V8 (which was the largest, most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in the segment, with 420 horsepower), or a 3.0-liter Duramax, the only diesel engine in this class of truck.
And in 2024, Chevrolet introduced the Silverado EV RST, built from the ground up as an all-electric pickup truck. Silverado EV RST offers more standard range than any competitor with a GM estimated 440 miles5. It tows up to 10,000 pounds6, offering Four-Wheel Steering for improved maneuverability.
Silverado may be 50 years old, but it’s smarter, stronger, and more capable than ever. Not bad for a half century.
1Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver's responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle Owner's Manual for more important feature limitations and information.
2Maximum trailering ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The trailering capacity of your specific vehicle may vary. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can trailer.
3Terms and limitations apply. See onstar.com or dealer for details. May require additional optional equipment.
4Always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise. Do not use a hand-held device. Requires active Super Cruise plan or trial. Terms apply. Visit chevysupercruise.com for compatible roads and full details.
5Excludes GM vehicles. 2024 Silverado EV RST on a full charge. GM-estimated range based on development testing and/or analytical projection consistent with SAE J1634 revision 2017 – MCT and subject to change prior to production. Actual range may vary based on several factors, including temperature, terrain, battery age, loading, and how you use and maintain your vehicle.
6Available on model year 2024 RST. Based on preliminary GM testing. Actual production model may vary. May require optional trailering equipment to achieve maximum capacity. Maximum trailering ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner's Manual. The trailering capacity of your specific vehicle may vary. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can trailer.