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.
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 (though it's starting to feel a little
stark compared to newer rivals). 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.
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. Buyers can add a bi-fuel option, which
allows this engine to run on either gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG).
When operating with CNG, power output drops to 301 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque.
The optional 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.
In a comparison test of heavy-duty pickups, the mechanically
identical GMC Sierra HD came out on top against its Dodge and Ford competitors.
Though we found its cabin less inviting, the big GM trucks' recently revised
frame, suspension and diesel engines proved hard to beat. 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. Even though its appearance has remained largely unchanged, 2500HD models produced prior to 2011 lacked the stronger, fully boxed frame, beefier suspension components and additional electronic aids added for that model year. The Duramax diesel engine also produced 365 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque, as compared to the current model's more powerful iteration. Prior to 2010, the 6.0-liter gasoline V8 produced 353 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. Other changes have been minor, most notably consisting of an optional rearview camera for 2009 and the current truck's CNG fueling option.
The present-generation Chevy Silverado 2500HD debuted for 2007. Even though its appearance has remained largely unchanged, 2500HD models produced prior to 2011 lacked the stronger, fully boxed frame, beefier suspension components and additional electronic aids added for that model year. The Duramax diesel engine also produced 365 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque, as compared to the current model's more powerful iteration. Prior to 2010, the 6.0-liter gasoline V8 produced 353 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. Other changes have been minor, most notably consisting of an optional rearview camera for 2009 and the current truck's CNG fueling option.
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.
Prior to this, 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.
Article Credit: www.edmunds.com
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