2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Base — Carivo review carivo.co
Truck

2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Base

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $28,610–$37,183
Fuel Economy 13 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Truck
Est. Annual Fuel $4,038/yr

Key Specifications — 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Base

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleTruck
Base Price$28,610–$37,183

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Base

Our scoring places the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Base at 7.1/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this truck. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.8/10, while Reliability at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional truck — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.5/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.8/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance scores 7.5/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Technology scores 6.6/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $28,610–$37,183, 13 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Base sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Our take: The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Base is a passable truck but not a standout one. Weaknesses in value and technology and reliability hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Trucks

The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Base ranks #381 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 26% of the segment. Its 7.1/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $28,610 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $35,138 by about 19%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking →

Which Silverado 1500 Base Year Should You Buy?

Across the Silverado 1500 Base model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 7.6/10$38,774 Read review →
2024 7.5/10$37,645 Read review →
2023 7.6/10$36,515 Read review →
2022 7.5/10$35,386 Read review →
2021 7.4/10$34,256 Read review →
2020 7.4/10$33,127 Read review →
2019 7.3/10$31,998 Read review →
2018 7.3/10$30,868 Read review →
2017 7.3/10$29,739 Read review →
2016 (this review) 7.1/10$28,610
2015 7.2/10$27,480 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Base

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 13 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

Similar Truck to Consider

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