The Chevrolet Silverado usually ranks as the second most popular pickup truck behind the best-selling Ford F-150. With more than 9.5 million Chevy Silverados sold since 2007, there’s a lot to love about the lineup. While trucking enthusiasts continue to turn to the Silverado to get a job done, not every model year is desirable.
To help you see the differences between the model years, we worked through our original data and other sources looking for the best and worst years for the Chevrolet Silverado. This is good information to have if you are purchasing a used Silverado or you already have this Chevy truck sitting in your garage.
Our data comes from the thousands of FIXD devices installed in the Chevy Silverado models. It also comes from hundreds of owner surveys and information regarding recalls, fuel economy ratings, safety testing, and other essential factors.
Here’s the summary of what we’ve found. Scroll down further if you want a detailed analysis of the findings.
Best Years | Why? | Worst Years | Why? |
2013-2014 | High Survey Reliability Rating, great MPG performance, and exceptional crash test ratings | 2001-2002 | Subpar safety test ratings, reduced fuel efficiency, and a higher chance of engine trouble |
2015 – 2018 | Strong reliability scores, higher MPG efficiency, and excellent crash test ratings | 2003-2005 | Low-reliability scores, lacks efficiency, and less-than-desirable safety ratings |
2019 – 2021 | High-reliability ratings, and a lower chance of engine or transmission failure | 2006-2009 | Higher chance of brake failure, reduced reliability, and consumes more fuel |
2010-2011 | Higher reliability ratings, decent fuel economy and low cost of ownership | 2012 | High cost of ownership, and high likelihood of problems |
Chevrolet Silverado MPG, Engine Reliability Score, & Safety Ratings Year by Year
To gain a better understanding of how each Chevrolet Silverado model stacks up to the others, it’s important to get an overview of all the ratings. We look at engine reliability, the safety ratings, and fuel efficiency to provide a clearer picture.
As we examine the data, you’ll notice that the first model years of some Silverado generations have more bugs than later model years of the same generation. Very often, there are bugs with the first model year of a redesigned generation that need to be worked out, these typically get better as time goes on.
If you’re in the market for a car, take a look at our article on the USAs’ most reliable and cheapest to repair cars in the U.S. Don’t get stuck with a lemon, use our data to help you shop.
Engine Reliability Score – Over The Years

Our in-depth analysis looks at Chevrolet Silverado engine reliability from two different angles. There’s the data received from the FIXD app and survey results from owners. Overall, the models become more reliable as they get older, with a few exceptions. You also see that the FIXD app (Green) and survey results (Gray) run in a similar overall pattern, further backing each other up.
Each of the Silverado model years was rated based on a 1-10 scale, whether it was the app data or survey record being used. The FIXD Engine Reliability rating is based on how many Chevy check engine lights are thrown with each model year. 5 is an average score, with 10 being the highest achievable and 1 being the lowest. Based on the data, it’s best to avoid the 2001-2006 Chevy Silverado, but we will look at this more closely later in the article.
NHTSA Safety Score – Over The Years

A vehicle’s safety score from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals how well it performs in certain crash situations. If the safety rating is high, you’ll be able to get cheap car insurance for your used truck.
If you live in one of the states listed below, we can show you the cheapest vehicles to insure in yours.
What Used Cars Are the Cheapest To Insure In: |
Ohio |
North Carolina |
Michigan |
Georgia |
Texas |
New York |
Illinois |
Pennsylvania |
California |
It’s important to note that many pickup trucks struggle to provide excellent safety ratings. Yet, Silverados seem to do better, almost year after year. This Chevy truck wasn’t considered very safe prior to the 2008 model year. Based on safety ratings alone, we only recommend choosing a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado or newer.
MPG – Over The Years

You don’t want to spend more time than needed at the gas pump, yet pickup trucks are notorious fuel hogs. For being a full-size truck, the Chevrolet Silverado does have some models that do well in terms of fuel efficiency. Looking at the graph above, we see the gas ratings in Green and the hybrid ratings, when available, in Gray. Older models from 2001 to 2013 don’t fare well in the gas ratings, with a high-end average mpg rating of just 15 or 16.
However, the fuel economy ratings from the U.S. Department of Energy show the newer Chevrolet Silverado fares much better. The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado has the best average rating of 19 mpg, although the other newer models aren’t too far off from this high mark.
