2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Review: Outdated But Reliable Truck With Powerful Engines

The 2005 Silverado 1500 lasts over 250,000 miles with some speedometer and steering issues. At $4,200 – $12,125, it’s expensive, but a dependable choice.

Is the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 a Good Used Truck?

• Yes, 2005 is a good year. Owners like the spacious crew cab, smooth suspension, and responsive engines.
• Reliability ratings are above average. Silverado’s from 2003–2008 all had a similar number of problems with some mechanical improvements in 2009 which made them more reliable.
• Performance is poor from the V6 engine, but the V8s are all good choices.
• The Silverado is a safe truck, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests.
• Fuel economy is good given its size, at up to 17 MPG combined.

What Do Critics Say About the Silverado?

• Consumer Reports finds the Silverado to be outdated compared to its rivals, with average owner satisfaction scores.
• Edmunds gives the Silverado 4.4/5, liking the crew cab model’s space, but says interior materials are cheap.
• Kelley Blue Book users rate the Silverado 4.6/5 and enjoy the powerful engines, but note there’s a lot of rust.

What Common Problems Does the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Have?

Problems with the 2005 Silverado include malfunctioning speedometers, air conditioning issues, and steering noises.

Speedometer issues are common across Chevy vehicles from 2005 at around 70,000 miles. Replacing the entire instrument cluster costs about $450, and the new version fixes the problem.

Air conditioning problems show up on a lot of trucks at around 75,000 miles. The main source is the blower motor located under the passenger side of the dash. Replacing the resistor is a simple fix which solves the problem can be done for around $100.

Clunking noises from the steering system happen at around 40,000 miles on many trucks. The steering shaft is the source of the problem, and costs about $650 to replace.

There are 16 recalls and a lot of them are serious including the fuel delivery system, which can cause a fire if leaks develop. Other serious recalls involve the wheel hubs, power steering hose, and steering pitman arm, which all lead to a loss of steering control.

How Long Will the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Last?

A properly maintained 2005 Silverado should last over 250,000 miles, similar to top competitors including the Ram 1500. Maintenance costs are higher than average, according to Repair Pal, at $520 per year.

Most 2005 Silverado models will have over 100,000 miles so prospective buyers should be prepared to replace alternators for $650, the ABS control module costing $550, and radiator fans which cost $475.

How Much Is the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Worth?

Blue book values range from $4,200 – $12,125, making the Silverado about $1,000 cheaper than a top rated competitor like the Tundra. When new, the price range was $19,140 to $39,075. Depreciation is better than average, only losing around 5% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Silverado?

There are four models of the Silverado 1500 series available. Technology is very outdated with the last update in 2003. There’s a complete redesign with a new infotainment system for the 2007 model year.

Work Truck is the entry-level model with:

• 17-Inch steel Wheels
• Vinyl Seating
• AM/FM Stereo System With 4 Speakers
• Manual Windows & Locks

LS is a step up adding features such as:

• 17-Inch Chrome Style Steel Wheels
• Cloth Seating
• Power Locks With Remote Keyless Entry
• 6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System

Z71 adds some good features including:

• Off-Road Suspension
• Fog Lights
• Unique Front Bumper

LT is the luxury model and comes standard with:

• 17-Inch Polished Aluminum Wheels
• Leather Seating
• Dual-Zone Climate Control
• Heated Front Seats

What Engines Come In the Silverado?

• The base engine is a very weak 4.3L V6 with only 195 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque that gets up to 16 MPG combined.
• A step up is the more powerful 4.8L V8, which has 285 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, and gets up to 17 MPG combined.
• The most powerful engine is the 5.3L V8 with 295 horsepower and 335 lb.-ft. of torque, which gets up to 16 MPG combined. Performance is good, taking 7 seconds to reach 60 MPH, and it can tow up to 7,800 pounds.

What Colors Does the Silverado Come In?

How Big Is the Silverado?

The Chevy Silverado is an average sized half-ton truck similar to the F-150 and Ram 1500. There are three cabins available including a 2-door regular cab, 4-door extended cab, and larger 4-door crew cab. Passenger room is good in the crew cab, but cramped in the rest.

There are two bed lengths available including a 6-foot-6-inch regular bed, and 8-foot long bed.

How Does the Silverado Compare to the Competition?

The Silverado 2500HD is a competitor costing about $8,000 more. Where the 2500 series stands out is with the available diesel engine for towing, otherwise the trucks are similar on the inside. We recommend the 1500 Series to most buyers since they’re cheaper to own.

The Ford F-150 is a popular half-ton rival, which is $500 cheaper. Performance and technology are both better in the F-150, but the interior is nicer in the Silverado. We recommend the F-150 since there are fewer complaints from owners.

Do Owners Recommend the Chevy Silverado?