The 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a full-size truck with a price range of $20,760 to $30,334. Long-lasting engine choices, and a good towing capacity help the Silverado earn our recommendation for shoppers.
2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Quick Overview
- New features for the 2013 model year are minor and include a grade braking system. There’s a complete redesign in 2014.
- Reliability ratings are great, according to J.D. Power, and there are a similar number of issues compared to the older 2012 model.
- Four engine choices are available, including a large 6.2L V8 with class-leading power.
- Fuel economy is good and ties for 2nd out of 7 tested full-size trucks, with a combined rating of up to 17 miles per gallon.
- Safety ratings are average, getting four out of five stars in government crash tests.
- The 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 series ranks 9th out of 15 full-size trucks, based on owner reviews. A long-lasting powertrain, comfortable ride, and great towing capacity are reasons to test drive a 2013 Silverado.
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Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Problems Does the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Have?
The 2013 Chevrolet Silverado’s problem with cracking dashboards is overshadowed by serious airbag recalls. The 2013 Silverado has fewer complaints than other full-size trucks, and is a good choice for shoppers. After the redesign in 2014, there are significantly more mechanical problems.
Excessive oil consumption is the most common complaint from owners. In some cases the problem is caused by the active fuel management system, and in others the oil consumption is just part of normal operation. Check your oil regularly to make sure the levels are full to prevent engine damage.
Transmission failures are another issue, but they are not very common. The only solution is to replace the transmission with a new one if there’s a failure, costing about $3,300.
Cracking dashes are also mentioned by owners. The leather and plastic dash materials expand and contract in hotter climates, which eventually lead to cracks. Replacing the entire dash is the only solution, costing over $1,500.
There are five recalls, which is better than other trucks from 2013. The recalls include the transmission shifting out of park, transfer pump failure, a compressed natural gas label, and air bags. Most serious is the vehicle shifting out of park since the problem leads to rollaway situations.
What are the Prices, Models & Specs?
The 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500’s trims saw minor updates but still offered lots of options and new colors. The 2013 Silverado 1500 series is more affordable than other full-size trucks with a price range of $20,760 to $30,334, depending on the mileage and model. When new, the price range was $23,590 to $43,385. In current market conditions, full-size trucks are very valuable, so depreciation is better than average, dropping only about 25% in the first five years.
- Work Truck is the fleet-focused model and comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels, vinyl seating, air conditioning, and a simple 4-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo system with an AUX input jack.
- LT is next in the lineup with 17-inch chrome-style steel wheels, cloth seating, keyless entry, power mirrors, and cruise control.
- LS is near the middle of the class and has upgraded cloth seats, bucket front seats, leather steering wheel, and auto-dimming rearview mirror.
- LTZ is the flagship model with 20-inch alloy wheels, leather seating, remote start, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, wood trim, and a Bose stereo system.
How Long Will the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Last?
A properly cared for 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 series will last about 250,000 miles, which is average for a full-size truck. Repair Pal estimates the annual regular maintenance costs to be $711 per year, which falls in the middle of the class.
Yes and I have had no problems with it in 7 years. The body is solid and paint is showroom fresh. The v-8 motor is strong and runs well.
Yes, it very reliable. It has not really given me any problems that are not your basic. Or parts that are well over a year old that needed replacing.
Yes, it always starts for me. I have replaced the starter in the truck only as long as I have had it.
It does appear to be very reliable. I have had a few minor problems nothing severe but they were covered under warranty.
No problems just everyday wear and tear..As long as you keep up maintaining it there should be no problems.
The truck is very reliable. It is very spacious inside as well outside. If you maintain the trunk and have it serviced regularly you should not have any problems.
Yes it is a very reliable truck. It is low maintenance and great output. I like the sleek design and features.
No major problems so far. I have read about faulty dashboard readings but so far everything has functioned well.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Technology is outdated in the 2013 Chevy Silverado 1500 series, with major updates to the infotainment system in the 2014 model.
- Base technology includes an AM/FM/CD stereo system with four speakers, and a 3.5 mm auxiliary input.
- Upgrades include a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, satellite radio, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, and stereo system improvements.
- Standard safety features include OnStar, antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, as well as airbags. Optional upgrades include rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera.
What Engine Options are Available?
The 2013 Chevrolet Silverado’s engine options offer underwhelming V6, three potent V8s with up to 403 hp. Performance in the 2013 Silverado 1500 series is very good for a full-size truck. The upgraded 6.2L V8 takes the truck from 0 to 60 in 6.6 seconds, and can tow up to 10,700 pounds.
- The base engine is a 4.3L V6 with 195 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque.
- A step up is the 4.8L V8 engine, which has 302 horsepower and 305 lb.-ft. of torque.
- Above that is the 5.3L V8 engine producing 315 horsepower and 335 lb.-ft. of torque.
- The flagship engine is the 6.2L V8, which makes an impressive 403 horsepower and 417 lb.-ft. of torque.
What Color Options are Available?
How Big is the Silverado 1500 Series?
The 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 series is a large full-size truck, similar in size to other half-ton trucks including the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 series. Being a large truck, the Silverado may have trouble fitting into some residential garages.
There are three cabin configurations available, including a two-door regular cab, four-door extended cab, and larger four-door crew cab. Passenger space is comfortable in the crew cab, but cramped in the back seats of the extended cab. Three bed lengths are also available including five-foot-eight-inch, six-foot-six-inch, and eight-foot versions.
How Does the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Compare to Other SUVs?
Ranking 9th out of 15 full-size trucks, based on owner reviews, the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 series is in the lower half of the class.
The highest-rated half-ton truck is the more expensive Toyota Tundra. Where the Tundra comes out ahead is with better reliability ratings, and a standard V8 engine. The Silverado is better at towing, and has higher-quality interior materials. Overall if you want a long-lasting daily driver, the Tundra wins, but if you need a truck to tow and haul then the Silverado is the one to go with.
Another competitor is the more affordable Ram 1500. Where the Ram wins is with better technology, and more luxurious interior materials. The Chevy has better reliability ratings, and a higher towing capacity. Both are good trucks, but the Silverado is the winner since there are fewer complaints from owners.
Final Verdict: Is the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 a Good SUV?
Yes, the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 series is a good truck based on information from 299 verified owner reviews, and 21 government and automotive websites. The Chevy stands out with less problems than other full-size trucks, and powerful V8 engine choices. The downsides include outdated technology, and a lower quality interior than other trucks on the market. Overall, the 2013 Silverado is the year to get since there are fewer owner complaints than other model years.