It’s also important to look at the hybrid ratings, which give a dramatic boost to fuel efficiency. 2009 through 2013 Silverados average 21-22 mpg, helping owners save a little more at the pump.
Current Market Value of All Chevrolet Silverado Years & Cost Per Year to Repair and Maintain Each

When evaluating the average repair and maintenance cost of a Chevy Silverado, you must factor in how reliable that year is and what is causing the check engine light to come on in the first place. If your car has engine or transmission problems, your repair costs are likely to be much higher than the average.
Additionally, the cost of maintaining and repairing a vehicle will affect its resale value. As you can see by the chart, the resale value of the Chevrolet Silverado continues to go up as the models are newer and there are fewer problems. We rate the KBB Current Market Value with the Green line and the Average Cost of Repairs from our survey data by the Gray line.
There also isn’t much of a value difference between the 2014 and 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, making the new model a better choice for most consumers. Knowing the slight value difference can help you get a better truck. If you are in the market for a used Silverado, you may be able to get your best deal on a 2015 Chevy truck.
When shopping for a used Chevrolet Silverado, it’s important to keep in mind that not all vehicles are cared for equally. To protect yourself from lemons, take along a FIXD Sensor on your test drive. FIXD connects to a free app on your smartphone to tell you more about the vehicle you’re checking out, including check engine lights and other hidden issues that the owner or dealership may be attempting to hide. Click here to learn more and get FIXD for only $19.99 (regular price $59)!
Important Features Timeline:
1999: New truck model built off of the C/K pickup
2000: New optional fourth access door available on extended cab models
2001: Available PRO TEC composite truck box added, optional traction control now available
2002: All extended-cab models now include a four-speed automatic transmission
2003: Redesigned cabin, newly standard dual-stage airbags and front-passenger-sensing system
2004: Work Truck package available with regular and extended cab configurations, base models receive chrome wheels, a chrome rear bumper, a sound system, and a cruise control
2005: Quadrasteer has been discontinued with 2WD, standard wheel sizes now start at 17”
2006: New “VortecMAX” performance group includes a 345-horsepower 6.0-liter V8 engine, a heavy-duty tow package, and a stronger rear axle
2007: Start of 2nd generation, completely redesigned
2008: Satellite radio is now standard equipment
2009: New V8 engine options is added, new six-speed automatic transmission
2010: V8s now run on E85 as well as gasoline, 6.0-liter V8 engine has been discontinued
2011: New OnStar 9.0 system
2012: New trailer sway control with the stability control system
2013: A carryover year with no major changes
2014: Start of the 3rd generation with weight reduction and a new V6 engine option
2015: 2WT (Work Truck) becomes the LS trim, eight-speed automatic available with the 6.2-liter V8 engine
2016: Revised exterior styling, two new touchscreens gain Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
2017: Teen Driver system is now standard technology, Rearview camera is added to LT trim and higher
2018: Rearview camera and 7” touchscreen standard
2019: Start of the 4th generation with a complete redesign
2020: Newly available 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, optional Advanced Trailering System option supporting 15 different views
2021: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now available, multi-configurable tailgate option
2022: ZR2 off-road debuts, discontinued V6 engine, available Super Cruise semi-automated driving technology
2023: Diesel engine has been updated to produce more power
The Best Years of the Chevrolet Silverado
Looking at the engine reliability data, owner feedback, safety testing, and fuel economy ratings, some Chevrolet Silverado model years are far better than others. We look at a year-by-year examination of the best Chevy Silverados. In the review, we’ll also examine the most likely diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for each model and list any relevant recalls from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado
FIXD Reliability Score: 8-10/10
Owner Reliability Score: 9-10/10
KBB Value: $21,871-$26,336
Fuel Economy: 17-18 mpg (gas), 19-22 mpg (hybrid)
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $464-$675
Safety Rating: 4.4-4.5/5
Just after the beginning of the 4th generation, the 2019 -2021 Chevrolet Silverado is proving to be a real winner. Not only has it earned a great reliability rating from owners, but it’s also not expensive to repair or maintain when compared with other model years.
FIXD app engine reliability data gives the 2019 to 2021 model years an 8 to 10 out of 10. Plus, owners rank the three Silverado models between a 9 and a perfect 10.
NHTSA crash testing gives these trucks a decent overall safety score of 4.4-4.5 (out of 5), proving it’s one of the safer trucks on the road.
Owners of these Silverado years are looking at a higher chance of over $500 repair bills, which isn’t uncommon with full-size truck models. However, these truck models have a reduced instance of engine or transmission failure when compared with older versions.
