For over twenty years, Chevrolet has produced a pickup that remains, to this day, one of the classic American favorites – the Chevy Silverado 1500. When you search “used Chevy Silverado near me,” you’ll typically find quality trucks that have been well cared for, which goes to show just how much people love the Silverado. Buying used doesn’t mean having to buy a fixer-upper or getting stuck with a lemon – these pickups are reliable, durable, and able to handle just about anything you want to haul around. But which models have the best trim levels? Let’s take a look at some of the more stand-out trims from the past decade. This will ensure that you find the perfect model, suited to you and your tastes.
1: The 2000 Silverado 1500 LT Extended Cab
While the original Silverado 1500 appeared in 1999 and was the first of its kind, there wasn’t anything to compare it to, so we’ve decided to move up a year and look at the slightly younger sibling of the 1999 pickup. In 2000, the Silverado 1500 received a few upgrades, including nine trim levels to choose from, the leader of which being the LT Extended Cab, with two doors, three seats, a V6 engine, and rear-wheel drive. Special features included dual color-keyed padded cloth sunshades with a driver storage clip, a tilt wheel, and dual composite automatic on/off halogen lights. This might seem like a slimmer offering than newer vehicles, but twenty years ago, the added accessories and convenience features were solid reasons to consider purchasing this trim level. Even today, this is a great truck for hauling wood or brush around your property, checking in on cattle or other animals on a farm or ranch, and taking off for the weekend to go camping.
2: The 2002 Silverado 1500 LT H/D Crew Cab
The LT H/D Crew Cab was the highest trim level in 2002 and for very good reason. It had four doors and five seats available, which meant more space for hauling around equipment, tools, and gear or being able to fit a whole crew inside the pickup on the way to a job site. This trim level included manual adjustable lumbar support for both the front and back rows, dusk-sensing headlights, remote keyless power door locks, side mirrors that were both heated and power controlled, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. This is definitely a step up from the highest 2000 trim level, and it still serves as an excellent option for those who don’t like a lot of digital displays or gadgets featured on newer vehicles. Whether you’re driving on old country roads or going into the city for a day of shopping, you’ll be glad you don’t have to compromise your driving needs. The 2002 LT H/D Crew Cab is comfortable, with enough technology to make your commute easier but not enough to be tiresome and overwhelming. What’s not to love?
3: The 2011 Silverado 1500 LTZ
While the Silverado 1500 remained popular and highly rated in the 2000s, there weren’t many upgrades that made a big splash until the 2011 LTZ arrived. In 2011, we were beginning to see a new generation of pickups moving away from the “work truck” image and toward the “luxury pickup” class. Though plenty of optional features were available for the LTZ, the standard features were enough to elicit awe from the general public. The LTZ had standard dual cargo area lamps, Stabilitrak, which aimed to provide a stability control system complete with proactive roll avoidance and traction control, as well as two auxiliary 12V power outlets. This meant that the safety features were ramped up so that drivers could feel confident exploring off-road and had the opportunity to have longer adventures in the wild. If you’re one of the individuals who relish the idea of camping out in national forests or driving off into the sunset, then this model is perfect.
4: The 2014 Silverado 1500 High Country
The High Country trim level has been called a “Cowboy Cadillac,” and in the mid-2010s, it was most definitely a luxurious option for those who wanted a pickup more for fun activities like hunting, tailgate parties, camping, fishing, and off-roading, as opposed to a necessary work truck. The High Country trim level included exterior finishes that made it stand out, like the brushed metal skid plate, 20-inch chrome wheels, polished exhaust tips, and a body-color rear bumper.
The interior was upgraded to include leather heated and cooled bucket seats for the driver and front passenger, a Bose stereo system, and the front and rear parking assist safety feature. With such a luxurious number of goodies, it’s no wonder this truck was a hit. It had an almost glamorous look, streamlined and rugged without being overbearing, and an even more luxurious interior than many cars, jeeps, and vans. Looking for something built tough and ready to tackle any challenge? The High Country might be calling your name.
5: The 2017 Silverado 1500 LTZ With Trailering Package
Though this isn’t the highest trim level, it’s a noteworthy model because as the pickup was becoming more of an option for fun and luxury adventures, there was more of a call for it to be able to tow things like campers, boats, four-wheelers, and other such toys. The LTZ Trailering Package included the obvious trailer hitch and seven and four-pin connectors. With the ability to tow almost 12,000 lbs, this pickup could take an 8,000 lb speedboat or a 5,000 lb travel trailer without breaking a sweat.
The trim level also came with things like daytime running lamps with an automatic exterior lamp control. The standard and highly innovative Teen Driver technology allowed parents to monitor their teen’s driving habits, lock certain safety features, and activate customizable settings, ensuring their child was as safe as possible when learning the ins and outs of the road. The pickup continued its evolution, this time from a weekend luxury vehicle to a family vehicle during the week. This might be the ideal truck if you have younger drivers or plan to take the family on a long summer vacation in style.
More Than Just a Work Truck
Based on these trim levels and model years, the evolution of the Silverado from a reliable workhorse to a family truck is quite extraordinary. While these examples occupy the used market, they’re still equipped with exciting features, comfortable interiors, comfortable space for passengers, and the capabilities to meet the demands of the job site. If you’re looking for a used pickup, the Silverado 1500 offers plenty of options for your needs and the ability to become part of the family and create memories during your travels. While other pickups may catch your eye, the durability and innovation of the Silverado 1500 deserve your attention. After many years of plain and boring old pickups, you deserve to feel the difference between the basic features of other brands and the refreshing luxury features of a Chevy Silverado 1500. We here at Parkway Chevrolet welcome you to visit us here at our dealership and check out the array of used Chevy Silverado models we have available.
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