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In the world of used pickup trucks, not all are created equal. Take the 2006 Chevy Silverado, which is the last year of the first generation of Silverados. Chevy hadn’t improved the truck much, but it did seem to fix all of the issues that previous model year versions had. By 2006 it was a well-sorted reliable  truck. Ohh, and you could get it in the mighty, and beloved, SS trim that could blow the doors off a Corvette.

Today, the first-generation Silverado trucks are not old enough to be cool, and not new enough to earn respect. But, in 2006 Chevy made a could that make the 2006 Silverado a diamond in the rough?

What is a 2006 Chevy Silverado worth?

2006 Chevy Silverado
The 2006 Chevy Silverado | Chevrolet

A used 2006 Silverado could be a great deal with used examples selling for $6,000 to $12,000, depending on which used car site you visit. And, of course, that price depends on the truck’s condition and mileage. For a special SS, however, be prepared to pay $16,000 to $20,000 for one in good condition. An expeptional one is $30,000 for an exceptional one.

Of course, that low price is reflected in the fact that Silverados were behind the times when they were new. They had dumpy plastic trim inside, seats that seemed to collapse overnight, and a large dash that is full of simple, flat, surfaces. The handling on the base version, too, was never a strong suit. The trucks, however, did come with several useful options like a selectable four-wheel drive system, and they can or tow and haul plenty.

How many miles can a 2006 Chevy Silverado 1500 last?

The 2006 Chevy Silverado could be one of the longest-lasting trucks, at least as far as the running gear is concerned. According to Vehicle History, these trucks can last 250,000 miles without any major mechanical problems. The 2005 and 2004 versions had reliability issues, or were easy to steal.

The first generation of Silverado’s have a stout reputation. It could hold 1,200 pounds in the bed and tow up to 7,800 pounds. They were also comfortable, for a truck of this era, with tilt steering, an external temperature gauge, power windows and more. Though the plastic dash and console were cheap, the aftermarket has plenty of options to dress up, or cover up, warn out plastics.

What engine comes in a 2006 Chevy Silverado?

2005 Chevy Silverado in red at an auto show
A Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck is displayed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit | Brett Mountain via Getty Images)

The 2006 Chevy Silverado could be ordered with several different engines, from a 4.3.-liter V6 that made just 195 horsepower to a 4.8-liter V8 that made 285 horsepower. The Silverado came in 14 trims with the W/T, or work truck, as the basic version. Chevy’s familiar LT, and 1LT trims came with options.

How much horsepower did the SS Silverado have?

The Chevy Silverado SS had a 6.0-liter V8 that made 348 horsepower. That was an astonishing number for a truck in 2006, and still respectable today. The Silverado SS cost more than $40,000 new in 2006, however they only had rear-wheel drive (earlier versions were all-wheel drive). Also, they had an antiquated disk/drum brake setup that made stopping this fast truck a chore. It does have 20-inch wheels and a body kit that makes it stand out from regular Silverados.

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Writer - Sedans & Coupes

Dan Mayfield

Dan joined MotorBiscuit in 2022 with over 20 years of experience in journalism and a lifelong passion for anything related to the automotive industry. He grew up wrenching a 1949 Ford pickup truck and an MGB with his dad, learning how not to wire a fuel pump (he inadvertently set the MGB on fire).

After earning a bachelor’s degree in photojournalism from the University of New Mexico, Dan has contributed his expertise to a range of local outlets, including the City of Albuquerque, US Eagle, and the Alliance for Local Economic Prosperity.

On weekends, Dan spends Saturdays enjoying “cars and coffee” chats and, on Sundays, he’s watching the Route 66 Cruise roll through town. He also races motorcycles, and it’s not unusual to find him elbows-deep in his latest cafe racer build.

Taking advantage of the local desert terrain, Dan also enjoys exploring and driving off-road in his trusty Ram Rebel pickup truck, which provides personal insights into his contributions to our Trucks, SUVs, & Crossovers coverage. Dan strives to give our readers unique information about the dynamic automotive market, reading anything that has to do with cars, trucks, bikes, 4X4s, and, in his words, “everything with a motor.”

Dan has earned a number of accolades from the Public Relations Society of America, and is a University of Southern California, Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism Fellow.