The most prevalent trouble codes with these two models include Lost Communication with TCM (U0101) and Lost Communication With ECM/PCM “A” (U0100). These two codes can be set for something as simple as a dead car battery, which is an easy fix costing around $79 to $496. There are also reports of the Random, Multiple Misfire Detected (P0300) trouble code, but it comes up far less in these models than compared with older Silverados. If the code is due to faulty spark plugs, you may spend around $66 to $250.
There are, however, ten recalls for the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado, ten for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado, and five on the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado. All of these should be covered repairs by the dealership, so you won’t have to pay anything out of pocket.
2015-2018 Chevrolet Silverado
FIXD Reliability Score: 7-8/10
Owner Reliability Score: 8-10/10
KBB Value: $11,212- $18,967
Fuel Economy: 18 mpg (gas), 19 mpg (hybrid)
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $685-$964
Safety Rating: 4.75-4.8/5
The 2015 through 2018 Chevrolet Silverado are part of the 3rd generation. These trucks have earned a stellar reliability rating from the owners and both have superior safety scores.
FIXD app engine reliability data gives the model years a 7 or 8 out of 10, while owners rank the Silverado models with an 8 through a perfect 10.
NHTSA crash testing gives these trucks a decent overall safety score of 4.75 to 4.8 (out of 5), which is much higher than most trucks receive.
The big difference between the four models is the annual repair and maintenance cost. With the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, we show an annual estimate of $685, while the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado is much higher at $964. However, the chance of a repair being more than $500 goes down with these models compared with some others we’ve discussed.
These Silverado models tend to deal with the Random, Multiple Misfire Detected (P0300) trouble code, which could indicate something as simple as a bad spark plugs costing around $66 to $250 to repair. They also are known for the Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 2 (P0430) DTC. If you need to replace the catalytic converter to get rid of the code, you could spend between $1,538 and $2,041.
As with most trucks, you are looking at a significant amount of recalls. The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado currently has 23 recalls, while the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado lists 13. Additionally, the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado has six recalls, while the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado is subject to three recalls. These repairs should be covered by the automaker, leaving you with nothing to pay out of pocket.
2010-2011 Chevrolet Silverado
FIXD Reliability Score: 5-6/10
Owner Reliability Score: 8/10
KBB Value: $6,406-$7,758
Fuel Economy: 16 mpg (gas), 21-22 mpg (hybrid)
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $579-$833
Safety Rating: 4.5/5
With the 2010 and 2011 Chevrolet Silverado, we don’t see quite as high reliability ratings based on the FIXD app data, but owners seem to be pleased. Additionally, the safety scores are impressive.
FIXD app engine reliability data gives the 2010 and 2011 model years a 5 or 6 out of 10, while owners rank the two Silverado models with an 8/10.
NHTSA crash testing gives these trucks a decent overall safety score of 4.5 (out of 5), which isn’t too shabby.
There is a slight difference with the annual repair and maintenance cost. With the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado, we show an annual estimate of $833, while the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado is much lower at $579. However, the chance of a repair being more than $500 goes down with both of these models with the newer one more likely to experience brake trouble and the older truck subject to engine problems.
Both Silverado trucks show the Random, Multiple Misfire Detected (P0300) trouble code, but it doesn’t always indicate something severe. In many cases, spark plugs are all that are needed, and these tend to cost around $66 to $250 for the repair. They also are known for the Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Range/Performance (P0521) DTC. If an oil pressure sending unit is needed, it would cost around $91 to $151.
As with most of these older model trucks, there are some recalls to deal with. The 2010 Chevrolet Silverado has four recalls, while the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado has six to think about. These repairs should be covered by the automaker, leaving you with nothing to pay out of pocket.
2013-2014 Chevrolet Silverado
FIXD Reliability Score: 6-7/10
Owner Reliability Score: 8-9/10
KBB Value: $8,562-$10,985
Fuel Economy: 16-19 mpg (gas), 21-22 mpg (hybrid)
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $567-$825
Safety Rating: 4.6-4.8/5
The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado started the 3rd generation, and it wasn’t riddled with major problems as most new models are. These two models feature strong reliability ratings, they earned great safety scores, plus they received some of the best fuel economy ratings of the Silverado lineups.
FIXD app engine reliability data gives the 2013 and 2014 model years a 6 or 7 out of 10, while owners rank the Silverado model with an 8 or 9.
