Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Review

Though "HD" has become common parlance, rest assured that the HD part of Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD does not, in fact, involve a television. In this case we're talking the old-fashioned meaning of HD: "Heavy Duty." The 2500HD is a true workhorse meant for big-league power, towing and hauling capabilities.

Although previously the name of a trim level on the old C/K pickup, Silverado became Chevy's full-size truck name in 1999. "HD," meanwhile, was applied in 2001 for heavy-duty versions of the regular-strength 2500. (Previously, HD had also been a trim level rather than a dedicated model.) Sound confusing? Well it is, and it all makes for a convoluted model history that rivals that of Dark Ages French royalty. Even for 2007, there were two 2500HDs on sale: an all-new redesigned model and the previous-generation 2500HD, which was being sold as the "Classic."

For years, Chevy trucks were soundly criticized for their lackluster cabins filled with hard plastics and poor fit and finish. The Silverado's most recent redesign introduced a radically improved interior that enhanced the big pickup's desirability. Even so, it will always be this truck's durability and tremendous hauling and towing abilities that have kept generations of Chevy loyalists coming back to the gold bowtie. For an intermediate heavy-duty pickup, it's hard to go wrong with the Silverado 2500HD.

Current Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
The Silverado 2500HD is available in regular-, extended- or crew cab designs, with a long or short wheelbase and with rear- or four-wheel drive. The extended and crew-cab body styles are offered in three trim levels: Work Truck, LT and the top-line LTZ. The regular cabin can only be had in Work Truck and LT trims. This year's changes include a stronger, now fully boxed frame, beefier suspension components, a new diesel engine with exhaust braking and a host of electronic driver aids. A new louvered power dome-style hood and revised grille make up the cosmetic changes.

Standard on all Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD pickups is a 6.0-liter V8 that makes 360 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. The revised Duramax 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 makes 397 hp and 765 lb-ft of torque. That powerhouse is paired with a beefier Allison six-speed automatic transmission.

We placed the last-generation Silverado heavy-duty on top of its Ford and Dodge competitors in a comparison test and have no reason to doubt a similar outcome today. In our experience, the Silverado is now more competent, refined and easier to drive. Although multigenerational brand loyalty may dictate what heavy-duty pickup you take home, sticking with (or switching to) the Silverado 2500HD is a solid decision.

Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
The present-generation Chevy Silverado 2500HD debuted for 2007. Regular, extended-cab and crew cab body styles were offered along with two bed lengths and a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive. The trim levels consisted of base Work Truck, midlevel LT and plush LTZ. A 6.0-liter V8 (353 hp and 373 lb-ft) with a six-speed automatic was standard, while the Duramax 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 (365 hp and 660 lb-ft), matched to an Allison six-speed automatic, was optional. For '09, Bluetooth, real-time traffic updates for the navigation system and a rearview camera were new options. The following year, the output of the 6.0-liter V8 grew to 360 hp and 380 lb-ft.

The previous-generation Silverado 2500HD was sold from 2001-'06 and lived on for one additional year as the "Classic." There was a heavy-duty package available for the light-duty Silverado 2500 in 1999 and 2000.

In terms of updates, there were changes made to exterior and interior styling for 2003, with further exterior tweaks for 2005. These trucks came in standard, Work Truck (after 2003), LS and LT trim levels. The standard engine was a 6.0-liter V8 that made 300 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque. There were two optional engines: an 8.1-liter gasoline V8 producing 340 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque and a 6.6-liter turbodiesel producing 300 hp and 520 lb-ft.

This diesel was upgraded in 2006 for more power (360 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque), added refinement and fewer emissions. These engines carried over for the Classic. A five-speed manual transmission was standard with the 6.0-liter V8, with a four-speed automatic optional. The 8.1-liter V8 and the 6.6-liter diesel came with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic (which became a six-speed for 2006).

As with the current Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, we were always impressed by this generation's powerful engine lineup and substantial towing and hauling abilities. It was a reasonably comfortable truck for everyday use, but don't expect the plush ride of its light-duty siblings. Any of the three available engines will provide swift acceleration and ample towing power, but the diesel V8 is probably the best choice for those who tow heavy loads -- especially the more powerful 2006 Duramax. Our principal beef concerns the shoddy interior design, materials and build quality. Chevy improved it gradually during its lifespan, but it was never quite up to snuff.

The previous generation of Chevrolet heavy-duty pickups ran from 1988-2000 and were simply known by their number nomenclature -- 2500 (3/4-ton) and 3500 (1-ton). In keeping with tradition, one could choose either rear-wheel drive (indicated by a "C", e.g. "C2500") or four-wheel drive (indicated by a "K"). Trim levels for these C/K2500 trucks include the base Cheyenne and top-line Silverado, which later changed to base and LS for 1999. Strengths of these trucks include strong, durable powertrains, while weaknesses center on sketchy build quality and materials within the cabin.