Coming from someone that actually owns one of these trucks, and not just tossing in my 2 cents, I would say the Silverado is a great truck.
I bought mine brand new in 05 and have not had a single problem with it (Extended cab z71 1500). For me, its been the most practicle vehicle I could have ever bought. Its big enough to carry 4 adults, I can haul whatever I need, I can pull a trailer when needed, and it rides great be it for daily driving or on the thruway. I get 16mpg normal driving, 20+ highway.
Others will agree or disagree…It all depends on what you need out of the vehicle. For me, I’m very happy with the truck. I have 3 friends that own 1500’s with 5.3’s, and one with a 02’ 2500 w/6.0 and none of them ever had issues with their trucks.