2006 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Review
2006 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Review
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Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD model years
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD types
- Extended Cab
- Crew Cab
- Regular Cab
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful engine lineup, multiple drivetrain configurations, substantial towing and hauling capacities.
Cons
- Spotty build quality, mediocre interior design and materials.
What’s new
For 2006, a diesel engine upgrade is the most significant change to the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD. The Duramax 6.6-liter engine receives a host of power and refinement upgrades, as well as reduced emissions. Additionally, the Allison automatic transmission is now a six-speed, and features a tap-shift range selection mode. The only other noteworthy updates are a new design for the optional power camping/towing exterior mirrors and slightly updated front-end styling.
Edmunds says
With its numerous powertrain and cab configurations, and stout towing and hauling capacities, the Silverado 2500HD is a hard truck to beat for those who need maximum functionality and capability.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Work Truck 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Texas.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas
Not EPA tested for Silverado 2500HD Work Truck
Silverado 2500HD Work Truck
vs
$234/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
Chevrolet's modern full-size pickup has been around in one form or another since the early '60s. Now into its sixth generation, the Silverado, as it's now called, boasts classic styling and some of the most powerful drivetrains available anywhere. A perennial competitor to the full-size offerings from Ford and Dodge, Chevrolet typically finishes a close second in sales, mostly due to the fact that it shares customers with the virtually identical GMC Sierra.
Often first to market with exclusive features, the Silverado 2500HD continues that tradition by offering XM Satellite Radio and Bose audio systems. Chevy trucks also offer the OnStar communications system that provides the convenience of 24-hour on-call assistance for everything from tow truck requests to dinner reservations. Combine this with attractive styling on the outside and thoughtful features on the inside, and the Silverado 2500HD presents a compelling package for anyone in the market for a no-holds-barred work truck.
Solid as the heavy-duty Silverado is, it's definitely worth your while to shop around in this segment, as Ford and Dodge both have strong diesel power plants that give their trucks higher tow ratings (properly equipped, a Silverado 2500HD can tow up to 12,000 pounds (16,000 with a fifth wheel). GM's truck is still a fine choice for use around the worksite and home, just make sure you assess your needs carefully before making a decision.
Performance & mpg
The HD's base engine is a 6.0-liter V8 rated at 300 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque. Chevrolet offers two even more powerful options: an 8.1-liter V8 and the 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel. The 8.1-liter engine boasts an impressive 330 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque, while the updated-for-'06 6.6-liter diesel V8 makes 360 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The standard transmission for the 6.0-liter V8 is a five-speed manual with a heavy-duty four-speed automatic optional. The 8.1-liter V8 and 6.6-liter diesel can be hooked up to either a six-speed manual or a heavy-duty Allison six-speed automatic. Being heavy-duty trucks, these brutes can certainly pull: Trucks properly equipped and fitted with the 6.0-liter V8 can pull around 10,000 pounds; the 8.1L and Duramax V8s bump that figure to 12,000 pounds. Adding a fifth wheel for trailering gives a HD the ability to pull 16,000 pounds.
Safety
All heavy-duty Silverados include four-wheel antilock disc brakes as standard equipment. In frontal crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Silverado earned a three-star rating (out of five) for driver protection and four stars for the front passenger. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's frontal offset crash test, the Silverado was given an overall rating of "Marginal," the second lowest score.
Driving
The 2500HD is 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 provides swift acceleration and ample towing power, but the diesel V8 is probably the best choice for those who tow heavy loads.
Interior
Inside, Silverado buyers will find a logically laid-out interior, with an easy-to-use climate control system and clear, uncluttered gauges. Materials quality is unimpressive, and build quality, though improved over the last few years, is still behind the competition. The large cabin offers plenty of room, comfortable bucket seats and a four-door configuration on extended-cab models.
2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD models
The 2500HD is available in regular, extended- and crew-cab body styles. From there, you can pick two- or four-wheel drive and a short or long box (except for regular cabs, which are long boxes only). There are five trim levels: Work Truck, LS, LT1, LT2 and LT3. Work Trucks offer manual dual-zone air conditioning, a 40/20/40-split bench seat and ABS. LS models come with a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, a CD stereo, an upgraded driver message center and tinted glass. The LT1 adds power windows and locks, and keyless entry. The LT2 includes a power driver seat and Bose audio. The LT3 includes leather seats and a CD changer.
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Also Consider
2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD
Work Truck and LT
Starting MSRP$85,065
See All Trims
Chevrolet.com
*The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Click here to see all Chevrolet vehicles' destination freight charges. Dealer sets the final price.
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Also Consider
Build Your 2024 Silverado HD
- 6 Colors
- 2 Trims
- 6 Packages
- $85,065starting MSRP
Build & PriceChevrolet.com
*The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Click here to see all Chevrolet vehicles' destination freight charges. Dealer sets the final price.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD.
5 star(61%)
4 star(18%)
3 star(18%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(3%)
33 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
No:1 truck to buy
homealone069, 09/23/2011
2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LT2 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
I have a 2006 Silverado Pickup,2500 HD 4x4.I've owned chevy's most of my life,because of the performance,and reliability.This truck from the first day going out hunting,going through scrub-oak,blazing new trails,climbing the sides of mountain's on the nastiest roads you ever want to imagine,going through water 3 feet deep,and it keeps on going.When I needed the power it was there,wether … pulling a trailer up 6% grades in 6"s of mud,and it never quit.I've done all these things will my truck,and its still in great shape,and it has never been in the shop for any malfunctions.They just need to make the front bumper narrower,and raise the truck about 2"s higher.Thats the only change there shouldbe
3.63 out of 5 stars
Poor Accessory Drive Belt System/Diesel
Joe Tretter, 06/21/2006
2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LS 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 5M)
Noticed a drive belt noise from day one with this truck! The dealer replaced the serpentine belt,within a few days, the noise was back, took it to another dealer who cleaned the pulleys,after a few days the same noise appeared again. I contacted the first dealer he said others are having problems also and Chevrolet has no fix for this problem at this time ! Mileage is not great either … its between 14.2 - 16.4 mpg, my 6.0 liter 3500 got between 11 - 13 mpg, I wish I still had that truck !
3.38 out of 5 stars
2nd time, shame on me
Troy, 07/07/2005
2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LT3 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Cannot say enough about the power of the 6.6 Duramax, handles grades up and down quite well. The seats are very comfortable, both front and rear; with three kids, it had to be. Not nearly as impressed with the finish as this is the second new GM/Chevy product I have owned in the past 12 years and both were of far less quality finish than the competition. Fortunately for GM/Chevy, it was … the heart, not the looks, Shame on GM/Chevy for their lack of quality control on the exterior finish.
5 out of 5 stars
Duramax is great
kacansas, 06/17/2007
2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LT2 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
This one of the best vehicles I have ever owned! That is out of 40 to 50! It has never let me down and has helped me help other in deep snow, on ice, in the heat and in the cold. It has a Cadillac ride plus the capacity to tow a house! What more can you want from a vehicle? Good ecomony for what you drive? Well it delivers on that too! I have gotten over 27 mpg highway and get 22 city … all the time! Yeah I know I can get a hybrid that can do 50 mpg but it can't do anything but hual me. My truck can do a lot more so I love my truck!
2006 Silverado 2500HD Highlights
Extended Cab
Work Truck
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $24,515 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Seating | 6 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 12,000 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Silverado 2500HD include:
- Alarm
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