The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a full size half-ton truck with a price range of $26,403 to $45,623. It’s a capable and reliable truck for the money, but it’s not class leading.
2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Quick Overview
- New features for the 2016 model year include an eight-speed automatic transmission, and Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
- Reliability ratings are above average, according to J.D. Power. The 2015 and 2017 models have more complaints.
- Three engines are available. One is an efficient V6, and the 6.2L V8 has class-leading horsepower among half-ton trucks. All engines have the option of 2WD or 4WD, depending on the model.
- Fuel efficiency is good for a full-size truck ranking 3rd, and getting a combined rating of 20 miles per gallon.
- Safety is better than other trucks. It gets a five-star rating in government crash tests.
- The 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 series ranks 8th out of 14 full-size trucks based on owner reviews. It has powerful V8 engine choices, a large cabin, and good towing capacity for its size.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Problems Does the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Have?
The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a reliable truck, but with a few problems. 2016 model has fewer problems than the 2015 and 2017 models. Overall, it has an average number of complaints for a full-size truck.
Transmission failures are the most common problem owners report. It happens at around 75,000 miles, and requires a rebuild or replacement costing over $4,000.
A/C problems, including a cracked condenser are also mentioned by owners. Replacing the condenser costs about $1,000, and is the only way to fix it.
Excessive oil consumption is another complaint found on the Silverado 1500 series. Oil consumption is a common issue on larger V8 engines. It’s a good idea to check your oil levels regularly to help protect your engine.
There are 13 recalls affecting the 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 series, worse than other vehicles its age. The recalls include the airbags, brake pedal, audio warning system, upper control arms, vacuum pump, braking software, and the seat belt tensioner. Most serious are braking system problems since it can cause unintended braking, and increase the risk of an accident.
What are the Prices, Models & Specs?
Pricing on the 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 series is average compared to other full-size trucks, with a price range of $26,403 to $45,623, depending on the mileage and model. When new, it had a price range of $27,195 to $53,415. Depreciation is better than average in current market conditions, losing only about 10% of its value in the first 5 years.
- Work Truck is the entry-level model for fleet buyers with vinyl bench seating, 17-inch steel wheels, and a simple AM/FM/CD stereo system with USB & AUX connectivity, a 4.2-inch screen, and four speakers.
- LS is above it and adds cloth bench or bucket seating options, a seven-inch infotainment screen, power windows & mirrors, and keyless entry.
- LT is in the middle of the lineup and adds a 4.2-inch driver information screen in the gauge cluster, wheel-mounted stereo controls, and the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with an eight-inch color touchscreen.
- LTZ adds luxury with heated leather seating, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
- High Country is the flagship model with upgraded leather, a Bose stereo system, heated steering wheel, navigation, trailer brake controller, and 20-inch chrome wheels.
How Long Will the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Last?
A properly maintained 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 series will last over 250,000 miles, which is average for a truck. Maintenance costs are more expensive than other full-size trucks. Repair Pal estimates them to be $760 per year.
Every now and then the touch screen will go out but beyond that it has been a perfect vehicle for as long as we had it with very low mileage.
I had my for 2 years now and so far no problems. I get regular oil changes every 5000 miles and a full system checks.
No problems with the Silverado it has been used as a daily driver and to go on multiple trips without issues.
It has been extremely reliable we have not had to have any work done on it except new tires and oil changes.
Very reliable. Have not any problems with it whatsoever. I have 73,000 miles on it and still runs great and gets great gas mileage.
I mean if you are doing the proper maintenance there will be no problems. I have only had to replace the tires and battery. I have used it to travel across the country more than a few times.
I have had my truck for 3 years and have had no issues at all. The only maintenance I have had done is oil change and tire rotation.
It has been very reliable, the only problem that I have noticed is the radio tries to do its own thing sometimes! Other than that, it has been great for me!
2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 In-depth Walkaround
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Technology in the 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 series is better than average, with an easy-to-use infotainment system.
- Base technology includes an AM/FM/CD player with a 4.2-inch screen, four speakers, and USB & AUX connectivity.
- Technology upgrades include seven or eight-inch infotainment screens, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, a six-speaker stereo, and optional Bose stereo.
- For safety, the Silverado has antilock brakes, traction & stability control, and airbags. Optional upgrades include a backup camera, forward collision alert, lane keep assist, and intelligent headlights with automatic high beams.
What Engine Options are Available?
The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 engine options include two best-in-class V8s. Performance is good in the 2016 Silverado 1500 series. It’s quick for a full-size truck, hitting 60 miles per hour in 6.9 seconds with the 6.2L V8. The 12,000-pound towing capacity is also excellent compared to other trucks.
- The base engine is a 4.3L V6 with 285 horsepower and 305 lb.-ft. of torque.
- In the middle of the lineup is the 5.3L V8, which has 355 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque.
- The flagship engine is the 6.2L V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque.
What Color Options are Available?
How Big is the Silverado 1500?
The 2016 Silverado 1500 series is a full-size truck, similar in size to other half-ton trucks. It comes with three cabin configurations including the two-door regular cab, and four-door double and crew cab options. The backseat legroom is good in the crew cab configuration, but tight with the double cab. Three bed lengths are available as well, including eight-foot, six-foot six-inch, and five-foot eight-inch options.
How Does the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Compare to Other Trucks?
The 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 series ranks 8th out of 14 full-size trucks based on owner reviews.
At the top of the class is the GMC Sierra 2500HD, which is a larger and more expensive truck. Both are built by General Motors and have similar reliability ratings, but the interior materials are more luxurious in the GMC. If you need to tow large equipment, the 2500HD is a better choice, if you want a more affordable truck, the 1500 series is the way to go.
Another competitor is the Toyota Tundra, which is the same size and price as the 1500 series. The Chevy can tow more weight with its more powerful engine options, but the Toyota has better long-term reliability ratings. Overall, the Toyota is a better truck since it will spend less time in the shop, and is cheaper to own.
Final Verdict: Is the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 a Good Trucks?
Based on information from 16 government and automotive websites, and 389 owner reviews, yes, the 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 series is a good truck. It has better reliability ratings than some competitors, and excellent V8 engine options. Where it misses the mark is with transmission problems, and a rough suspension. Overall, it’s a good vehicle to check out if you’re in the market for a full-size truck.
Photos: Chevrolet