Was 2009 a good year for Chevy Silverado?

The year was mixed for the Silverado: it remained a top seller in the full-size pickup segment, but the overall market downturn in 2009 kept sales down and limited the model’s ability to set records.

Market backdrop in 2009

Several forces shaped pickup demand in 2009. The economy contracted, gas prices varied, and consumer confidence was low. GM’s restructuring and government assistance also threaded through vehicle sales, including pickups like the Silverado.

• US auto sales declined sharply in 2009, with total industry volume down and truck demand sensitive to incentives and financing conditions.


• General Motors’ bankruptcy and restructuring created production and dealer network uncertainties, though government-backed loans helped stabilize supply in the latter half of the year.


• Incentives and financing remained a key factor for buyers, with heavy discounts attempting to spur truck purchases amid credit tightening.


• Competition in the full-size pickup segment remained intense, with the Ford F-Series and Ram trucks continuing strong, affecting Silverado’s share.


• Fuel economy concerns and a shift toward more efficient crossovers influenced buyer choices, limiting demand for large trucks relative to pre-recession years.


• Spring and summer periods saw some stabilization as GM emerged from restructuring, but overall annual volumes still lagged 2007–2008 levels.

In sum, 2009 set a difficult backdrop for the Silverado, even as the model maintained a solid presence in the market.

Chevy Silverado in 2009: performance and perception

Against the backdrop of a fragile market, Silverado’s position remained strong within Chevy’s lineup and among full-size pickups, though not immune to the year’s struggles.

1. The Silverado continued to rank among the top two to three best-selling full-size pickups in the United States, typically behind the Ford F-Series.


2. GM’s restructuring and dealer incentives helped sustain dealer allocations and availability, supporting continued sales despite bankruptcy proceedings.


3. The 2009 Silverado rode the GMT900 platform cycle, offering solid towing and payload capabilities, with a reasonable balance of performance and usability for work and family use.


4. Interior quality and refinement were improving but still viewed as behind some competitive rivals by critics, while reliability and durability remained a selling point for many buyers.

Overall, for buyers, 2009 Silverado offered familiar capability with some tradeoffs typical of a down market, and it kept Chevrolet’s strong standing in the full-size pickup category during a turbulent year.

Buyer considerations in 2009

For shoppers considering a 2009 Silverado, several practical factors shaped decisions in a tight credit environment and uncertain economy.

• Pros: strong towing and payload, durable construction, extensive dealer network, good resale value for a traditional workhorse.


• Cons: older interior styling relative to some rivals, ride quality can be firmer on base trims, fuel economy middling for a full-size pickup, and higher insurance costs for heavier trims.

Purchasers weighed rugged capability against evolving fuel economy expectations and the complexities of buying during GM’s restructuring period.

Summary

2009 was not a standout year in a broad sense, but the Chevy Silverado maintained its role as a leading choice in the full-size pickup segment. The model benefited from its established reputation and wide dealer network, even as the broader auto market faced recession, bankruptcy-era uncertainties, and shifting buyer preferences toward more efficient vehicles. For Silverado buyers, the year underscored a balance between proven capability and the need to navigate a challenging economic landscape.

What is the best year of Silverado to buy used?

The best year for a used Chevy Silverado is generally considered to be 2018, due to its balance of modern features, strong reliability, and high owner satisfaction. Other top choices include the 2012 for its exceptional reliability and the 2011-2013 models as a more budget-friendly option with good quality control. For the most modern technology, look for models from 2021 and newer. 
This video explains the best and worst years for Chevy Silverado: 59sCar ExpertlyYouTube · Jun 4, 2025
Top recommendations

• 2018: Excellent owner satisfaction, few reported electronic or mechanical issues, and a good balance of power, comfort, and technology. It offers a comfortable ride and a well-regarded powertrain. 
• 2012: Often cited as one of the most reliable years, with a reputation for durability and a comfortable ride. It has a strong V8 engine and a good J.D. Power rating. 
• 2011–2013: A great budget-friendly choice. These models improved on the earlier GMT900 trucks, with better quality control after the initial issues with the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system in 2007-2010 models. 
• 2019 and newer: Best for the latest safety and driver-assist technology, especially from 2021 onwards, which offer a wide range of trims, engines (including diesel), and advanced trailering systems. 

Things to consider

• Early Active Fuel Management (AFM): Avoid 2007-2010 models with the 5.3-liter V8, as the early versions of the AFM system are known to cause problems. 
• Third-generation (2014–2018): While the 2018 is recommended, be cautious of the 2014 due to potential AC issues and the 2017, which had some transmission problems. 
• Maintenance: Regardless of the year, a well-maintained truck with a clean history report and service records will likely provide the best ownership experience. 

Is the 2009 5.3 engine reliable?

Overall, the Chevy 5.3 liter engine is a reliable engine that can last for many years if it is properly maintained. Drivers who take good care of their engines can expect to get 200,000 miles or more out of them.

What years of Silverado to stay away from?

2012 and 2013 Silverado
These models are among the worst years in the Silverado 1500's second generation. Consumers complained about transmission, engine, and interior accessory problems. If you're considering buying a used truck, count these models as some of the Chevy Silverado 1500 years to avoid.

Is 2009 a good year for Chevy Silverado 1500?

The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a durable truck praised for its reliable 5.3L V8 engine and smooth ride, but potential buyers should be aware of possible lifter collapse issues with the Active Fuel Management system and some dashboard components' tendency to wear over time. It features improved steering and a six-speed transmission, with positive owner reviews highlighting its longevity, towing capabilities, and comfortable, spacious interior. While the basic interior materials are durable, some less-expensive trims may have a less appealing design with plastic that can show wear.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado's features: 52sWolfe Chevrolet EdmontonYouTube · Oct 11, 2024
Positive aspects

• Engine performance: The 5.3L Vortec V8 is a popular and reliable engine. Some owners have reported high mileage with only regular maintenance. 
• Ride and handling: The steering is often described as responsive, and the overall ride is smooth for a half-ton truck. 
• Durability: Many reviews indicate the truck is built to last and holds up well over time, with some owners reporting hundreds of thousands of miles. 
• Interior features: Higher trims have nice interiors with comfortable seats. Extended cab models offer a spacious cab with a third door that opens 180 degrees. 
• Towing and hauling: The truck is capable for both towing and hauling, and the introduction of the 6L80 six-speed transmission improved its towing performance. 
• Safety: The truck received a perfect five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though it only scored four stars for rollover resistance. 

Potential drawbacks

• Engine issues: A known common problem is lifter collapse due to the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system. 
• Interior wear: Some plastic components, especially on the dashboard, can wear over time, and buttons are known to fade. 
• Rust: While less prone to rusting than previous generations, some rust may still occur, particularly in colder climates or on rocker panels. 
• Fuel economy: Fuel efficiency is not the best, except for the hybrid model, and the 6.2L V8 sacrifices fuel economy for power. 
• Value: Compared to some competitors, it may lack some innovative features. 

What to look for when buying

• Service history: Check for a maintenance record to see if the truck has had any engine-related issues, especially those related to lifters. 
• Interior condition: Examine the dashboard, steering wheel, and seats for signs of excessive wear or damage. 
• Rust: Inspect the rocker panels and wheel wells for any signs of rust, especially if the truck has been driven in areas where road salt is used. 
• Transmission: While the six-speed is an improvement, some high-mileage trucks may still have transmission problems.