2006 Chevy Silverado Review: A Reasonably Priced Long Lasting Truck 

2006 is a good year for the Silverado 1500, lasting 250,000 miles with no widespread mechanical problems. Prices range from $5,844 to 12,608 which are average for a full-size truck.

2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Key Points

• The 2006 Chevy Silverado’s reliability is average, with occasional transmission problems. A 2006 model is a good choice, and buyers should avoid trucks from 2005 and earlier with more electrical problems.
• Four engine choices are available, ranging from an efficient V6 to three V8 options that are great for towing.
• Fuel economy is average for a truck, at 17 MPG combined.
• Safety scores are okay, getting 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests.
• The 2006 Silverado 1500 series earns our recommendation, ranking 5^th out of 20 full size trucks based on owner reviews. Mechanical issues are not widespread, and overall it’s an average full size truck with no frills.

Top Critics Reviews

• Consumer Reports finds the Silverado to be outdated and non-competitive with other trucks from 2006, and has below-average owner satisfaction ratings.
• Edmunds rates the Silverado 1500 at 4.5 out of 5 as a truck worth considering, but the build quality is inconsistent with low quality materials in the cab.

What Problems Does the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Have?

There are an average number of problems with the 2006 Silverado 1500 series compared to other half-ton trucks, including the F-150 and Ram 1500.  2006 is a good year and buyers should avoid the 2007–2009 models, with serious improvements coming in 2010.

Air conditioning problems, including failing blower fans, are common around 70,000 miles. The source of the issue is the blower resistor. Changing the part for about $300 fixes the problem.

Wheel bearings wearing out fast is a frequent problem happening every 50,000 miles. The bearings are a weak spot, and aftermarket replacements are better. New bearings cost $700, depending on labor rates.

Transmission failures are not common, but are something owners should watch out for at around 65,000 miles. The transmission can be rebuilt or replaced depending on the failure. A rebuild costs about $1,800 and replacements are around $3,000.

There are 11 recalls, many more than other full size trucks from 2006. The recalls include power steering hoses, labels, pitman arm, reflectors, fuel rail clips, tow adapters, and wheel hubs. Most serious is the pitman arm, which leads to a loss of control.

How Much is the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Worth?

Blue book prices are average for a full size truck ranging from $5,844 to 12,608, more expensive than an F-150 but cheaper than a Titan. When new, prices ranged from $16,990 to $34,450. Depreciation is average for a large truck, losing about 5% of its current value per year.

How Long Will the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Last?

A properly maintained 2006 Silverado 1500 series will last about 250,000 miles, longer than a Ram 1500 but shorter than a Tundra. Annual maintenance costs are $100 more than rivals, and Repair Pal estimates them to be $500 per year.

As the Silverado ages and passes 125,000 miles, there are some components which may need to be replaced. They include A/C blend doors for $300, transmission oil coolers costing $475, and brake master cylinder for $200.

What Are the Models & Specs?

Work Truck is the fleet-focused model with:

• 17-Inch Steel Wheels
• Vinyl Bench Seating
• Air Conditioning

LS is a more popular base-level consumer model, adding:

• 17-Inch Chrome Style Wheels
• Cloth Seating
• Cruise Control
• Power Windows
• Keyless Entry

LT1 adds features including:

• 17-Inch Aluminum Wheels
• Auto Dimming Rearview Mirror
• Off-Road Suspension

LT2 is a good mid-level model adding:

• Standard V8 Engine
• Power Driver’s Seat
• Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel

LT3 is the luxury model and includes:

• 17-Inch Polished Aluminum Wheels
• Leather Seating
• Dual-Zone Climate Control
• Driver Information Center

What Technology & Safety Features Are Included?

Technology is very basic in the 2006 Chevy Silverado, even for an old truck, with very few amenities.

• Standard technology includes an AM/FM stereo system with 4 speakers.
• Optional upgrades include a CD player, and premium 6-speaker Bose stereo system.
• Standard safety features include 4-wheel anti-lock brakes and airbags.

What Engine Options are Available?

Performance in the 2006 Silverado 1500 series is great, taking only 7.2 seconds to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour. The largest engine also has a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds, higher than other trucks from the same year.

• The base engine is a weak 4.3L V6 with 195 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque.
• A step up is the 4.8L V8 with 285 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque.
• Next in the lineup is the 5.3L V8, which has 295 horsepower and 335 lb.-ft. of torque.
• The most powerful engine is the 6.0L V8 with 300 horsepower and 360 lb.-ft. of torque.

What Color Options are Available?

How Big is the Silverado 1500?

The 2006 Chevy Silverado 1500 series is a large full size truck similar in size to the F-150 and Sierra 1500, and may have trouble fitting into residential garages.

Three cabin choices are 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 legroom is limited in the extended cab.

Three bed lengths are available, including a 5-foot-6-inch short bed, a 6-foot-6-inch standard bed, and an 8-foot long bed.

How Does the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Compare to Other Trucks?

A very close competitor in the same price range is the Toyota Tundra. The Tundra has a longer life expectancy at over 300,000 miles, but the Silverado can tow more weight. On the used market a Tundra is a better choice, with lower ownership costs.

Another rival is the more affordable Ford F-150. The two trucks are very similar in reliability and quality, but the Silverado can tow more. Being so close, the choice comes down to personal preference after test driving them both.

Final Verdict: Is the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 a Good Truck?

Yes, the 2006 Chevy Silverado 1500 series is a good truck. A score of 4.5 out of 5 based on 169 verified owner reviews with no widespread problems make it easy to recommend.

The positives include good powerful V8 engine options, and a comfortable cabin. Where the Silverado loses points is with low quality interior materials, and weak technology.

Overall, 2006 is a good year for the Silverado based on the number of owner complaints. If you want a more up-to-date truck, we recommend a 2010 or newer, but prices are nearly $6,000 more.