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2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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$15,840

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

Truck

Body style

3

Seating capacity

230.2” x 73.8”

Dimensions

Rear-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(71 reviews)

The good:

  • Performance with gasoline V-8
  • Instrument layout
  • Quietness
  • Solid construction
  • Smooth operation of hybrid powertrain

The bad:

  • Ride comfort
  • Fuel economy

14 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Trucks for 2024

Notable features

  • Half- , three-quarter- and one-ton capacities
  • Heavy-duty versions available
  • RWD or 4WD
  • V-6, V-8 and diesel V-8 engines
  • New six-speed automatic for HD diesel models
  • Gasoline/electric hybrid model

2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
A hybrid-powertrain version of the Chevrolet Silverado full-size pickup truck became available to retail customers in select states in the 2005 model year and goes on sale nationally for 2006. Chevrolet also added a high-output 310-horsepower, 5.3-liter V-8 for 2005, which is available on the four-wheel-drive 1500 extended-cab model.

Light-duty 2006 models get a fresh front end with a power dome hood. A new VortecMAX Performance Package that includes a 345-hp V-8 can enhance towing capabilities. Quadrasteer four-wheel steering is no longer offered.

Engine choices include a 4.3-liter V-6 and four V-8s. GMC’s similar Sierra pickup uses comparable powertrains.

The Silverado 1500 provides a half-ton rating, the 2500HD has a three-quarter-ton rating, and the 3500 features a one-ton rating. A 1500HD model also is available, though only in Crew Cab form. Heavier-duty models can be equipped with a Duramax diesel V-8 or a big-block 8.1-liter gasoline V-8.

One 1500-series model, the Silverado SS (Super Sport) performance truck, features a high-performance chassis, 20-inch tires and high-output 345-hp, 6.0-liter V-8. A lowered ride height and what Chevrolet calls a “trim, aggressive stance” differentiate the SS from other models in the lineup. A two-wheel-drive SS joined the four-wheel-drive version in mid-2005.
(Skip to details on the: Silverado Hybrid | 1500HD | 2500HD | 3500)

Exterior
Offered in Work, base, LS and LT trim levels, the Silverado 1500 comes in four variations in addition to the Crew Cab: regular cab or extended cab, with either a 6.5- or an 8-foot cargo bed. A new extended-cab short-bed model is available for 2006.

Extended-cab Silverados have four doors. The narrow, rear-hinged back doors can be opened only after the front doors are open. Crew Cab trucks have four, conventional, front-hinged doors. Silverados feature angular wheel openings.

Two-wheel-drive Silverados have front coil springs, while four-wheel-drive versions use torsion bars. A Z71 Off-Road Package includes gas shocks, jounce bumpers, skid plates and a high-capacity air cleaner.

Interior
Regular-cab pickups contain either a three-place bench or a pair of bucket seats. Extended-cab models have a three-place rear bench and either two front buckets or a front bench that holds three occupants. Crew Cab trucks carry six people. Cloth, vinyl and leather seating surfaces are available. XM Satellite Radio is optional.

Under the Hood
A 195-hp, 4.3-liter V-6 is standard, but most buyers select one of the V-8s: a 285-hp 4.8-liter or a 295-hp 5.3-liter. A higher-output version of the 5.3-liter V-8 yields 310 hp. The SS version gets a high-output 6.0-liter V-8 that pumps out 345 hp and 380 pounds-feet of torque. Silverados use either a four-speed-automatic transmission or five-speed manual.

Two four-wheel-drive systems are available. Insta-Trac permits shifting in and out of 4WD-High on the move via a floor-mounted transfer case. Autotrac automatically transfers power to the front wheels on slippery surfaces.

Safety
Antilock brakes are standard. Front airbags include a passenger-sensing system.

Driving Impressions
In basic regular-cab form with few extras installed, the Silverado 1500 behaves like a serious workhorse. The traditional pickup-truck experience translates to a bouncy ride — especially when the cargo bed is empty. But there’s plenty of energy, especially with V-8 power.

Performance with the automatic transmission is satisfying but hardly seamless, and each shift is noticeable. Handling isn’t especially ponderous, as the 1500 maneuvers rather well through urban environments. The instruments are easy to read, and the Silverado runs rather quietly for a truck.

Silverado Hybrid
Late in the 2004 model year, Chevrolet launched a Silverado Hybrid pickup. GMC introduced a closely related Sierra Hybrid. Offered initially to fleet buyers, each became available to retail customers in 2005. The “mild” hybrid, whose electric motor never actually propels the vehicle, is offered on 1500 extended-cab pickups equipped with the 5.3-liter V-8.

A 14-kilowatt starter-generator permits the Silverado Hybrid to automatically stop and restart its gasoline engine at stoplights or for other temporary halts. The starter-generator also provides regenerative braking while the truck is coasting. Unlike other hybrid models on the market, the electric motor does not actually propel the vehicle. The 5.3-liter V-8 has the same output ratings as a conventional Silverado’s V-8: 295 hp and 335 pounds-feet of torque.

Operation is subtle. Whenever the engine shuts itself off, which occurs when the truck slows to a halt, it’s difficult to discern that anything unusual has happened. The gas engine restarts instantly as soon as you let up slightly on the brake.