NHTSA crash testing reveals a generous safety score of 4.6-4.8 (out of 5), still landing higher than many other full-size trucks.
The annual cost to repair and maintain the 2014 Chevy Silverado may be on the higher side at $825, but this is common with trucks. Yet, the 2013 model is much lower at just $567. With that said, the chance of major repairs being needed is lower than average with every system except for air conditioning and heat on the 2014 truck and the engine on the 2013 model.
One of the most common DTCs is the Random, Multiple Misfire Detected (P0300) trouble code. It may require spark plugs, which can cost $58 to $167. Additionally, you could face the Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Range/Performance (P0521) DTC. If an oil pressure sending unit is needed, it would cost around $91 and $151. There’s also the chance for the Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 2 (P0430) DTC. If you need to replace the catalytic converter to get rid of the code, you could spend between $1,538 and $2,041.
The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado has 20 recalls while the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado suffers from 5. You shouldn’t need to pay anything out of pocket for the covered recall repairs.
The Worst Years of the Chevrolet Silverado
If you are looking to buy a used Chevrolet Silverado, these are the models you want to be wary of. If you currently own one of them, be aware that you may spend more on repair and maintenance bills, and your truck may not last as long as the model years listed in the “best years” category above.
Using the same data from above, let’s look closer at these troublesome Silverado models.
2012 Chevrolet Silverado
FIXD Reliability Score: 7/10
Owner Reliability Score: 9/10
KBB Value: $7,221
Fuel Economy: 16 mpg (gas), 21 mpg (hybrid)
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $1,000
Safety Rating: 4.4/5
The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado may not have terrible ratings, but it’s one of the most expensive model years to own. Additionally, the truck suffers a higher chance of mechanical failure of most of the essential systems.
FIXD app engine reliability data gives the 2012 Silverado a 7 out of 10, while owners rank the Silverado models with a 9/10.
The annual cost to repair and maintain the 2012 Chevy Silverado is the highest of all models at $1,000. Additionally, the value of the truck dips down lower than the model before it.
Sadly, the list of common trouble codes with the 2012 isn’t much different from some of the others. It commonly suffers from the Random, Multiple Misfire Detected (P0300) trouble code, which could be due to the spark plugs, costing around $66 to $250 for a replacement. They also are known for the Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Range/Performance (P0521) DTC. If an oil pressure sending unit is needed, it would cost around $91 to $151.
Not only does the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado have four recalls, but also two investigations. More than likely there should have been additional recalls that never occurred.
2003-2005 Chevrolet Silverado
FIXD Reliability Score: 1-2/10
Owner Reliability Score: 7/10
KBB Value: $3,708-$4,040
Fuel Economy: 15 mpg (gas), 17 mpg (hybrid)
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $705-$926
Safety Rating: 3.75/5
The 2003 to 2005 Chevrolet Silverado has some of the lower reliability scores amongst Silverado years and they are typically expensive to repair. They also feature lower-than-average fuel economy ratings, forcing drivers to spend more at the pump.
FIXD app engine reliability data gives the 2003-2005 model years a 1-2 out of 10, while owners rank these Silverado years as a 7.
The annual cost to repair and maintain the 2003 Chevy Silverado is on the high side at $926, making it more costly to own. Additionally, the value of the truck dips down lower than the two previous model years before it. 2001-2002 Silverados are worth more, according to KBB values.
Sadly, the list of common trouble codes with the 2003-2005 Chevrolet Silverado is long. It commonly suffers from the Evaporative System (EVAP) Vent Circuit Control Malfunction (P0449), which could range in cost to repair from $200 to $750, and the Random, Multiple Misfire Detected (P0300) trouble code that may require a new intake manifold gasket, costing $357 to $746. We also see lots of data indicating System Too Lean Bank 1 (P0171), which could also be the intake manifold gasket, and Catalyst System Low Efficiency (P0420), which may require a catalytic converter costing $1,538 to $2,041.
Not only does the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado have 15 recalls, but there are also nine NHTSA investigations and more than 2,000 complaints. The 2004 Chevrolet Silverado has 17 recalls and one investigation, while the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado has 16 recalls. Learn from those who have gone before you and avoid these Chevy trucks.
