Chevrolet was founded in 1911. Early on, clever Detroit factory workers modified some Chevy cars into flatbed trucks to move parts around the factory. By 1918, the automaker began selling these to the public as chassis-cab trucks and its been making legendary pickups ever since. For the 1999 model year, Chevy changed the C/K truck lineup’s name to the “Silverado” and a legend was born. Here are the three Silverado 1500 model years that are more than five years old, but still reliable as a rock.

The 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 model year is the best bulletproof classic

The 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is part of the second generation, which ran from 2007 to 2014. The 2010 model year did not feature significant mechanical changes from the previous years but continued with the reliable 4.3L V6 and 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.2L V8 engine options. Minor tweaks ahead of 2014’s big third-generation redesign included an improved fuel management system.

For this model year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a total of 91 complaints, out of which 21 were major powertrain or drivetrain issues. CarComplaints.com, on the other hand, lists 76 total complaints for the 2010 model, with 48 focused on powertrain problems. 2010 had five official recalls, though none were for powertrain issues.

Though not a recall, owners report a faulty transfer case control module, which could cause the truck to randomly drop into neutral. The most common complaint lodged with both the NHTSA and Car Complaints were engine problems with excessive oil consumption the main culprit.

Chevrolet produced 370,135 units of the 2010 Silverado 1500. It currently has an average Kelley Blue Book (KBB) resale value of $5,339.

By the 2015 model year, the 3rd generation Silverado 1500 was off and running

Often, new generations of a vehicle debut with problems still to be ironed out. And when Chevrolet rolled out its completely redesigned Silverado for 2014, the truck was slightly problematic. But by 2015 it was building one of the most problem-free years available. Impressive.. The 2015 Silverado enjoyed improved aerodynamics and structural integrity with additional high-strength steel in its frame, a new eight-speed automatic transmission for the 6.2L V8 models (a much needed upgrade). It also shined up the interior technology suite and even upped the fuel efficiency and comfort from the 2014 model. But 2015 did not include the advanced driver assistance systems introduced in the 2016 models.

The NHTSA recorded 1,369 complaints, with 255 of these focused on major powertrain and drivetrain problems. On CarComplaints.com, the 2015 Silverado has 125 complaints, including about 69 related to powertrain issues. But compared to the the notorious first year of this generation, the 2015 Silverado offers a significant improvement in reliability. 2015 had 23 recalls. One was for a shift cable, which could detach from the transmission, leaving your truck rolling across a parking lot if you didn’t have your parking brake on. In addition, the transfer case control module software could fail and unexpectedly shift you into neutral.

Owner reports: the 2015 Silverado still had its transmission problems. Some owners reported harsh shifts and occasional failures. Electrical issues were also reported. Yet, many Silverado fans still consider this the sweet spot for a dependable third-gen truck that offers good value for the money.

Chevrolet rolled out approximately 600,000 units of the 2015 Silverado 1500. On today’s used market, the 2015 Silverado typically has an average KBB resale value of $10,008.

The 2018 model year Silverado 1500 was a strong finish to the 3rd generation

The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, closed out the third generation. Chevy had worked out most problems, so it is one of the most reliable years of the era. The 2018 model year was largely a continuation of the 2017 design with a focus on refining the performance and comfort. Obviously, it didn’t get any of the 2019’s fourth-gen redesign which included a new frame, lighter materials, and more advanced powertrains for better fuel efficiency and performance.

NHTSA numbers: a total of 407 complaints for the 2018 model year, of which 157 are related to significant powertrain and drivetrain issues. CarComplaints.com reports 58 complaints, with 25 focused on engine and transmission problems. The 2018 only faced two recalls. Both recalls involved brakes: one was for decreased braking power while the other was for the system braking unintentionally.

Complaints: The most common NHTSA complaint this year was for drivetrain problems, followed by brake problems. The most common Car Complaints report was transmission not shifting properly.

In 2018, Chevrolet produced around 585,000 units of the Silverado 1500 an average KBB resale value of $12,659.