According to EPA estimates, these pickups can achieve 17 – 18 mpg in city driving and 19 – 21 mpg on the highway, amounting to a 2-mpg improvement in city driving and a 0 to 1 mpg improvement on the highway. The system also serves as a mobile power-generating station. Four 120-volt power outlets are located under the rear seat and in the pickup bed. Back to top

1500HD
Offered in a simpler lineup compared to some of the other Silverado versions, the 1500HD comes with a 300-hp, 6.0-liter V-8 and a four-speed-automatic transmission. Rear- and four-wheel-drive versions are available in LS and LT trim levels. Available for 2006 is a VortecMAX Performance Package with a 345-hp V-8 that enhances towing capabilities.

Only available in Crew Cab form with four, conventional, front-hinged doors, the 1500HD can have seating for up to five or six occupants, depending on whether bucket seats or a bench are installed in the front. Back to top

2500HD
Available in base, LS and upscale LT trim levels, Silverado 2500HD trucks are equipped with a standard 6.0-liter V-8. For additional hauling power, Chevrolet offers an 8.1-liter gasoline V-8 and a Duramax turbo-diesel V-8. Two manual and two automatic transmissions can be installed.

Chevrolet’s 8.1-liter gasoline V-8 generates up to 330 hp and 450 pounds-feet of torque. A Duramax 6.6-liter direct-injection turbo-diesel V-8 delivers 300 hp and 520 pounds-feet of torque with a manual transmission or 310 hp and 605 pounds-feet of torque when teamed with an automatic.

During the 2006 model year, a new Duramax 6.6-liter diesel V-8 will emerge that produces 360 hp and 650 pounds-feet of torque while driving an Allison six-speed-automatic transmission. A VortecMAX Performance Package with a 345-hp V-8 is available on four-wheel-drive 2500HD models for 2006 to enhance towing capabilities.

Like the 1500 and 1500HD series, 2500HD models get a fresh front-end look for 2006. These heavy-duty three-quarter-ton 2500HD pickups come in three body styles: regular cab, four-door extended cab and four-door Crew Cab. They also come in plain chassis-cab form, which lacks a cargo box. Standard 16-inch tires mount on eight-bolt wheels. Back to top

3500
One-ton Silverado 3500 trucks come in base, LS and upscale LT trim levels. A Work Truck model also is available. Powertrain choices are similar to the three-quarter-ton 2500HD series and include a 300-hp V-8; a 330-hp, 8.1-liter gasoline V-8; and a Duramax turbo-diesel V-8 that cranks out 300 hp with a manual transmission or 310 hp when teamed with an automatic. Two automatic and two manual transmissions are available.

During the 2006 model year, a new Duramax 6.6-liter diesel V-8 will arrive that produces 360 hp and 650 pounds-feet of torque and drives an Allison six-speed-automatic transmission.

Silverado 3500 pickups come in four body styles: regular cab, four-door extended cab, four-door Crew Cab or plain chassis cab (with no cargo box). The 3500 can be equipped with dual wheels on both sides of the rear axle. Standard 16-inch tires mount on eight-bolt wheels. Back to top

Consumer reviews

(71 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.3
  • Interior 4.2
  • Performance 4.5
  • Value 4.4
  • Exterior 4.4
  • Reliability 4.5
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Most recent consumer reviews

I love my Silverado!

I love my Silverado! I’m 60 years old and bought my 2006 just 3 years ago with a blown engine for a dirt cheap price, had a crate engine dropped in it (5.3 liter) by a mechanic. It’s the best riding and handling vehicle I’ve ever driven. The odometer reads over 289k on the truck itself. I haven’t had any problems with it since. Love my truck!!!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Dependable? I can rely it to break anytime

Bought it October 2007. 33,800. In 2009 with 36,450 on it. Transmission failed. 2010 replaced the whole front suspension at 37,200. 39,000 replaced the rear differential. At 38.900 replaced the steering box and upper and lower shafts. 43,200 replaced the steering column. 45,289 replaced the power steering unit. I’ve got over $19,000 in repairs on this non reliable truck. I’ve replaced or repaired so much on it. I can’t afford to get rid of it. It’s like a new truck almost. I will never buy another Chevrolet ever again. I will get a Tundra or an F-250. I’ve got more money in this Silverado than all my previous vehicles I’ve had the last 50 years. The only item I’ve had no problem with is the 5.3 motor. I’ve replaced or repaired everything else. I’m done with Chevrolets forever. It has 59,687 miles on it now

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 2.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
21 people out of 30 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Exactly what we wanted

This truck meets all our needs.. It runs @ drives like a new one. It also looks new inside @ out. Not sure about mpg but seems like 15 around town.Haven't taken a trip yet but will be soon.... I would recommend a Chev. Silverado to anyone looking for a truck@ We've had a lot of trucks in our 48 yrs. if marriage.. This is my favorite of all we've had

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
37 people out of 40 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 71 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Chevrolet
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
72 months/100,000 miles
Powertrain
60 months/100,000 miles
Roadside assistance
36 months/36,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
5 model years or newer/up to 75,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
12 months/12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years/100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
Powertrain
6 years/100,000 miles
Dealer certification required
172-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

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