2006-2009 Chevrolet Silverado
FIXD Reliability Score: 2-4/10
Owner Reliability Score: 7-9/10
KBB Value: $4,264-$6,184
Fuel Economy: 15 mpg (gas), 17-21 mpg (hybrid)
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $684-$891
Safety Rating: 3.75-4.6/5
The 2006-2009 Chevrolet Silverados don’t fare much better than the previous models. They can be expensive to repair and maintain, have low-reliability ratings, and earlier ones plummet in safety rating scores.
FIXD app engine reliability data gives the 2006-2009 model year a 2-4 out of 10, while owners rank the Silverado models with a 7-9/10.
NHTSA crash testing reveals a lower safety score of 3.75-4.6 (out of 5), indicating that occupants may be at risk in some of these trucks.
The annual cost to repair and maintain the 2006 Chevy Silverado may be on the higher side at $891, with a high likelihood of brake failure. It also faces an above-average chance of needing engine or transmission repair. Models after the 2006 model year tend to do slightly better.
These pickups suffer from many of the same DTCs as the previous models we reviewed, such as Catalyst System Low Efficiency (P0420), which may require a catalytic converter costing $1,538 to $2,041. It also looks like the Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Range/Performance (P0521) DTC is common. If an oil pressure sending unit is needed, it would cost around $91 to $151.
Maybe the only good thing going for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado is that there are just 11 NHTSA recalls. The 2007 Chevrolet Silverado has 6 recalls, the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado suffers from 5 recalls and the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado has 3 recalls. It’s also possible that there are plenty of defects that were worthy of recalls, but they never got issued.
2001-2002 Chevrolet Silverado
FIXD Reliability Score: 1/10
Owner Reliability Score: 7-8/10
KBB Value: $4,344-$4,483
Fuel Economy: 15 mpg (gas)
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $733-$792
Safety Rating: 3.5/5
The 2001 and 2002 Chevrolet Silverado aren’t looking like a winner if you want a reliable pickup truck. The safety rating is low, they have poor fuel economy numbers and a higher-than-average chance of major mechanical failure.
FIXD app engine reliability data gives the 2001 and 2002 model years a 1 out of 10, while owners rank these years with a 7 or 8.
NHTSA crash testing reveals one of the lowest safety scores of 3.5 (out of 5), revealing that this isn’t the safest truck on the road.
The annual cost to repair and maintain the 2001 and 2002 Chevy Silverado may be a little more reasonable at $733 to $792, but there’s a high likelihood of engine malfunctions, brake failure, or trouble with the AC and heating system.
We continue to see a longer list of trouble codes with the 2001 and 2002 Chevrolet Silverado. As with some other models, you may see the Random, Multiple Misfire Detected (P0300) trouble code that could be due to a faulty mass air flow sensor for around $172 to $309. Otherwise, it’s common to get the System Too Lean Bank 1 (P0171), System Too Lean Bank 2 (P0174), both of which also point to the mass air flow sensor.
There may only be 18 recalls on the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, but it’s been involved in 15 NHTSA investigations. Plus, the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado has 18 recalls and 15 investigations. These numbers indicate these are trucks to stay away from.
FAQs
What years of the Chevrolet Silverado have engine and/or transmission problems?
The Chevrolet Silverado models with the highest chance of engine trouble include the 2007, 2011, and 2001. However, there’s a higher-than-average chance for a $500+ engine repair bill with the 2003-2013 Chevrolet Silverado models. Major transmission problems aren’t as common but can occur more frequently with the 2002, 2005 and 2012 Chevrolet Silverado trucks.
What is considered high mileage for a Chevrolet Silverado?
Because pickup trucks can be used in a variety of ways, it’s difficult to determine an average mileage for the Chevrolet Silverado. With proper maintenance and gentle driving, the Silverado could last more than 200,000 miles, while others that have been heavily used and abused may only last 100,000 miles. High mileage is better determined by a professional technician that can evaluate the truck.
Our data suggests that high mileage could generally be considered 130,000 miles or above.
Most of the oldest years we have data on (1996-2006) generally range between an average of 170,000 to 195,000 miles or so. This plateau suggests that these vehicles are the few still left on the road because they have less mileage and therefore, less wear and tear than the average vehicle. But, at this point, they are probably only a few thousand miles away from being sold as scrap to the nearest junkyard.
Only 2 of the older years have an average mileage over 200,000, the 1997 (258K) and the 1999 (250k). High mileage for newer vehicles may be very different but, assuming it improves with time, you may get even more out of a high-mileage vehicle than we see now.
