The Most Famous American Pickup. A Brief History of the Chevrolet Silverado

 

For Americans who want a tough, reliable, and a bit sassy pickup, there have always been Chevrolet trucks. But what made these vehicles so sought after? The used car experts from Indy Auto Man offer going back in time to the days when the history of the Chevy Silverado has not even begun.

At The Origins

The history of Chevrolet pickups goes back to a time when people still used horse-drawn carriages. In 1918, the American brand introduced the first-ever truck, known as the Model T One Ton. Although the car used a scalable platform able to adapt to the needs of each customer, it cost the same as its name suggested – more than $1,300. And it was far from the most affordable option, given that the average citizen earned such an amount in a year. The first Chevrolet truck used a rudimentary four-cylinder overhead valve engine producing 36 horsepower.

Development of The Model

Since then, Chevy models have become not only more powerful and more practical but also more affordable. The half-ton Chevrolet Master, which appeared in the late 1930s, already cost less than half the world’s first Model T, and its 3.5-liter inline-six engine produced twice as much power. By 1955, the company’s pickup trucks had reached a new level, combining practicality with comfort. Cushioned seats, rounded windshields, and comfortable footrests were just a few of their progressive features. All these innovations paved the way for luxurious models that became the basis of the iconic Chevrolet C/K series.

In over thirty years of production, the C/K generation has brought many unique features to the Chevy Trucks lineup, such as adaptive all-wheel drive, a six-seat interior, and standard independent suspension. But in 1998, the idea for the Chevrolet Silverado finally took shape, and the company turned the special equipment into a separate model, marking the beginning of a great story.

First-Generation Chevrolet Silverado (1999).

Debuting in 1999, the first Silverado was a significant departure from the C/K series, continuing the innovations of its predecessor in many ways. The model, which used the GMT800 platform from General Motors, featured a reinforced frame, a modern center console, and many interior and exterior improvements. Under the hood, the model had the new Vortec V8 line engines, capable of developing over 300 horsepower. This generation was one of the most powerful in Chevrolet history, which, along with some sporty improvements, earned the automaker several prestigious Truck Of The Year awards.

The original Silverado lasted almost a decade in production and was given a mid-cycle facelift that featured numerous updates: new digital gauges, an improved braking system, full-control chassis courtesy of Quadrasteer, power-folding mirrors, satellite radio, larger fog lights, and long side moldings. Thus, the updated line of pickups has retained the advantages of its ancestor from Task Force, while increasing practicality and comfort. In 2007, the last model of the original Silverado left the factory, ending GM’s best-selling pickup truck and opening a new chapter in the company’s history.

Second-Generation Chevrolet Silverado (2007).

The second-generation Silverado came out on Jim’s improved GMT900 platform with a more streamlined exterior. This aesthetic update gave the popular model a more modern look and helped improve its aerodynamics. The second version, equipped with updated V6 and V8 Vortec powerplants, produced more than 360 horsepower. Each engine included an active fuel management system that allowed half of the cylinders to be turned off when not needed. The system, combined with improved aerodynamics, gave the Silverado impressive fuel economy.

The second-generation Chevy was better in every way. Its suspension has been beefed up for improved cornering stability, comfort, and handling. It received a larger cabin with more space in the second row, not to mention controls designed for gloved use. The rear locking differential helped the truck to tow trailers more efficiently on steep slopes, and on the hook, it could haul up to 10,500 pounds. Once again, Chevrolet’s top-selling pickup won multiple Truck of the Year awards in a seven-year second-generation production cycle that successfully ended with the 2013 model. But the Silverado’s evolution was far from over.

Third-Generation Chevrolet Silverado (2014).

In 2014, Chevrolet continued to refine the Silverado’s recipe for success with the third generation ported to the new GM K2 platform. Even though the car was strikingly similar in appearance to its predecessor, the company once again added aerodynamic efficiency to its design. The integration of aluminum parts into the engine block and hood helped to reduce weight, and conventional front-hinged doors replaced hinged doors reminiscent of the British Rolls-Royce. This improved structural integrity and added room for rear passengers. GM’s new Ecotec engines formed the backbone of the Silverado’s engine line-up, from a 4.6-liter V6 to a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. The maximum tractive effort of the base 1500 model has been increased to 12,500 pounds, and thanks to the heavy-duty 3500 models, these figures have increased to almost 21,000 lbs. Other notable additions include corner footpegs and handrails,  stiffer suspension, an updated MyLink infotainment system, and electric power steering. Considering its production ended in 2019, the generation’s five-year run wasn’t all that long, but it set the stage for a new generation of Chevrolet pickups to emerge.

Fourth-Generation Chevrolet Silverado (2019).

So, quite a bit of time passed, and the updated third-generation pickups were superseded by the next one, built on the GM T1 platform. Debuting in 2019, these Silverados featured a futuristic and rather aggressive front end, a roof spoiler, and a wider frame. This has resulted in more interior space, body space, and a stronger overall structure. Modern touches included keyless entry, a large touchscreen with an updated Chevy 3 infotainment system, and a range of electronic driver assists. In terms of power, the latest Chevrolet Silverado engine options included upgraded Ecotec 3 and Duramax diesel units, ranging from turbocharged four-cylinders to conventional V6s and V8s. Although the maximum output of the 6.2-liter V8 is only 420 horsepower, the new Silverado engines had the advantage of being more efficient. With the help of a renewed dynamic fuel management system, these motors could limit power, using only two cylinders. Later models further increased payload and traction, with base models capable of towing up to 13,500 lbs.

The history of the Silverado reflects an evolution that was as consistent and hardworking as the people behind the wheel. After decades of production, the famous American pickup, in full accordance with its advertising slogan, stands like a rock and is quite shiny and polished. And those who need a reliable pickup truck can safely rely on the Chevy Silverado regardless of its production year.