The Chevrolet Silverado is Chevrolet’s full-size pickup, introduced for 1999 as the replacement for the long-running C/K line. Its name came from the top trim level of the C/K trucks, and it has become one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States.
Chevrolet Silverado at a glance
| Introduced | 1999 model year |
|---|---|
| Replaces | Chevrolet C/K |
| Name origin | top trim level of the C/K range from 1975 |
| Twin model | GMC Sierra |
| Types | Full-size pickups, chassis cabs and medium-duty trucks |
| Generations | four, the fourth from 2019 |
| Sales | over twelve million since 1998 |
| Mexico | high trims sold as the Chevrolet Cheyenne |
| Internal codes | CK for four-wheel drive, CC for two-wheel drive |
| Related | Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe |
History of the Chevrolet Silverado
The Silverado name first appeared for the 1975 model year as the top trim level on every Chevrolet C/K truck, above Custom Deluxe, Scottsdale and Cheyenne. Even after the C/K series ended, General Motors kept the letters in its model codes, with CK for four-wheel drive and CC for two-wheel drive. GMC had used versions of the Sierra name on its C/K trucks since 1968 and had dropped the C/K name a generation earlier, so when Chevrolet retired the C/K for 1999 the Silverado became the single nameplate for its full-size trucks.
The first Silverado was sold alongside the last C/K pickups before taking over completely. The range has always shared its mechanical basis with the GMC Sierra and has included chassis-cab and medium-duty models as well as the familiar half-ton and three-quarter-ton pickups. The fourth generation was introduced for the 2019 model year.
In Mexico, Silverado trucks from the LT trim upwards are sold as the Chevrolet Cheyenne, while the Work Truck and Custom trims keep the Silverado name. The Silverado’s chassis also underpins the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban SUVs, continuing a link that goes back to the C/K. Since its introduction in 1998 more than twelve million Silverados have been sold, making it one of the most successful vehicles in the American market.
Design and features
- Name from a trim level: Silverado was the top C/K specification before it became a model.
- Sierra twin: the same truck is sold by GMC.
- Wide range: pickups, chassis cabs and medium-duty trucks under one name.
- SUV base: the chassis also carries the Tahoe and Suburban.
Chevrolet Silverado versions
- Half-ton and heavy-duty pickups: the mainstay of the range.
- Chassis cab: for commercial bodies and conversions.
- Medium-duty Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD and 6500HD: the class 4 to 6 trucks introduced in 2019.
- Chevrolet Cheyenne: the Mexican name for higher trims.
The Silverado replaced the Chevrolet C/K and shares its chassis with the Chevrolet Suburban and Chevrolet Tahoe. More trucks are in the Chevrolet collection.
Video: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ Z71 review
Video by Autosavant on YouTube.
Sources
- Chevrolet Silverado, English Wikipedia: introduction, name history, generations, sales