Just in case you’d rather buy low mileage, 2014 and forward, the average mileage is less than 130,000 miles.
What other vehicles should I consider?
There aren’t many other truck options offered by the Chevrolet family. However, if you don’t need a full-size truck, you could consider the smaller Colorado. It’s still plenty capable and provides the truck experience you are hoping for. There’s also the heavy-duty Silverado lineup for those of you looking for something a little beefier. You could also explore Ford’s F-150, the Toyota Tundra, Honda Ridgeline, or RAM 1500.
Aside from trucks, don’t forget that Chevrolet provides a long list of capable and reliable SUVs. You can tow and haul with many of the SUVs, giving you some of the same capability as a truck. On the smaller end, you have the Trailblazer, Equinox, and Blazer to consider. If you need something larger, take a look at the Traverse, Tahoe, or Suburban instead.
What owners of the Chevrolet Silverado like to use their car for:
Percent based x/5-star: 0-10% = 1, 11-20% = 2, 21-30% = 3, 31-40% = 4, 41%+ = 5
Frequent Use Categories: | How Useful? (Out of 5 Stars) |
Family Vehicle | **** |
Lots of Driving (travel/long commute) | ***** |
Hauling/Towing | * |
Office on Wheels | * |
Sport/Fast Driving | * |
Luxurious Driving | * |
Outdoor/Off-Road | * |
A Note About Data and Information Sources
This article has many details about Chevrolet Silverado reliability; here’s what we used for our assumptions and recommendations.
- FIXD Reliability Score & Data: Engine reliability information is captured via the FIXD App.
The FIXD Reliability Score is calculated using the number of DTCs per year, weighted by mileage. This is then turned into a scale of 1-10 for easy graphing.
This is an objective score.
- Owner Reliability Score & Data: This data is the result of surveying Chevrolet Silverado owners who use FIXD.
The Owner Reliability Score comes straight from owners of the Chevrolet Silverado.
This is a subjective score.
To determine the Owner Reliability Score we ask each car owner:
How reliable would you say your Chevrolet Silverado isa
a. Just point A to point B driving
b. A Daily Commuter
c. Good for a 100 mile road trip
d. Good for a 500 mile road trip
e. I could take a cross-country road trip, no problem
From here we translate their answers into the Owner Reliability Score:
a. = 2
b. = 4
c. = 6
d. = 8
e. = 10
Keep in mind, owners may think their car is more or less reliable than it actually is.
One potential problem is that people often buy the same make or model they are used to when they go car shopping, just a newer year.
Ford, for instance, has a number of consumer loyalty awards for the Ford F-Series, Ford Mustang, and Ford Expedition.
Car owners may be so loyal to the make or model they currently own that they would have trouble accurately comparing their cars’ reliability to others.
It’s for this reason that we intentionally ask car owners a question that is relative to mileage rather than relative to other cars.
Still, be mindful of the accuracy of these Owner Reliability Scores, people’s perceptions and unconscious blindspots can skew data.
We suggest looking at both the FIXD Reliability Score and the Owner Reliability Score for this reason.
- KBB Value: Average private-seller valuations as supplied by Kelley Blue Book (KBB), based on a {make} {model} with typical mileage for that respective model year.
- Fuel Economy: Mileage-per-gallon estimates according to the EPA MPG on Fueleconomy.gov
- Annual Maintenance/Repair: Upkeep expenses as reported by surveyed Ford Chevrolet Silverado owners
- Safety Rating: Crash test data collected and reported by NHTSA. We average all ratings for each year to come up with a simplified, average safety score. This makes it easier to look at on a graph.
References
- Best-selling pickup trucks in the United States in 2022, Statista (March 10, 2023). Retrieved March 19, 2023, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/204473/best-selling-trucks-in-the-united-states-from-january-to-october-2011/
- Chevrolet Silverado sales figures, Good Car Bad Car. Retrieved March 19, 2023, from https://www.goodcarbadcar.net/chevrolet-silverado-sales-figures/
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Cars.com. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.cars.com/research/chevrolet-silverado_1500/

Brian Jones owns a used car dealership outside of Dallas, Texas. He has also worked for decades as an ASE Certified Master Technician for a variety of new car dealerships. Now he spends his time consulting dealerships and writing for some renowned publications, such as Motor1 (https://www.motor1.com/info/team/brian-jones/). When he’s not working, he’s tinkering around with pickup trucks and traveling with his family.